Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 2 July 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Council held on 2 July 2015 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 reported that he had sent a letter to the Bailiff of Guernsey on behalf of the Council offering the Council’s best wishes for the forthcoming service being held on the Island to commemorate the return of those residents who had been evacuated to Stockport in 1940 during the Second World War.

At this stage in the proceedings the Mayor invited the Group Leaders to comment on the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe and impact upon the Borough of Stockport.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) stated that most people would have reacted with great compassion to the reports on those refugees fleeing conflict in Syria, and that, after consultation with the other Group Leaders, she had expressed support for those calls for the United Kingdom to do more to support Syrian refugees.  Councillor Derbyshire stated that she understood that not everyone would support this position; she fully believed that the Council and the majority of people in Stockport would want to support the tradition that this country had always had to show compassion and welcome to those who have suffered from war and prejudice.  Finally, Councillor Derbyshire stated that Greater Manchester would be formulating a co-ordinated response to this issue which would acknowledge that there was a real concern in relation to the geographical distribution of refugees and that the current arrangements had resulted in an inequitable concentration in certain parts of the region.

The Leader of the Labour Group (Councillor Alex Ganotis) commented that he shared the view of the Leader of the Council with regard to this matter.  He stated that the short term accommodation solutions to this problem would differ to the proposals to house any such refugees in the long term and that in the long term many of these refugees would seek to return to Syria when it was stable and safe to do so.  Councillor Ganotis commented that compassion, openness and a strong society were British virtues that had seen refugees welcomed into the country for hundreds of years which had resulted in significant contributions being made to the country by those refugees and their decedents. 

The Leader of the Conservative Group (Councillor Syd Lloyd) stated that both he and his fellow Conservative councillors had received numerous emails from residents expressing their concerns about the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis.  Councillor Lloyd stated that he concurred with the position adopted by the Prime Minister that Britain should fulfil its moral duty and help genuine refugees and that Stockport should play its part in that.  Councillor Lloyd expressed his concern about the criminal gangs that lay behind the trafficking of people across the Mediterranean and welcomed the deployment of HMS Richmond off the cost of Libya to combat this problem. 

The Leader of the Independent Ratepayers (Councillor Peter Burns) referred to the history of immigration in the Greater Manchester area, and in particular that resulting from the war in Bosnia.  Councillor Burns reported that during that conflict, Stockport welcome refugees from that conflict into accommodation within the Borough and that he was pleased to agree with the response of the Leader of the Council to the current humanitarian crisis.

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 and Prejudicial Interests

All those members declaring a personal and prejudicial interest left the meeting during the consideration of this item and took no part in the discussion or vote.

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

All those members declaring a disclosable pecuniary interest left the meeting during the consideration of this item and took no part in the discussion or vote.

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 relating to the spend of £22,000 on the replacement of burnt out play equipment at St Thomas’ Park, Stockport and why this had been sourced from the same company as the previous equipment and had been made from the same flammable material against the advice of a local resident with significant experience in such matters.

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) responded that in the light of the short notice received of the question and its technical nature a written response would be provided to the questioner.

Two 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 questioners in writing.

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

There were no presentations.

One petition was submitted with a stated 350 signatories relating to local concern about traffic on Hulme Hall Road, Cheadle Hulme affecting the safety of residents and seeking the introduction of a signalised crossing near the junction with the Smithy Green flats or improved road signage, new pedestrian barriers and road markings at the existing crossing point together with a 20mph speed limit.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration for his 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.

(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

Councillor Daniel Hawthorne asked Councillor Walter Brett (Section 41 Spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority) what his views were on the agreement signed by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service to permit firefighters to be deployed to cardiac arrest incidents. 

Councillor Brett responded that he was delighted that the agreement had been signed and that it would undoubtedly save lives.  Councillor Brett commented that the initiative had been developed following a visit by fire service chiefs to Seattle in the USA to observe why residents there had a significantly better chance of recovering from cardiac incidents than in some parts of Greater Manchester.

Councillor Daniel Hawthorne then asked Councillor Walter Brett (Section 41 Spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority) what his views were on the recent announcement that the work of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority would be subsumed into the role of the Greater Manchester Mayor from 2017.

Councillor Brett responded that he had great concerns about this proposal and that he had personally asked questions of the interim Greater Manchester Mayor about this matter and was aware that the Authority was lobbying the Greater Manchester Combined Authority with regard to it.  Councillor Brett stated that he considered that the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority worked well in its current format and that proposals for its abolition were to be regretted.

There were no questions in relation to the business of 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 Dean Fitzpatrick asked Councillor Iain Roberts (Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson) if he could explain to the Council Meeting what ‘Get Me There’ was.

Councillor Iain Roberts responded that ‘Get Me There’ was a multi-modal travel smartcard that ATOS had been working for a number of years to produce and had been rolled out for concessionary fares on the Metrolink network.  Councillor Roberts stated that ATOS and TfGM had now agreed to the mutual termination of a contract to design, build and operate the ‘Get Me There’ smart ticketing scheme and that he was working with Transport for Greater Manchester to understand more fully what had occurred.  Councillor Roberts reported that notwithstanding the termination of the agreement, he was working to try and find a solution to ensure that residents of Greater Manchester did not lose out unduly by way of the expeditious introduction of measures to provide an element of smart ticketing in the interim.  It was stated that this was asked for in August 2015 and that the initial response was that this could not happen; however in early September it was announced that a smart travel card would be available on buses by the end of the year and other measures would be introduced for the Metrolink network.

Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick stated that that ‘Get Me there’ was a single smart card which could be used across all modes of public transport and that it would be significantly more advanced than any other system currently in use in the country.  Councillor Fitzpatrick referred to a quote from Councillor Roberts in the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday, 1 September 2015 as saying “elsewhere in the country people are taking just a few months to get this type of system up and running”.  In the light of this, Councillor Fitzpatrick asked Councillor Roberts if he could identify where this type of system had been brought to fruition within this timescale.

Councillor Roberts responded that it was clear within the article and from the press release from the Liberal Democrat Group on 4 September 2015 that a smart card with those type of facilities was not being called for; rather a smart  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(iii)

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor (Support and Governance).

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the draft Stockport Borough Plan for 2015-2020, intended to provide a high-level vision, based on the Investing in Stockport Shared Outcomes Framework, that all partners could work towards over the next five years.

RESOLVED – (43 for, 12 abstentions) That the Stockport Borough Plan 2015-2020 be approved and adopted.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance).

The Deputy Leader of the Council (Support & Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the operation and effectiveness of the Council's Treasury Management function for 2014/15.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the actual 2014/15 prudential and treasury indicators as detailed in the report.

(2) That the annual treasury management report for 2014/15 be noted.

(3) That it be noted that no fundamental changes have been made during 2014/15 to the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices approved at the Council meeting on 11 September 2014.

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 Sue Derbyshire) reported that work had recently commenced on Phase 2 of the Stockport Exchange development as part of the Investing in Stockport programme.  Councillor Derbyshire stated that the Investing in Stockport programme was also about investing in people and that the work going on in Greater Manchester about the integration of health and social welfare spending to achieve better outcomes was an important part of this.  Councillor Derbyshire further commented that the Executive Proposals as part of the Investing in Stockport programme was currently progressing through the scrutiny committees.  Finally, it was stated that work was taking place on how matters being decided at a Greater Manchester level would be effectively reported to and scrutinised at the district level.

The Executive Councillor (Safe & Resilient Communities) (Councillor Shan Alexander) reported that the new Oak Tree Primary School had been formally opened earlier in the month as a replacement for Orrishmere Primary School and Queens Road Primary School which represented a £7.8m investment in the education of children in the Cheadle Hulme area.  It was further stated that the rebuilding of Werneth School had now commenced and that students were expected to move into the new building by Christmas 2016.  Councillor Alexander reported that additional building work at local schools was taking place across the Borough.

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Adults) (Councillor Keith Holloway) reported that he had attended the Health and Care Innovation Expo held in Manchester on 2-3 September 2015.  It was stated that Stockport had been well represented and that during the keynote presentation on health and social care devolution, representatives from the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group and the Stepping Hill Foundation Trust had given their commitment to community based health and social care services.

The Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) (Councillor Patrick McAuley) reported that since the last Council Meeting there had been significant progress with the capital developments at Stockport Exchange and the Redrock development with negotiations either having been completed or being close to completion on a number of units. It was noted that the Grand Central leisure centre and Cineworld cinema remained open for business during this period.  It commented that the Council had engaged with Peel Holdings and Excel Parking Services in relation to parking provision at the Peel Centre following a number of complaints and a petition from local residents and discussions had also been taking place with the tenants of a number of the units in the development with regard to this matter. 

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 Deputy Leader of the Council (Support & Governance) and the Executive Councillors (Independence & Wellbeing), (Supporting Adults), (Safe & Resilient Communities), (Supporting Children), (Supporting Places), (Thriving Economy) answered questions and responded to comments relating to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Executive held on 21 July and 18 August 2015 (pages) 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 Meeting held on 21 July and 18 August 2015 (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.

The Chairs of the Adult Care Services & Housing Scrutiny Committee and the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee responded to questions relating to the business of their respective committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees:-

Adult Care Services & Housing – 6 July and 3 August 2015

Children & Young People – 8 July and 5 August 2015

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 7 July and 4 August 2015

Environment & Economy  – 9 July and 6 August 2015

Health & Wellbeing – 30 June and 28 July 2015

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 – 6 July and 3 August 2015

Children & Young People – 8 July and 5 August 2015

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 7 July and 4 August 2015

Environment & Economy – 9 July and 6 August 2015

Health & Wellbeing – 30 June and 28 July 2015

To consider a report of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee.

The report sets out the development of work programmes for scrutiny committees in 2015/16 to ensure that scrutiny works alongside and supports the decision making process and can fully contribute to the policy review and policy development facets of scrutiny. This report provides details of a proposed programme of reviews to be carried out by Scrutiny Committees in 2015/16.

The Executive is invited to comment on the report and the topics proposed and recommend to the Council Meeting that it approve the Scrutiny Review Programme for 2015/16 as set out in paragraph 2.5 of the report.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth, 0161 474 3204, craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

A report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Deputy Chief Executive was submitted outlining the development of work programmes for scrutiny committees in 2015/16 to ensure that scrutiny worked alongside and supported the decision making process and could fully contribute to the policy review and policy development facets of scrutiny. The report provided details of a proposed programme of reviews to be carried out by Scrutiny Committees in 2015/16.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the Scrutiny Review Work Programme for 2015/16.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation; Licensing, Environment and Safety; and Audit 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, Area and Ward Committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

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

Ordinary Committees

Appointments – 6 July 2015

Audit – 19 August 2015

Contributors – 29 July 2015

Employment Appeals – 14 July 2015

Funding – 22 July 2015

Health & Wellbeing – 15 July and 25 August 2015

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 24 June and 29 July 2015

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub-Committee –23 June and 21 July 2015

Planning & Highways Regulation – 25 June and 30 July 2015

Standards – 22 June and 7 September 2015

Stockport Homes Member – 22 June 2015

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 16 July and 13 August 2015

Central Stockport – 16 July and 13 August 2015

Cheadle – 14 July and 11 August 2015

Heatons & Reddish – 13 July and 10 August 2015

Marple – 15 July and 12 August 2015

Stepping Hill - 14 July and 11 August 2015

Werneth – 13 July and 10 August 2015

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

Ordinary Committees

Appointments – 6 July 2015

Audit – 19 August 2015

Contributors – 29 July 2015

Employment Appeals – 14 July 2015

Funding – 22 July 2015

Health & Wellbeing – 15 July and 25 August 2015

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 24 June and 29 July 2015

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub-Committee –23 June and 21 July 2015

Planning & Highways Regulation – 25 June and 30 July 2015

Standards – 22 June and 7 September 2015

Stockport Homes Member – 22 June 2015

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 16 July and 13 August 2015

Central Stockport – 16 July and 13 August 2015

Cheadle – 14 July and 11 August 2015

Heatons & Reddish – 13 July and 10 August 2015

Marple – 15 July and 12 August 2015

Stepping Hill - 14 July and 11 August 2015

Werneth – 13 July and 10 August 2015

To consider the Audit Committee Annual Report 2014/15.

The Chair of the Audit Committee (Councillor David Sedgwick) submitted the Audit Committee Annual Report for 2014/15 (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the work of the Audit Committee during the 2014/15 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

This Council notes that

·         A March 2015 report published by the Children’s Society entitled ‘Wolf at the Door’ estimated that there are 1.6 million children and young people living in 900,000 families who are or have been behind on their Council Tax bills

·         The number of liability orders for Council Tax arrears in Stockport has risen from 8,576 in 2012-13 to 9,691 in 2013-14 and again to 10,431 in 2014-15

·         According to 2013-14 survey data compiled by the Children’s Society there are approximately 7,120 children living in 4,195 families who have faced Council Tax debt in Stockport

·         There were 5,665 referrals to enforcement agents for action in 2014-15 made in an attempt to recover Council Tax arrears of £4.1 million

·         Islington Council operate a policy of not having enforcement agents visit residents in receipt of Council Tax support and have seen an increase in Council Tax collected since this approach was adopted

·         Cornwall Council adopted a ‘breathing space’ policy in 2009 with accounts placed on hold for 21 days the first time a resident falls into arrears to enable them to access financial advice

·         The introduction of a Care Leaver’s Charter by the Government in October 2012, which Stockport Council is a signatory to, and which pledges that Local Authorities will provide young people leaving care with comprehensive practical support and advice which enables their transition to living independently

This Council believes

·         The timely collection of Council Tax is crucial in funding local public services, and accounted for 51% of all revenue which Stockport Council received in the 2014-15 financial year

·         That children should be protected from the impact of debt in families as much as possible and that we have a duty to protect vulnerable residents, as well as to collect the Council Tax which is due

·         That any Local Authority should prefer the least damaging methods of revenue collection, in order to help families or young people get safely back on their feet without fear and intimidation

·         Residents should always have access to free, independent debt advice and the Council should do everything possible to cooperate with a realistic solution recommended by an independent agency

This Council resolves

·         To review Council Tax debt collection practices in Stockport including putting in place the following provisions:

(i)            Adoption of an explicit policy of not sending enforcement agents round to families with children, with a particular focus on families with children in receipt of Council Tax support

(ii)          100% Council Tax support for care leavers until the age of 21, supporting them with their bills when leaving care and setting up home for the first time

(iii)         Introduction of a ‘breathing space’ policy, placing the escalation of accounts on hold for 21 days to enable people to receive the independent advice and support they need

Moved by:                  Councillor Kate Butler

Seconded by:           Councillor Colin Foster

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) the mover of the motion agreed to incorporate an alteration to the original motion which had been printed in the Summons for the meeting.

RESOLVED - This Council notes that

·         A March 2015 report published by the Children’s Society entitled ‘Wolf at the Door’ estimated that there are 1.6 million children and young people living in 900,000 families who are or have been behind on their Council Tax bills

·         The number of liability orders for Council Tax arrears in Stockport has risen from 8,576 in 2012-13 to 9,691 in 2013-14 and again to 10,431 in 2014-15

·         According to 2013-14 survey data compiled by the Children’s Society there are approximately 7,120 children living in 4,195 families who have faced Council Tax debt in Stockport

·         There were 5,665 referrals to enforcement agents for action in 2014-15 made in an attempt to recover Council Tax arrears of £4.1 million

·         Islington Council operate a policy of not having enforcement agents visit residents in receipt of Council Tax support and have seen an increase in Council Tax collected since this approach was adopted

·         Cornwall Council adopted a ‘breathing space’ policy in 2009 with accounts placed on hold for 21 days the first time a resident falls into arrears to enable them to access financial advice

·         The introduction of a Care Leaver’s Charter by the Government in October 2012, which Stockport Council is a signatory to, and which pledges that Local Authorities will provide young people leaving care with comprehensive practical support and advice which enables their transition to living independently

This Council believes

·         The timely collection of Council Tax is crucial in funding local public services, and accounted for 51% of all revenue which Stockport Council received in the 2014-15 financial year

·         That children should be protected from the impact of debt in families as much as possible and that we have a duty to protect vulnerable residents, as well as to collect the Council Tax which is due

·         That any Local Authority should prefer the least damaging methods of revenue collection, in order to help families or young people get safely back on their feet without fear and intimidation

·         Residents should always have access to free, independent debt advice and the Council should do everything possible to cooperate with a realistic solution recommended by an independent agency

This Council further believes

·         That there should be a review of Council Tax debt collection practices in Stockport including considering the feasibility of implementing the following provisions:

(i)   Adoption of an explicit policy of not sending enforcement agents round     to families with children, with a particular focus on families with children             in receipt of Council Tax support

(ii)  100% Council Tax support for care leavers until the age of 21,          supporting them with their bills when leaving care and setting up home       for the first time

(iii) Introduction of a ‘breathing space’ policy, placing the escalation of accounts on hold for 21 days to enable people to receive the independent advice and support they need

This Council resolves

·         To form an all-party Scrutiny Task and Finish Group to promptly carry out such a review, with a view to assessing and recommending to the Executive appropriate changes in Council Tax debt collection practices in time for implementation for the 2016/17 financial year.

This Council notes that

·         According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) there were 22.6 million households in England in 2013-14.

·         The private rented sector, defined as non-owner-occupied property other than that rented from Local Authorities and Housing Associations, has more than doubled since 2000-01 and stood at 4.4 million households in 2013-14, now accounting for 19% of the overall stock.

·         The size of the private rented sector in England over-took the amount of socially rented Local Authority provision for the first time since the 1960s in 2011, when they were 13,852 privately rented homes in Stockport and 462,899 in the North-West.

·         A let in the private rented sector commonly has a fixed initial term of 6 or 12 months which can give flexibility for tenants and landlords, but can also lead to instability for both parties.

·         The work of Local Authorities to promote best practice in the sector, including the introduction of a Mandatory Selective Licensing Scheme in Liverpool and across Scotland where every Council now holds a formal register of all landlords and letting agents in their area.

·         The GM Planning and Housing Commission meeting on 7th October will receive a report on the Private Rented Sector which will look at both independent and institutional landlords, and the impact of recent investment across Greater Manchester.

This Council believes that

·         The private rented sector has an important role in helping to address housing need in Stockport.

·         Whilst the majority of private landlords act fairly and take their responsibilities seriously, and whilst the majority of privately rented accommodation in Stockport meets relevant housing standards, there remains a considerable minority of sub-standard properties let by rogue landlords who have little concern for the welfare of tenants and often fail to meet their legal obligations.

·         That as the private rented sector continues to grow it is vital that proper protections are put in place for tenants, ensuring that at the very minimum they have a home which is safe, clean and warm.

·         The majority of tenants occupying sub-standard properties are supported with public funds through Housing Benefit, and that as there are often no checks carried out unless problems are reported to the Council, it is difficult to know whether accommodation represents good value for money.

This Council resolves

·         To work with the other 9 Local Authorities in GM to agree how best to enforce the Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector and advocate Stockport’s preferred solution of obtaining devolved powers to enable the introduction of a Private Sector Landlords Licencing Scheme.

·         That the Chief Executive also write to the Minister for Housing to lobby the Government for national legislation on the introduction of statutory landlord licensing across England which would ensure that the receipt of Housing Benefit (or the housing element of Universal Credit) is linked to a requirement to meet appropriate housing standards and that tenants are protected from unscrupulous landlords.

Moved by:                  Councillor Sheila Bailey

Seconded by:           Councillor Patrick McAuley

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council notes that

·         According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) there were 22.6 million households in England in 2013-14.

·         The private rented sector, defined as non-owner-occupied property other than that rented from Local Authorities and Housing Associations, has more than doubled since 2000-01 and stood at 4.4 million households in 2013-14, now accounting for 19% of the overall stock.

·         The size of the private rented sector in England over-took the amount of socially rented Local Authority provision for the first time since the 1960s in 2011, when they were 13,852 privately rented homes in Stockport and 462,899 in the North-West.

·         A let in the private rented sector commonly has a fixed initial term of 6 or 12 months which can give flexibility for tenants and landlords, but can also lead to instability for both parties.

·         The work of Local Authorities to promote best practice in the sector, including the introduction of a Mandatory Selective Licensing Scheme in Liverpool and across Scotland where every Council now holds a formal register of all landlords and letting agents in their area.

·         The GM Planning and Housing Commission meeting on 7th October will receive a report on the Private Rented Sector which will look at both independent and institutional landlords, and the impact of recent investment across Greater Manchester.

This Council believes that

·         The private rented sector has an important role in helping to address housing need in Stockport.

·         Whilst the majority of private landlords act fairly and take their responsibilities seriously, and whilst the majority of privately rented accommodation in Stockport meets relevant housing standards, there remains a considerable minority of sub-standard properties let by rogue landlords who have little concern for the welfare of tenants and often fail to meet their legal obligations.

·         That as the private rented sector continues to grow it is vital that proper protections are put in place for tenants, ensuring that at the very minimum they have a home which is safe, clean and warm.

·         The majority of tenants occupying sub-standard properties are supported with public funds through Housing Benefit, and that as there are often no checks carried out unless problems are reported to the Council, it is difficult to know whether accommodation represents good value for money.

This Council resolves

·         To work with the other 9 Local Authorities in GM to agree how best to enforce the Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector and advocate Stockport’s preferred solution of obtaining devolved powers to enable the introduction of a Private Sector Landlords Licencing Scheme.

·         That the Chief Executive also write to the Minister for Housing to lobby the Government for national legislation on the introduction of statutory landlord licensing across England which would ensure that the receipt of Housing Benefit (or the housing element of Universal Credit) is linked to a requirement to meet appropriate housing standards and that tenants are protected from unscrupulous landlords.

At 8.40 pm it was

RESOLVED - That the meeting be adjourned.

At 8.55 pm the meeting reconvened.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council notes that

·         According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) there were 22.6 million households in England in 2013-14.

·         The private rented sector, defined as non-owner-occupied property other than that rented from Local Authorities and Housing Associations, has more than doubled since 2000-01 and stood at 4.4 million households in 2013-14, now accounting for 19% of the overall stock.

This Council Meeting further notes that

·         The private rented sector has an important role in helping to address housing need in Stockport

·         Stockport has introduced a voluntary accreditation scheme designed to improve property standards and management practices in privately rented accommodation – The Greater Manchester Landlord Accreditation Scheme

·         The English Housing Survey showed that 84% of private renters are satisfied with their accommodation

·         That a small number of rogue or criminal landlords knowingly rent out unsafe and substandard accommodation, bringing misery to tenants who may live in accommodation that is potentially dangerous or hazardous to health.

This Council therefore welcomes action by the current Conservative Government and the previous Coalition Government including:

·         The £6.7 million of funding made available to local authorities to help tackle rogue landlords, including “Beds in Sheds” which has so far led to the inspection of nearly 40,000 properties and over 3,000 landlords facing further enforcement action or prosecution

·         The launch of a new Model Tenancy Agreement so that tenants and landlords can choose longer, more family- friendly tenancies bringing more stability and certainty for all parties

·         The publication of a “How to Rent” guide to help tenants and landlords know their rights and responsibilities

·         The publication of guidance for Local Authorities on “Improving the Private Rented Sector and Tackling Bad Practice”

·         The introduction of new regulations forcing letting and property management agents to join one of three approved redress schemes

·         The introduction of a new code of practice for landlords and letting agents to improve standards in the private rented sector

·         The introduction of protection for tenants against “retaliatory eviction”, due to come into effect in October 2015

·         A requirement for landlords to install smoke alarms on every floor of their property, and test them at the start of every tenancy, and to install carbon monoxide alarms in high risk rooms, subject to Parliamentary approval, from October 2015

·         The recent publication by DCLG of the “Tackling rogue landlords and improving the private rental sector” consultation which made clear the Government’s continued determination and commitment to crackdown on rogue landlords and outlined proposals for blacklisting and banning of rogue landlords and letting agents, tougher penalties for the worst offenders, the extension of Rent Repayment Orders and the introduction of civil penalties for a range of breaches of housing legislation.

This Council Meeting further

·         notes that Greater Manchester Combined Authority submitted a response to the consultation on behalf of the 10 Greater Manchester Councils, including Stockport Council which provides GMCA with both the Portfolio Holder and the Lead Officer for Planning & Housing and which played an important role in the consultation response

·         recognises innovative proposals put forward by the GMCA consultation response, which suggests that a link between payment of housing benefit and property condition merits further investigation with the aim of achieving a cost-effective and self-regulatory approach based on recognised accreditation schemes

·         notes the GM Planning and Housing Commission meeting on 7^th October will receive a report on the Private Rented Sector which will look at both independent and institutional landlords, and the impact of recent investment across Greater Manchester.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves

·         To recognise the work undertaken by our officers in contributing to formal responses to the “Tackling rogue landlords” consultation and their continued work locally to deal with rogue landlords within the bounds of current legislation

·         To monitor with interest the outcomes of the consultation and any resulting proposals put forward by the Government

·         To request the GMCA Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing provides  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.(i)

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer.

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to make amendments to the Council’s Constitution in relation to:-

(a)       Scheme of Delegation – Officers and Executive

(b)       Changes required by law

(c)        Officer Code of Conduct in relation to staff registers of Business Interests, Gifts and Hospitality

(d)       Property Transaction Process Flowchart

(e)       Implementation of new regulations governing the appointment and

dismissal of the statutory officers

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the proposed amendments to the Constitution making changes as detailed in Appendix 1 to 9 inclusive of the report.

(2) That it be noted that changes to the law on the discharge of local authority functions are imminent, that the Council will be obliged to adopt these changes as soon as they come into force and that the Monitoring Officer will report to the Leader of the Council and to the Council Meeting for approval.

(3) That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make minor or technical changes to the Constitution if any such changes are required as a result of the amendments set out in Appendices 1 to 9 inclusive of the report.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) giving notice of amendments made to the Executive Scheme of Delegation to delegate to the Cheadle Area Committee the responsibility to act as Trustee for the Brookfield Park Shiers Charitable Trust.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to become a full member of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) in its own right.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the proposal that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to become a full member of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) in its own right insofar as this related to the discharge of non-executive functions.

(2) That it be noted that the Executive had given approval to the proposal that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to become a full member of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities insofar as it related to the discharge of executive functions.

(3) That it be noted that further consequential amendments to the AGMA Constitution may be agreed by AGMA as a result of the admission of an eleventh member of AGMA.

(4) That it be noted that the Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester would be enabled to vote at AGMA meetings.