Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17 October 2013.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 October 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 he had attended a lunch at Gorton Monastery on 14 November 2013 with Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as part of their visit to Manchester.  The Mayor informed the Council Meeting that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had boarded the Royal Train at Heaton Chapel Railway Station at the end of their visit to the region.

The Mayor also referred to the Remembrance Services which had been held on Sunday, 10 November and Monday, 11 November 2013 and that he had been encouraged to observe that pupils from St Thomas’ CE Primary School, Stockport had been able to attend the service.  The Mayor reported that he had since agreed to undertake a visit to St Thomas’ Primary School.

Finally, the Mayor reported that on Wednesday, 27 November 2013, he had officially opened the Cartwright’s Apprenticeship Centre of Excellence at Stockport College and commended the facility for its work towards providing apprentices with the practical skills and technical knowledge to work as professional fabricators and welders.

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 interests which they had in any of the items on the Summons for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

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.

Three public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the 12 September 2013 meeting of the Council Meeting during which the questioner stated it had become clear that councillors had not been made aware that the Blackberry Lane site of the Brinnington Regeneration Plan was part of the Reddish Vale Country Park and asking what action had been taken since to address this.

Councillor Rowles responded that she had first become aware that the land in question was allegedly within the boundary of the Reddish Vale Country Park in July 2013 at which point she reported this concern to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration and other relevant officers and requested confirmation on the status of the land.  Councillor Rowles stated that it was subsequently confirmed that the land did fall within the Reddish Vale Country Park and that it was unfortunate that during the progression of the Brinnington Regeneration Plan through a number of committees, that this had not been made clear to councillors.  Since then, Councillor Rowles reported that she had met with council officers on a number of occasions to discuss the Brinnington Regeneration Plan and had continued to represent the views of the residents of the Brinnington and Central ward. 

·         Relating to councillors being misled by the document concerning proposals to build on Blackberry Lane and whether as local elected representatives they would put forward a motion to remove the plans pertaining to Reddish Vale Country Park from the Brinnington Regeneration Plan.  It was further stated that the question had been supported and submitted by 28 residents.

The Mayor and Councillor Rowles stated that they would respond to the questioner in writing.

·         Relating to an event attended by Councillor Bodsworth on 11 November 2013 during which biomass boilers installed in homes in Stockport were described as transforming the lives of local people and whether he was aware prior to this that residents had made complaints about insufficient hot water supplies; questionable hot water charges being made; and difficulties in subsequently identifying the cause of these problems.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) responded that prior to the submission of the public question, he had not been aware of any of the issues raised by the questioner, but had subsequently been appraised of the situation.  Councillor Bodsworth reported that the problems with the boiler had arisen as a result of an engineering visit to set the boiler to its winter settings which had given rise to a number of software problems.  It was stated that these issues had since been rectified and that a letter had been sent to all properties affected providing a full explanation of the current position.

Three further public questions had been submitted where the questioner was not present at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

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

No such arrangements have been made for this meeting.

There were no presentations.

One petition was submitted on behalf of the Tame Valley Defence League with 8,516 signatories against the selling of part of Reddish Vale Country Park to Countryside Properties for building.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) for consideration.

(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.

(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

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 Gordon asked Councillor Wright what the implications were for Marple and the wider Stockport area of the recent decision of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee to give approval to the inclusion of the Manchester-Bredbury-Marple railway alignment as part of Phase 1 of an outline ‘Tram-Train’ Strategy for Greater Manchester.

Councillor Wright responded that a significant constraint on local railway routes in the Stockport area was the capacity of Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station which meant that a number of major population areas in the Borough had relatively low frequency services.  The introduction of light rail vehicles onto heavy rail lines would allow for much higher frequencies of up to ten trams per hour and allow for better connectivity into the wider Greater Manchester area as services would be able to run through onto the existing Metrolink network.

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council (Corporate, Customer and Community Services) (Councillor Mark Weldon) submitted the Youth Justice Plan 2013/14 (copies of which had been circulated).

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

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council (Corporate, Customer and Community Services) (Councillor Mark Weldon) submitted the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy, Mid-Year Review Report 2013/14 (copies of which had been circulated).

RESOLVED – (1) That the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy, Mid-Year Review Report 2013/14 report be received in line with best practice guidelines.

(2) That the treasury activity for the first half of the financial year 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) welcomed the work by Oxford Innovation as the newly appointed manager of the Stockport Business Incubator which was based at Houldsworth Mill, Reddish. 

The announcement by the government on 27 November 2013 of £640 million of investment towards the modernisation of Post Office branches was also welcomed.

Finally, Councillor Derbyshire reported that the Council’s corporate banking contract was due to be put out to tender during 2014, and further that the Council had received notice from its current bank, the Co-operative Bank, that it would not seek to submit a tender for this contract.

The Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) (Councillor Shan Alexander) provided an update on the Council’s 100:100 Apprenticeship Scheme which had aimed to employ 100 apprentices within 100 days.  It was reported that the scheme had secured 203 apprenticeships within the 100 day target period and she extended her thanks to all those employers which had participated in the scheme.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) reported that Stockport was the highest performing Council in the North West for recycling its waste and one of the highest performing in the country and thanked local residents for their diligence which ensured that funding could be better used to provide local services rather than disposing of household waste.

The Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services) (Councillor Keith Holloway) provided an update on the review that had been undertaken on services for people with disabilities with a particular focus on transport services.  It was stated that the cost of providing the service as part of block contract were high and that there were risks associated with continuing the service in its current form.  The Council had commenced a consultation on the current service and potential options for the future and which would end on 10 December 2013.  The final proposals for the future of the service would be submitted to a meeting of the Adult Care Services and Housing Scrutiny Committee early in the New Year.

It was further reported that the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group had allocated additional funding to Adult Social Care to assist with the provision of services through the winter period and that it would be used specifically to strengthen the rapid response service.

Councillor Holloway also stated that January 2014 would see the launch of the Stockport One service in the Marple and Werneth areas of Stockport which aimed to provide an integrated health and social care service located within local GP practices.

The Executive Councillor (Health and Wellbeing) (Councillor John Pantall) reported that the government had recently announced that they would be undertaking an independent review of cigarette packaging in England.  Councillor Pantall welcomed the review as part of wider efforts that the Council had undertaken with regard to smoking cessation.

It was further reported that a consultation would take place during 2014 with regard to the development of a Public Health Strategy for Greater Manchester which would provide an emphasis on early intervention and prevention with the overarching aim of reducing demand, promoting independence and reducing inequalities.

Finally, Councillor Pantall reported that in October 2013 a bid for funding from the Integration Transformation Fund had been submitted through the Health and Wellbeing Board.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) (Councillor Iain Roberts) reported that as part of the Liberal Democrat Group’s budget proposals for 2014/15, proposals would be submitted for £100 million of investment in Stockport’s highway network. 

The Deputy Leader of the Council (Corporate, Customer and Community Services) (Councillor Mark Weldon) reported on the half year collection rates for Council Tax and advised that although there had been a slight drop in the collection rate, direct comparisons were difficult as residents now had the option to pay over 12 months rather than 10 months.  It was further reported that all of Stockport’s comparator authorities had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(i)

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 (Communities and Sustainability) and (Economic Development and Regeneration) 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 12 November 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 12 November 2013 (copies of which had been circulated) and the record of executive decision taken (copies of which were 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 – 28 October 2013

Children & Young People – 30 October 2013

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 29 October 2013

Environment & Economy  – 31 October 2013

Health & Wellbeing –  15 and 22 October 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.

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

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

Ordinary Committees

Appointments – 12 September 2013

Contributors – 14 October 2013

Employment Appeals – 7 October 2013

Health and Wellbeing Board – 6 November 2013

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 9 October 2013

Planning & Highways Regulation – 10 October 2013 

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 7 November 2013

Central Stockport – 7 November 2013

Cheadle – 5 November 2013

Heatons & Reddish – 4 November 2013

Marple – 6 November 2013           

Stepping Hill – 5 November 2013

Werneth – 4 November 2013

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

Appointments – 12 September 2013

Contributors – 14 October 2013

Employment Appeals – 7 October 2013

Health and Wellbeing Board – 6 November 2013

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 9 October 2013

Planning & Highways Regulation – 10 October 2013

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 7 November 2013

Central Stockport – 7 November 2013

Cheadle – 5 November 2013

Heatons & Reddish – 4 November 2013

Marple – 6 November 2013          

Stepping Hill – 5 November 2013

Werneth – 4 November 2013

Council notes that domestic abuse affects every community in Stockport: rich or poor, white or black, old or young, gay or straight.

Over the past 12 months, Greater Manchester Police dealt with 4,913 cases of domestic abuse in Stockport.

This represents the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their life. It doesn’t just affect women – 14% of the victims who report domestic abuse to police in Stockport are men.  Domestic abuse isn’t just physical – many people suffer serious emotional turmoil at the hands of abusive partners.

Council notes that help and advice is available to victims of domestic abuse – and those who fear their friends or loved ones may be victims – at the www.endthefear.co.uk website.

This Council resolves:

·          to make a stand against domestic abuse

·          to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Greater Manchester Police, the NHS, housing associations, other agencies and – most importantly of all – local communities across Stockport to make clear that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable.

·          to do all we can to encourage people to report domestic abuse to the police

·          to instruct the Chief Executive to report back by April 2014 on progress made by this local authority and partner agencies to improve and enhance services provided to victims of domestic abuse.

The Council agrees to sign up to the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner’s promise to “say no to domestic abuse” at www.gmpcc.org.uk/endthefear, and encourage as many Stockport residents as possible to do the same.

Moved by:                  Councillor Wendy Meikle                

(Liberal Democrat Group)

Seconded by:            Councillor Laura Booth                    

(Labour Group)

                                    Councillor Linda Holt                       

(Conservative Group)

                                    Councillor Sylvia Humphreys          

(Independent Ratepayers Group)

RESOLVED - Council notes that domestic abuse affects every community in Stockport: rich or poor, white or black, old or young, gay or straight.

Over the past 12 months, Greater Manchester Police dealt with 4,913 cases of domestic abuse in Stockport.

This represents the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their life. It doesn’t just affect women – 14% of the victims who report domestic abuse to police in Stockport are men.  Domestic abuse isn’t just physical – many people suffer serious emotional turmoil at the hands of abusive partners.

Council notes that help and advice is available to victims of domestic abuse – and those who fear their friends or loved ones may be victims – at the www.endthefear.co.uk website.

This Council resolves:

·         to make a stand against domestic abuse

·         to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Greater Manchester Police, the NHS, housing associations, other agencies and – most importantly of all – local communities across Stockport to make clear that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable.

·         to do all we can to encourage people to report domestic abuse to the police

·         to instruct the Chief Executive to report back by April 2014 on progress made by this local authority and partner agencies to improve and enhance services provided to victims of domestic abuse.

The Council agrees to sign up to the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner’s promise to “say no to domestic abuse” at www.gmpcc.org.uk/endthefear, and encourage as many Stockport residents as possible to do the same.

This Council notes;

·           The importance of clean air to the health of local residents and wildlife in Stockport.

·           That the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has estimated that up to 29,000 deaths per year are linked to poor air quality and a loss of life expectancy from birth of 6 months.

·           The recent decision of the World Health Organisation to classify outdoor air pollution as carcinogenic to humans.

·           That Asthma UK believes that pollution plays a role in causing asthma in children and adults, as well as being a trigger that can make people’s asthma symptoms worse.

·           That the British Heart Foundation states that ‘evidence shows that air pollution can make existing heart conditions worse and can affect our cardiovascular system, causing heart attacks and strokes amongst vulnerable people’. 

·           The commitment of the Stockport Plan for 2013-2015, which states that a key priority for the Council is to be ‘Green - leading the way in creating a sustainable future for our environment and our economy.’

·           That Stockport MBC is part of the Greater Manchester Air Quality Network which co-ordinates the monitoring of air quality and which works with Local Authorities to implement the Air Quality Action Plan.

·           That according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Greater Manchester will not be in compliance with legal limits for nitrogen dioxide levels until 2020.

This Council further notes;

·           The Government’s proposals to remove the requirement for Local Authorities to monitor air quality.

·           The response to the Government’s consultation from the AGMA Public Protection Managers Steering Group, which states that the Government’s preferred option proposed within the consultation is ‘unlikely to achieve the air quality improvements required’.

This Council believes that tackling air pollution and the damaging effects it can have on public health should be a key focus for the Council and local partners.

This Council further believes that effective monitoring of air quality is an important part of creating evidence-based policies to address air pollution.

This Council therefore requests that;

·           The Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs urging him to maintain the legal obligation for Local Authorities to monitor air quality.

·           That the Council commits to support the work of the Greater Manchester Air Quality Network, recognising that tackling air pollution is a key public health issue.

Moved by:                 Councillor Philip Harding

Seconded by:           Councillor Sheila Bailey

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council notes;

·         The importance of clean air to the health of local residents and wildlife in Stockport.

·         That the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has estimated that up to 29,000 deaths per year are linked to poor air quality and a loss of life expectancy from birth of 6 months.

·         The recent decision of the World Health Organisation to classify outdoor air pollution as carcinogenic to humans.

·         That Asthma UK believes that pollution plays a role in causing asthma in children and adults, as well as being a trigger that can make people’s asthma symptoms worse.

·         That the British Heart Foundation states that ‘evidence shows that air pollution can make existing heart conditions worse and can affect our cardiovascular system, causing heart attacks and strokes amongst vulnerable people’.

·         The commitment of the Stockport Plan for 2013-2015, which states that a key priority for the Council is to be ‘Green - leading the way in creating a sustainable future for our environment and our economy.’

·         That Stockport MBC is part of the Greater Manchester Air Quality Network which co-ordinates the monitoring of air quality and which works with Local Authorities to implement the Air Quality Action Plan.

·         That according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Greater Manchester will not be in compliance with legal limits for nitrogen dioxide levels until 2020.

This Council further notes;

·         The Government’s proposals to remove the requirement for Local Authorities to monitor air quality.

·         The response to the Government’s consultation from the AGMA Public Protection Managers Steering Group, which states that the Government’s preferred option proposed within the consultation is ‘unlikely to achieve the air quality improvements required’.

This Council believes that tackling air pollution and the damaging effects it can have on public health should be a key focus for the Council and local partners.

This Council further believes that effective monitoring of air quality is an important part of creating evidence-based policies to address air pollution.

This Council therefore requests that;

·         The Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs urging him to maintain the legal obligation for Local Authorities to monitor air quality.

·         That the Council commits to support the work of the Greater Manchester Air Quality Network, recognising that tackling air pollution is a key public health issue.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED – That the Motion be amended to read:-

“This Council notes;

·         The importance of clean air to the health of local residents and wildlife in Stockport.

·         That the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has estimated that up to 29,000 deaths per year are linked to poor air quality and a loss of life expectancy from birth of 6 months.

·         The recent decision of the World Health Organisation to classify outdoor air pollution as carcinogenic to humans.

·         That Asthma UK believes that pollution plays a role in causing asthma in children and adults, as well as being a trigger that can make people’s asthma symptoms worse.

·         That the British Heart Foundation states that ‘evidence shows that air pollution can make existing heart conditions worse and can affect our cardiovascular system, causing heart attacks and strokes amongst vulnerable people’.

·         The commitment of the Stockport Plan for 2013-2015, which states that a key priority for the Council is to be ‘Green - leading the way in creating a sustainable future for our environment and our economy.’

·         That Stockport MBC is part of the Greater Manchester Air Quality Network which co-ordinates the monitoring of air quality and which works with Local Authorities to implement the Air Quality Action Plan.

·         That according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Greater Manchester will not be in compliance with legal limits for nitrogen dioxide levels until 2020.

“This Council further notes;

·         The Government’s proposals to remove the requirement for Local Authorities to monitor air quality.

·         The response  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.(ii)

This Council:

·           supports the construction of the proposed HS2 rail link, recognising it as a project that will significantly reduce the effects of the North/South divide and bring huge regeneration benefits to Stockport, Greater Manchester and North West England.

·           welcomes the strong and repeated commitment of Coalition ministers from both the Liberal Democrat and Conservative Parties to HS2 and welcomes the support now being given by an increasing number of leading Labour politicians.

·           welcomes the support from a wide range of Greater Manchester stakeholders, including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, TfGMC, Manchester Airport, the English Core Cities Group, local Chambers of Commerce and many others.

·           recognises that the new line is required principally to provide additional rail capacity between London and the key Northern cities. The fact that it will permit speeds of up to 400km/hr is a significant bonus.

·           notes that, by taking trains off existing lines, HS2 will release significant additional capacity to enable more freight to be transferred from road to rail. The additional capacity on existing lines will also free up pathways for more local train services in Stockport.

·           recognising that HS2 will not pass through Stockport, there are concerns that Stockport's interests need to be protected. We need to ensure that provision is made in the train service plans for HS2 to include 'Classic Compatible' trains that can run part way on conventional lines but join HS2 at some point and continue their journeys at 400km/hr. Discussions should be initiated with other, similarly-affected towns such as Liverpool, Stoke, Coventry and Preston.

·           recognises that connectivity to the HS2 stations is key and this Council applauds the decision of TfGM to explore the provision of fast and frequent tram-trains from Marple, Romiley, Bredbury, Brinnington and Reddish North to Manchester Piccadilly and to investigate options to improve connectivity in the Stockport-Airport corridor.

Moved by:                    Councillor Craig Wright

Seconded by:             Councillor Iain Roberts

RESOLVED – (55 for, 2 against) This Council:

·         supports the construction of the proposed HS2 rail link, recognising it as a project that will significantly reduce the effects of the North/South divide and bring huge regeneration benefits to Stockport, Greater Manchester and North West England.

·         welcomes the strong and repeated commitment of Coalition ministers from both the Liberal Democrat and Conservative Parties to HS2 and welcomes the support now being given by an increasing number of leading Labour politicians.

·         welcomes the support from a wide range of Greater Manchester stakeholders, including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, TfGMC, Manchester Airport, the English Core Cities Group, local Chambers of Commerce and many others.

·         recognises that the new line is required principally to provide additional rail capacity between London and the key Northern cities. The fact that it will permit speeds of up to 400km/hr is a significant bonus.

·         Notes that, by taking trains off existing lines, HS2 will release significant additional capacity to enable more freight to be transferred from road to rail. The additional capacity on existing lines will also free up pathways for more local train services in Stockport.

·         recognising that HS2 will not pass through Stockport, there are concerns that Stockport's interests need to be protected. We need to ensure that provision is made in the train service plans for HS2 to include 'Classic Compatible' trains that can run part way on conventional lines but join HS2 at some point and continue their journeys at 400km/hr. Discussions should be initiated with other, similarly-affected towns such as Liverpool, Stoke, Coventry and Preston.

·         recognises that connectivity to the HS2 stations is key and this Council applauds the decision of TfGM to explore the provision of fast and frequent tram-trains from Marple, Romiley, Bredbury, Brinnington and Reddish North to Manchester Piccadilly and to investigate options to improve connectivity in the Stockport-Airport corridor.

This Council believes;

·           That high quality apprenticeships are an excellent way of providing an opportunity for young people to gain skills and to improve their chances of securing employment.

·           That the Council’s recent 100:100 apprenticeship challenge was a positive success.

This Council notes;

·         The commitment of the Council to promoting apprenticeships.

This Council requests;

·           That the Council’s Procurement Team investigates how the Council can ensure that, by using the powers given to Local Authorities under the Social Value Act 2012, the maximum number of high quality apprenticeships are secured when contracts are awarded.

·           That a report comes to a Full Council Meeting before the end of this civic year considering if the following principles can be included in the Council’s procurement policies; (i) that contractors are asked to offer high quality apprenticeships, (ii) a proportion of any apprenticeships offered are to be Higher (level 3) or Advanced (level 4) status, and (iii) that all apprenticeship opportunities for a given contract must be advertised in the local Jobcentre.

·           That the report also considers how adopting such proposals could be accommodated within the working arrangements of the proposed Strategic Procurement Unit for Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale.

Moved by:                    Councillor David Sedgwick

Seconded by:             Councillor Kate Butler

AdjournmentMOVED AND SECONDED - This Council believes;

·         That high quality apprenticeships are an excellent way of providing an opportunity for young people to gain skills and to improve their chances of securing employment.

·         That the Council’s recent 100:100 apprenticeship challenge was a positive success.

This Council notes;

·         The commitment of the Council to promoting apprenticeships.

This Council requests;

·         That the Council’s Procurement Team investigates how the Council can ensure that, by using the powers given to Local Authorities under the Social Value Act 2012, the maximum number of high quality apprenticeships are secured when contracts are awarded.

·         That a report comes to a Full Council Meeting before the end of this civic year considering if the following principles can be included in the Council’s procurement policies; (i) that contractors are asked to offer high quality apprenticeships, (ii) a proportion of any apprenticeships offered are to be Higher (level 3) or Advanced (level 4) status, and (iii) that all apprenticeship opportunities for a given contract must be advertised in the local Jobcentre.

·         That the report also considers how adopting such proposals could be accommodated within the working arrangements of the proposed Strategic Procurement Unit for Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale.

At 8.45 pm it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

At 9.07 pm the meeting reconvened.

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.8 (Withdrawal of motion) with the consent of the Council Meeting and seconder, the mover of the motion withdrew the motion from consideration by the Council Meeting.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance).

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform and Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the proposed Business Programme for the municipal years 2014/15 and 2015/16.

RESOLVED - That the Business Programme for the municipal years 2014/15 and 2015/16 be approved and adopted.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform and Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) giving notice of amendments made to the Executive Scheme of Delegation to allow the Council to discharge the functions of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.