Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 12 September 2013.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 12 September 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Council.

No urgent decisions were reported.

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor announced that a ‘James Bond Casino Night’ had been held in aid of the Mayor’s Charity on Thursday, 19 September 2013 at the Gala Casino, Stockport and that a further event would be organised to take place during February 2014.  It was further reported that a tombola would be held in the Town Hall on Saturday, 19 October 2013 and in Stockport Market during the Christmas period.

The Mayor referred to the forthcoming Mayor’s Charity Concert which would be taking place at the ‘Rainbow 88’ restaurant, Cheadle Hulme on 31 October 2013 and extended an invitation to all councillors to attend.

The Mayor informed the Council Meeting that he had visited the Together Trust in Cheadle on 4 October 2013 to open a new wing of the Together Trust School. 

It was further reported that the Mayor had also attended the award of the British Empire Medal to Mrs Wendy Atkinson for services to the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and to the community in Marple and to Mr James Beswick, Leader of Cheadle Hulme Community Youth Club, for services to Young People in Cheadle.

The Mayor then stated that he had visited the new MediaCity development in Salford and taken a tour of the BBC broadcasting facility along with Councillors Meikle and Somekh.

The Mayor further informed the Council that he had attended the Stockport Business Awards which had taken place in the ballroom at Stockport Town Hall and congratulated Robinsons Brewery for being named ‘Best International Trade Company’ and gaining ‘The Award for Innovation and Design’.

Finally, the Mayor reported that he attended a performance of ‘Pints of Swill & Pork Scratchings’ produced by MaD Theatre Company at Stockport College and commended the production to councillors.

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 the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

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.

One public question was submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the poor condition of a number of roads in within the Offerton and Manor areas and the reported budgetary shortfall for the repair of highways.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) responded that the question was based on a misconception, namely that there was a ‘black hole’ within Solutions SK which it was stated was not the case.  It was further stated the Council had maintained spending on Stockport’s roads despite the ongoing pressure on the Council’s overall budget.  Councillor Bodsworth commented that the reason for the shortfall with regard to the budget for highways was a result of demand increasing as a result of poor weather conditions.

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 Police and Crime Panel

Councillor Sue Derbyshire to answer questions (if any) on the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

(c)     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

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority or the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority.

(b)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

(c)        Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillor White asked Councillor Derbyshire whether she could advise the Council Meeting of any changes to the governance arrangements of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority or any of its committees.  Councillor Derbyshire responded that she was not aware of any proposals to change the governance arrangements of the Authority.

Councillor White further asked Councillor Derbyshire whether she would undertake to bring any proposals for changes to the governance arrangements of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for a debate at the Council Meeting.  Councillor Derbyshire responded that if there were any substantive changes proposed that would affect representation on the Authority or other such bodies then she would ensure that there was wider discussion held within the Council before any decision on the matter was taken.

Councillor Candler asked Councillor Wright whether he could advise the Council Meeting of any Stockport-related transport matters that he had discussed during a recent meeting he had with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker MP.  Councillor Wright responded that he had discussed a number of matters during that meeting that had an impact on Stockport, including the proposed high speed rail link to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester (HS2); the devolution of rail franchising for the North of England; the ‘Northern Hub’ rail redevelopment and investment proposals; the potential for the introduction of ‘tram-train’ services on local lines in Greater Manchester to expand Metrolink services and concessionary fares for 16-18 year olds in full-time education.

Councillor Verdeille asked Councillor Wright whether he knew if Norman Baker MP had voted in favour of the abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance.  In response, Councillor Wright stated that he understood that members of the Labour Group knew the answer to the question, and asked why in the light of this the question had been put.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services).

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer and Community Services) (Councillor Mark Weldon) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to make a number of minor amendments to the approved Council Tax Support Scheme and Council Tax Discount Scheme for the year 2014/15.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following amendments to the approved Council Tax Support Scheme and Council Tax Discount Scheme for the year 2014/15:-

·         That Stockport’s empty property discount scheme be maintained for 2014/15 with discounts for classes B, C and D applied as shown at 2.4 and classes E and F awarded discounts in line with which ever class B, C or D would otherwise apply but be exempt from the application of the premium.

·         That where a property has been exempt from Council Tax immediately prior to the start date of an empty property discount, that the date for the furniture being removed from the property be assumed to be the date the furniture was actually removed from the property or the date the exemption ended , whichever is the later.

·         That Beneficial Changes are brought in line with Housing Benefit Regulations, with beneficial changes implemented from either

o   the Monday following the date of change, if notified within a calendar month of the change occurring, unless good cause is shown when it will be applied from the Monday following the date the change occurred subject to an overall maximum of 13 months

Or

o   The Monday following the date the change was reported if later than a calendar month from the date the change occurred.

·         That the original policy intention is reinstated and non dependant deductions of zero, £5.00 or £10.00 per week be applied in line with paragraph 3.9 above.    

·         That the calculation of notional income from self-employed Earners be reduced by notional tax and national insurance contributions.

·         That all Council Tax Support calculation figures stated in the Stockport Scheme be uprated in-line with up ratings applied to the national pensioner scheme and Housing Benefit regulations where appropriate.  With the exception of non-dependant deductions which would remain at zero, £5.00 and £10.00 per week as appropriate. 

·         That Stockport’s Council Tax Support Scheme and Council Tax Discount schemes be defined by Appendix 2 to the report and the content of the report. 

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Communications and Customer Engagement).

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform and Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the action taken following the approval of a Motion on ‘Pay Day Lenders’ at the meeting of the Council Meeting on 12 September 2013.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 (Policy, Reform & Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) reported that consultations remained ongoing in relation to a number of the Executive’s savings proposals.  It was further stated that the Executive had agreed to the establishment of an ‘Investing in Stockport’ programme of reform and growth. 

Councillor Derbyshire also referred to the ‘A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road’ scheme which would soon be the subject of a planning application and reaffirmed the long-term commitment of the Council to seek to ensure that the second element of the scheme to link the relief road to the M60 at Bredbury was also built. 

Finally, Councillor Derbyshire reported that the Executive had also given approval to proceed with Phase 2 of the redevelopment of the site of the existing Grand Central development to create office and hotel buildings and associated public realm and highway works for the new Stockport Exchange development.

The Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) (Councillor Shan Alexander) reported that on Monday, 14 October 2013 an event had been held at Cheadle Hulme High School to congratulate a number of apprentices for participating in Stockport’s successful 100:100 Apprenticeship Scheme.  It was further stated that the target for the scheme had been to employ 100 apprentices within 100 days, but that the scheme had already secured 151 apprenticeships to date.

It was further reported that on 15 October 2013 a ‘Post-16’ option event had been held at the Town Hall which had been offered to all Year 11 students at in response to the raising of the school leaving age to 18 by 2015 which had been very well attended.

Finally, Councillor Shan Alexander reported that the outcome of the Ofsted inspection for Castle Hill High School for pupils for with behavioural, learning and social difficulties had been announced and had been judged to be ‘outstanding’ and further that she had written to the school congratulating them on the this excellent result.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) reported that the Council’s social housing provider, Stockport Homes, had been shortlisted as one of the top ten landlords by ‘Housing 24’ magazine, and that members of the public, tenants and residents could now vote on ‘Housing 24’ magazine’s website by 31 October 2013 to determine Stockport Homes’ final position in the top ten.

The Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services) (Councillor Keith Holloway) reported that there had been a number of recent media reports relating to ’15 minute care visits’ and stated that the position in Stockport was that there were over 1,000 Stockport residents that were receiving packages that included home care and that 55 of those had a package which included 15 minute visits.  These visits were primarily wellbeing checks or checks on medication administration and that none were for intimate personal care and that there were no plans to offer this service.

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 (Policy, Reform and Finance); the Deputy Leader of the Council (Corporate, Customer and Community Services) and the Executive Councillors (Adult Care Services), (Children and Young People), (Communities and Sustainability), (Economic Development and Regeneration) and (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) answered questions relating to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Executive held on 1 October 2013 and the record of executive decisions taken since the last Council Meeting, (schedule enclosed, decisions previously circulated) and consider any recommendations they contain.

The Mayor declared the minutes of the Executive Meeting held on 1 October 2013 (copies of which had been circulated) and the record of executive decisions taken (copies of which had been circulated) 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.

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.

There were no questions relating to the business of the Scrutiny Committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

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:-

Adult Care Services & Housing – 16 September 2013

Children & Young People – 18 September 2013

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 17 September 2013

Environment & Economy  – 19 September 2013

Health & Wellbeing –  3 and 10 September 2013

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.

Councillor Humphreys asked the Chair of the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee (Councillor Lenny Grice) whether he would undertake to investigate the status of advertisements placed on roadside green equipment cabinets by BT.  Councillor Grice undertook to investigate the matter and respond to Councillor Humphreys in writing.

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

Ordinary Committees

Area 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

Audit – 25 September 2013

Employment Appeals – 3 October 2013

Health and Wellbeing Board – 11 September 2013

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 4 September 2013

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 10 September 2013

Planning & Highways Regulation – 5 September 2013

Standards – 3 September 2013

Town Centre – 18 September 2013

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 13 and 26 September 2013

Central Stockport – 26 September 2013

Cheadle – 24 September 2013

Heatons & Reddish – 23 September 2013

Marple– 25 September 2013

Stepping Hill – 24 September 2013

Werneth – 23 September 2013

This Council notes:

·           Reddish South Station has no passenger facilities and has just one train stopping at the station each week – and then only in one direction.

·           Reddish South Station is in a heavily populated area, including Broadstone and Houldsworth Mills and Reddish Vale Technology College within a few minutes’ walk.

·           The railway line through Reddish South station could be part of a new route from Stockport to Manchester Victoria.

·           The formal position of both Stockport and Tameside Councils is to support the restoration of a regular passenger service on the Stockport to Manchester Victoria Line via Reddish South and Denton stations.

This Council believes:

·           Opening a rail service from Stockport to Manchester Victoria Station would improve access to attractions, amenities and places of work in the area of the city centre served by the station for which there is high demand locally and would have significant economic benefits for Stockport, including supporting local employment and visitor attractions.

·           Such a service would create a much needed alternative route from/to Stockport and from/to Manchester, and would relieve pressure elsewhere on the road and rail networks.

This Council resolves, in partnership with Tameside MBC, to call on Transport for Greater Manchester for the review of potential regular passenger services on the Reddish South, Denton rail line as set out in the Greater Manchester Rail Policy 2012-2024.

This Council requests:

·           that, as a matter of urgency, Transport for Greater Manchester progresses its undertaking, funds and commissions a full viability and business case for the reintroduction of regular passenger services on the Reddish South, Denton line with newly rebuilt and serviced passenger rail stations at Reddish South, Denton and Droylsden as set out in the Greater Manchester Rail Policy 2012-2024

·           Transport for Greater Manchester approve that such a scoping report should be undertaken in partnership with both Stockport and Tameside Councils and the South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership with the involvement of the friends groups along the line.

Moved by:             Councillor Iain Roberts      (Liberal Democrat Group)

Seconded by:      Councillor Walter Brett       (Labour Group)

                               Councillor Paul Bellis        (Conservative Group)

                               Councillor Peter Burns      (Independent Ratepayers Group)

RESOLVED - This Council notes:

·         Reddish South Station has no passenger facilities and has just one train stopping at the station each week – and then only in one direction.

·         Reddish South Station is in a heavily populated area, including Broadstone and Houldsworth Mills and Reddish Vale Technology College within a few minutes’ walk.

·         The railway line through Reddish South station could be part of a new route from Stockport to Manchester Victoria.

·         The formal position of both Stockport and Tameside Councils is to support the restoration of a regular passenger service on the Stockport to Manchester Victoria Line via Reddish South and Denton stations.

This Council believes:

·         Opening a rail service from Stockport to Manchester Victoria Station would improve access to attractions, amenities and places of work in the area of the city centre served by the station for which there is high demand locally and would have significant economic benefits for Stockport, including supporting local employment and visitor attractions.

·         Such a service would create a much needed alternative route from/to Stockport and from/to Manchester, and would relieve pressure elsewhere on the road and rail networks.

This Council resolves, in partnership with Tameside MBC, to call on Transport for Greater Manchester for the review of potential regular passenger services on the Reddish South, Denton rail line as set out in the Greater Manchester Rail Policy 2012-2024.

This Council requests:

·         that, as a matter of urgency, Transport for Greater Manchester progresses its undertaking, funds and commissions a full viability and business case for the reintroduction of regular passenger services on the Reddish South, Denton line with newly rebuilt and serviced passenger rail stations at Reddish South, Denton and Droylsden as set out in the Greater Manchester Rail Policy 2012-2024

·         Transport for Greater Manchester approve that such a scoping report should be undertaken in partnership with both Stockport and Tameside Councils and the South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership with the involvement of the friends groups along the line.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration).

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) (Councillor Iain Roberts) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to establish the Woodford Neighbourhood Forum and Woodford Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of The Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED (51 for, 10 against) – (1)That approval be given to the designation of the Woodford Neighbourhood Area as shown on the plan in Appendix E to the report, excluding both the SEMMMS road scheme corridor and the Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site, as the Woodford Neighbourhood Area, on the following grounds:-

In relation to the SEMMMS Road Scheme Corridor

·         The road scheme was a key part of the wider South East Manchester Multi-Modal Strategy, with clear implications for the wider sub-region and beyond.

·         The SEMMMS road schemes (and predecessor schemes dating back many years) had been given considerable policy support in both statutory development plan and Council transport policy terms.  Currently this was afforded by ‘saved’ UDP Review policy ST2.2 (“Protection for Major Road Schemes”) and Core Strategy Core Policy CS10 (“An Effective and Sustainable Transport Network”).

·         A planning application was expected for the road scheme imminently. Assuming that planning permission was granted, work was expected to start in late 2014, with the scheme scheduled for completion by late 2017.  As such the planning issue relating to the SEMMMS road scheme would be resolved through the grant of permission and development commenced well in advance of the completion of any neighbourhood plan.

·         The road scheme proposals had been subject to a significant amount of consultation over a long period, in particular since their inclusion in the 2001 SEMMMS strategy.

In relation to the Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site

·         The aerodrome site had been the subject of express policy and guidance within the adopted development plan.

·         The site was recognised in the Core Strategy as having borough wide dimension and significance.

·         The site was the subject of a detailed Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) recently adopted by the Council which set out the economic, social and environmental objectives arising from relevant development plan policies.  The SPD had been the subject of substantial consultation, well above and beyond that required by statute. The introduction of a further level of planning policy through a neighbourhood plan had the potential to cut across the guidance in the SPD.

·         The aerodrome site and its development was likely to generate planning consequences which were not limited to Woodford and may well be of Borough or wider significance.  As such, any referendum on an emerging neighbourhood plan would be likely to be required to extend over a much wider area than the settlement of Woodford and the proposed Neighbourhood Area.  This was indicative that the inclusion of the site within the Neighbourhood Area was not appropriate.

·         A planning application was likely to be forthcoming imminently for development of the site.  As such the progress of a neighbourhood plan which included the site through its statutory stage was likely to give rise to considerable wasted expense given that the planning applications were likely to be submitted and to fall for determination before the neighbourhood plan was substantially progressed.

(2) That approval be given to the designation of Woodford Neighbourhood Forum as the neighbourhood forum for the Woodford Neighbourhood Area.