Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17 November 2011.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 November 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor announced that during November he had officially opened the ‘Restore Shop’ in the Market Place which aimed to restore and sell used furniture.  He further commented that he had attended the opening of a number of new businesses in recent months which was encouraging for the Borough in these difficult financial times.

The Mayor advised the Council Meeting that he had attended the Remembrance Day Service held in the Town Centre and was pleased to note that the number of attendees at the service had been amongst the highest for a number of years.

The Mayor had attended a number of engagements during the festive period which had included carols in churches, nativities at schools, a Hanukah event at Sainsburys and concerts at Bridgewater Hall and Manchester Cathedral.

Finally, the Mayor reported that he had formally welcomed the new Chinese Consul General to his post on behalf of the Borough of Stockport.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they may have in any of the items on the Summons for the meeting.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interest which they had in any of the items on the Summons for this meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To receive any questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters relevant to the Council’s activities.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Mayor and Councillors on matters within the powers and duties of the Council.

Two public questions were submitted concerning:-

·        Whether the Leader of the Council would comment on the outcome of the recent elections held in respect of the Offerton Park Parish Council.

The Leader of the Council responded that he was aware that all ten seats on the Parish Council had been won by candidates standing for the election on the basis of ‘No More Parish, No More Bills’.

·        Whether the Leader of the Council agreed that it was the wish of residents in the Offerton Park Parish to see the Parish and the Parish Council abolished and whether he would invite the Council’s Labour Group to reconsider its position on the matter.

The Leader of the Council replied that he would enquire whether the Council’s Labour Group would reconsider its position.

To receive petitions, and by prior arrangement, receive delegations and presentations from members of the public, community groups or partnership organisations.

There were no petitions or presentations.

(a)       Section 41 Spokespersons

The following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the joint authorities:-

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee:-

(a)       Section 41 Spokespersons

Councillors were invited to question the Council’s representatives on Joint Authorities.

Councillor Meikle asked for further information in respect of the ongoing consultations that were taking place on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Corporate Plan.

Councillor David Wilson agreed to respond in writing to the issues raised by Councillor Meikle.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillors were invited to question the Council’s representatives on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority or the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee.

Councillor Mike Wilson commented on recent improvements that had been made to passenger information and security at railway stations throughout Stockport, including at Brinnington and Reddish North and enquired whether similar improvements would be extended to Bredbury Railway Station..

Councillor Wright responded that a number of recent improvements had been made to railway services within Greater Manchester through the delivery of additional carriages.  He further stated that he would be continue to lobby for additional improvements to passenger facilities at stations throughout the Borough..

To consider a joint report of the Chief Executive and Corporate Director to Place.

The Executive Councillor (Environment) (Councillor Shan Alexander) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the current position on the development of the Greater Manchester Joint Waste Development Plan following confirmation from the Planning Inspectorate of the soundness of the Submission Plan previously agreed by the Council in September 2010.

RESOLVED – That the Greater Manchester Joint Waste Development Plan Document and subsequent changes to the Stockport Local Framework Proposal Map be approved and adopted with effect from 1 April 2012.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of People.

The Executive Councillor (Children and Young People) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an interim update on the work of the Youth Offending Services before the submission of a further Youth Justice Plan focussing on ‘Capacity and Capabilities’ later in 2012.

RESOLVED – That the Youth Justice Plan be approved and adopted.

To receive a report from the Executive Leader and other members of the Executive on the conduct of Executive business since the last Council Meeting.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Dave Goddard) reported that:-

·         On 29 November 2011 he had attended a reception held for the assumption of office of the new Chinese Consul General, Pan Yungdong.

·         He had visited Bredbury Park Industrial Estate on 2 December 2011 to observe the commencement of the construction of a new £5 million bio-energy plant that aimed to convert food waste into gas to supply 1,400 homes in the North West.

·         He was in discussions with the Manchester and Salford Royal Marines Association in respect of the appropriate way to recognise the heroic actions of James Conway, a Marine from Edgeley, Stockport who had participated in ‘Operation Frankton’ which aimed to attack German cargo ships in Bordeaux harbour in 1942.

·         Richard Popplewell, Managing Director of NHS Stockport and Corporate Director (Adults and Health) of Stockport Council had recently retired. On behalf of the Council Meeting the Leader of the Council thanked Mr Popplewell for his invaluable work for the Council and for the Borough of Stockport.

·         Earlier during the day he had attended the launch of the £650m ‘Airport City’ development at Manchester Airport which it was anticipated would provide significant benefits for Stockport.

·         With regret, he had attended the funeral of David Brayshay (Head of Parks, Recreation and Sport) who had recently passed away.  The Leader of the Council expressed his gratitude on behalf of all members of the Council for his hard work and dedication for the residents of Stockport during his sixteen years with the Council.

The Executive Councillor (Adults and Health) (Councillor John Pantall) reported that the progress of the Health and Social Care Bill through Parliament was being closely monitored and that locally the Health Scrutiny Committee was in the process of looking at its future role in the light of the proposed changes to heath care in the Borough and that Stockport’s Health and Wellbeing Shadow Board was looking at its wider remit which included further public engagement.

The Executive Councillor (Children and Young People) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) reported on Stockport’s ongoing success in reducing the number of young people that were not in employment, education or training and that the Council was working with local employers and other partners to continue this work with an event being held on 18 January 2012 in conjunction with Tameside Council as part of the National Apprenticeship Week.  It was further commented that on 24 January 2012 an event would be held for pupils and their parents who were in Years 10 and 11 to advise them of their future options at which colleges and training providers would be represented.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Executive Leader or other members of the Executive, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

The Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillors (Adults and Health), (Children and Young People), (Communities), (Environment), (Finance), (Leisure), (Regeneration) and (Transportation) answered questions in relation to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Executive held on 16 December 2011 (pages) and 9 January 2012 (to follow) and the record of executive decisions taken since the last Council Meeting, (schedule enclosed, decisions previously circulated) (pages) and consider any recommendations they contain.

The Mayor declared the minutes of the Executive Meetings on 16 December 2011 and 9 January 2012 and the record of Executive Decision taken since the last meeting of the Council to be duly received.

To receive a report from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of Scrutiny business.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Scrutiny Chairs, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

In accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11, Councillor Meikle answered questions as Chair of the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee in relation to the discussions of the Scrutiny Committee with regard to the condition of leisure centres in the Borough; and the funding for the proposed A555 relief road.

Councillor Ben Alexander answered a question as Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee with regard to charging for welfare advice services.

To receive the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees:-

The Mayor declared the minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation and Licensing, Environment and Safety Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Chairs of Ordinary and Area Committees, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

In accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11, Councillor David White answered a question as Chair of the Central Stockport Area Committee relating to progress with regard to a local referendum on proposed changes to the use of the former Woodbank Nursery site.

To receive the minutes of the following Ordinary and Area Committees:-

Ordinary Committees

Area Committees

Ward Committees

The Mayor declared the minutes of the following Ordinary and Area Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

Ordinary Committees

Area Committees

Ward Committees

This Council welcomes the announcement by the Coalition Government in the recent Autumn Statement that gives the green light for the £290m airport link road connecting the M56 at Manchester Airport to the A6 south of Hazel Grove.

This Council recognises that many local residents have been badly affected by the road congestion and consequent air pollution currently associated with traffic travelling to and from the Airport and that this road will provide long-awaited relief.

Furthermore, this Council believes that the construction of this additional road link will provide a boost to the local economy - with estimates of up to 11,000 new jobs being created, bringing in £58m a year by 2021.

This Council reaffirms its support for the wider South East Manchester Multi Modal Scheme and will continue to press for the development of the non-road aspects, including improvements to public transport and to facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

This Council especially thanks the current and former Members of Parliament for Cheadle, Hazel Grove and Macclesfield, and the Councils of East Cheshire and Manchester City for their efforts over the years in pressing successive Governments to give the go-ahead for this vital local road route.

Moved by:                  Councillor Iain Roberts

Seconded by:           Councillor Kevin Hogg

MOVED AND SECONDED

This Council welcomes the announcement by the Coalition Government in the recent Autumn Statement that gives the green light for the £290m airport link road connecting the M56 at Manchester Airport to the A6 south of Hazel Grove.

This Council recognises that many local residents have been badly affected by the road congestion and consequent air pollution currently associated with traffic travelling to and from the Airport and that this road will provide long-awaited relief.

Furthermore, this Council believes that the construction of this additional road link will provide a boost to the local economy - with estimates of up to 11,000 new jobs being created, bringing in £58m a year by 2021.

This Council reaffirms its support for the wider South East Manchester Multi Modal Scheme and will continue to press for the development of the non-road aspects, including improvements to public transport and to facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

This Council especially thanks the current and former Members of Parliament for Cheadle, Hazel Grove and Macclesfield, and the Councils of East Cheshire and Manchester City for their efforts over the years in pressing successive Governments to give the go-ahead for this vital local road route.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED

Insert the following paragraph after “…facilities for cyclists and pedestrians”:-

“This Council further resolves to work proactively to keep residents informed at all stages, to minimise and/ or mitigate any negative impacts on local residents whose residential amenity may be affected and to provide appropriate support to residents who may be adversely affected and to those who are legally eligible for compensation.”

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) the mover of the motion agreed to incorporate the amendment within their original motion.

FURTHER AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED

To add the following words to the end of the motion:

“Recognising the number of starts and stops that there have been on this project, Council:-

(1) Requires the officers to expedite the project to a contractually committed state as soon as possible.

(2) With this in mind and accepting the importance of the proposed road, requires a procedure to be set up within the next two months, to enable members to monitor the progress of the project in a detailed and regular manner.”

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) the mover of the motion agreed to incorporate the further amendment within their original motion. It was then

RESOLVED – (43 for) This Council welcomes the announcement by the Coalition Government in the recent Autumn Statement that gives the green light for the £290m airport link road connecting the M56 at Manchester Airport to the A6 south of Hazel Grove.

This Council recognises that many local residents have been badly affected by the road congestion and consequent air pollution currently associated with traffic travelling to and from the Airport and that this road will provide long-awaited relief.

Furthermore, this Council believes that the construction of this additional road link will provide a boost to the local economy - with estimates of up to 11,000 new jobs being created, bringing in £58m a year by 2021.

This Council reaffirms its support for the wider South East Manchester Multi Modal Scheme and will continue to press for the development of the non-road aspects, including improvements to public transport and to facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

This Council further resolves to work proactively to keep residents informed at all stages, to minimise and/ or mitigate any negative impacts on local residents whose residential amenity may be affected and to provide appropriate support to residents who may be adversely affected and to those who are legally eligible for compensation.

This Council especially thanks the current and former Members of Parliament for Cheadle, Hazel Grove and Macclesfield, and the Councils of East Cheshire and Manchester City for their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.(i)

The Leader of the Council to report.

RESOLVED – (1) That Councillor Wendy Meikle be invited to allow her name to be submitted to the Annual Council Meeting for election to the Office of Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for the year 2012/2013.

(2) That Councillor Anthony O’Neill be invited to allow his name to be submitted to the Annual Council meeting for the appointment to the Office of Deputy Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for the year 2012/2013.

To approve the following additions to the list of members appointed to serve on Education Appeals Panel:-

RESOLVED – That the following be added to the list of members appointed to serve on the Education Appeals Panel:-