Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 29 October 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Council held on 29 October 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.

There were no announcements made.

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 Interests

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 whether Councillor Sorton was aware how important the pop-up café on Brinnington Park had become to the community and whether he would support efforts to save this valuable asset.

Councillor Sorton responded that all of the Brinningnton & Central ward councillors were aware of the importance of the café and that it was used very well by the whole community and was providing funding for other groups within the locality.  Councillor Sorton stated that part of its success was based on the fact that it was operated by the community within the community rather than being seen as an extension of the Council.  Councillor Sorton confirmed that the ward councillors fully supported the ongoing work to obtain outline planning permission for the continuation of the café within the park.

The Mayor referred to the recent terrorist attacks which had taken place in Paris on 13 November 2015 and offered the Council’s condolences to the people of Paris and the families of those who lost their lives in the attack.

All those present at the meeting then stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of those who were killed and injured.

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.

Councillor Andy Sorton submitted a petition signed by over 700 signatories relating to the provision of replacement facilities for the Brinnington Pop-up Café.

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

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

Councillor Syd Lloyd asked the Leader of the Council if she could advise the Council when she was provided with written proposals by the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner to reduce the number of police officers to 4000 by 2020.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) responded that the agendas for meetings of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel were public documents and were available on the Commissioner’s website.  It was further commented that the matter may have been discussed at a meeting of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Working Group.  Councillor Derbyshire further stated that the Greater Manchester Police Federation and the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner (Tony Lloyd) had spoken about the potential impact of the then anticipated budgetary reductions for policing which may have had the potential to reduce police numbers to around 4000.  Councillor Derbyshire undertook to provide a written response to provide further information on when these proposals had been disseminated.

(c)        Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick stated that on 14 November Councillor Iain Roberts had tweeted in relation to plans for a travel smartcard for Greater Manchester and said that he had been attacked by Labour for the Lib Dem campaign for an Oyster style travelcard for Greater Manchester.  Councillor Fitzpatrick asked whether Councillor Roberts felt that by misleading the public as to these claims he was bringing the Council into disrepute.

Councillor Iain Roberts responded that he stated that it was sad that Councillor Fitzpatrick felt that he was misleading anyone and that he did not similarly think that it was good thing to campaign for an Oyster-style smartcard for Greater Manchester.  He further commented that he considered that the people of Greater Manchester had been short-changed and that there were a number of areas throughout the country which had implemented or were due to implement such a smart-ticketing scheme and that Greater Manchester was falling behind.  Finally, Councillor Roberts stated that he would continue to campaign on this issue.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Safe & Resilient Communities).

The Executive Councillor for Safe and Resilient Communities (Councillor Shan Alexander) submitted the Youth Justice Plan 2015/16 (copies of which had been circulated).

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

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Support & Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) submitted the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy, Mid-Year Review Report 2015/16 (copies of which had been circulated).

RESOLVED – (1) That the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy, Mid-Year Review Report 2015/16 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 (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) reported that the Council had not received its budget settlement from the government and it was not likely to do so in advance of the meeting of the Executive on 16 December 2015.  It was commented that local government through the LGA had for a number of years been making representations to the Government about the growing cost of adult social care and the impact that this was having on the delivery of other council services in the light of overall reductions in council budgets.  It was reported that the Chancellor had addressed this point in the recent Comprehensive Spending Review by announcing that he would allow local authorities to raise an additional 2% on the Council Tax in addition to the 1.9% that councils were already permitted to raise Council Tax by without triggering a referendum.  Councillor Derbyshire expressed her concern that this position would place an additional burden on local residents and that the Council would need to consider this matter carefully in the future.

The Executive Councillor (Independence & Wellbeing) (Councillor John Pantall) reported that a two day hearing was expected to take place during the week commencing 7 December 2015 in respect of the application for a judicial review of the decision to designate Stepping Hill Hospital as the fourth single service hub as part of the Healthier Together programme.

Councillor Pantall then commented on recent reports that the rate of flu vaccinations had decreased in the north west of England which was part of an overall national decrease of approximately 3%.  It was stated that it had been suggested that the decrease could be attributed to the fact that in 2014/15 the flu vaccination had only achieved an effectiveness of approximately 25%, however it was reported that this years’ vaccine had a much higher effectiveness rate.

Finally, Councillor Pantall reported that the Department of Health had confirmed that its £200m savings requirement would be attained through in-year savings of which £966,000 would be required from Stockport.

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 (Safe & Resilient Communities), (Supporting Adults), (Supporting Places) and (Thriving Economy) answered questions relating to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

At 7.20 pm, it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

At 7.26 pm the meeting reconvened.

The Executive Councillors (Independence & Wellbeing), (Safe & Resilient Communities) and (Supporting Places) 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 17 November 2015 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 17 November 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.

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:-

Adult Care Services & Housing – 2 November 2015

Children & Young People – 4 November 2015

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 3 November 2015

Environment & Economy  – 5 November 2015

Health & Wellbeing – 27 October 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 – 2 November 2015

Children & Young People – 4 November 2015

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 3 November 2015

Environment & Economy  – 5 November 2015

Health & Wellbeing – 27 October 2015

To receive a report from the Chairs of the Planning & Highways Regulation; Licensing, Environment & Safety; and Audit Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation, Licensing, Environment and Safety or 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

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

Contributors – 28 October 2015

Health & Wellbeing Board – 17 November 2015

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub-Committee – 19 November 2015

Area Committees

Bramhall& Cheadle Hulme South – 12 November 2015

Central Stockport – 12 November 2015

Cheadle – 10 November 2015

Heatons& Reddish – 9 November 2015

Marple– 28 October and 11 November 2015

Stepping Hill – 10 November 2015

Werneth– 9 November 2015

This Council notes that

·           Greater Manchester Police Officers are out on the beat in Stockport every day protecting local residents, and that their work prevents crime and reduces the impact of crime when it does occur

·           Between 2013-14 and 2014-15 recorded violent crime rose 39% and overall crime by 14% across Greater Manchester. In total there were 209,837 offences to the year ending June 2015

·           Under the Lib Dem-Conservative Government Greater Manchester Police (GMP) lost 1,445 Police Officers and 37 PCSOs compared with the position inherited from Labour in 2010. Stockport Policing Division lost 120 officers and our local police front desk on Lee Street closed in 2012

·           Conservative cuts to GMP in this Parliament are projected by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to mean a further reduction of 1,300 bobbies on the beat by 2019. This would mean overall that GMP will have dropped from having 8,100 Police Officers in 2010 to less than 5,400 in 2019

·           In 2010 there was 1 Police Officer for every 334 residents in Greater Manchester but under the Conservative Government’s plans this is projected to drop to 1 for every 541 by 2018

·           Ian Hopkins, the new Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, has warned that the force may no longer be able to respond to ‘routine incidents’ including some burglaries

This Council believes that

·           Greater Manchester Police should have the resources it needs to fight crime, and that the first duty of any Government is to ensure that public safety isn’t placed at risk

·           With crime rising in Greater Manchester now is the wrong time to be proposing severe cuts to local policing which have no rational basis and that these plans make a mockery of any claim the Conservatives make to be a party of law and order

·           Neighbourhood policing is about crime prevention as well as tackling criminals. The Government are reversing a generation of progress, returning Stockport to a discredited model of reactive policing

·           Cuts to community policing mean that Stockport Council will be left to mitigate some of the impact of an increase in anti-social behaviour, of the loss of community support work, and of reduced levels of support for local victims of crime

·           The PCC is correct to say that Greater Manchester has been subject to ‘unfair, disproportionate and unsustainable cuts to our services’. Labour would protect the frontline whilst pursuing a national procurement strategy which would save forces £172 million a year

This Council resolves

·           To commission a Council report on what the likely impact of cuts to GMP could be on the Authority, including a review of where increased costs may be incurred by the Council or partner organisations

·           For the Chief Executive to write to Greater Manchester’s PCC to express this Council’s support for the force and to set out our opposition to Government cuts which represent a threat to public safety

Moved by:               Councillor Alex Ganotis

Seconded by:        Councillor Kate Butler

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.

This council notes:

·           That the Housing and Planning Bill is currently being debated in Parliament, and if passed would threaten the provision of affordable homes for rent and buy through:

o    forcing 'high-value' council homes to be sold on the open market;

o    extending the right-to-buy to housing association tenants; and

o    undermining section 106 requirements on private developers to provide affordable homes.

·           That there is no commitment in the Bill that affordable homes will be replaced like-for-like in the local area;

·           That whilst measures to help first-time buyers are welcome, the 'starter homes' proposals in the Bill will be unaffordable to families and young people on ordinary incomes in most parts of the country; will not preserve the taxpayer investment; and will be built at the expense of genuinely-affordable homes to rent and buy;

·           That the Bill undermines localism by taking 32 new wide and open-ended powers for the Secretary over councils and local communities, including the ability to override local plans, to mandate rents for social tenants, and to impose a levy on stock-holding councils, violating the terms of the housing revenue account self-financing deal.

This council resolves:

·           To analyse and report on the likely impact of the forced sale of council homes, the extension of right-to-buy and the 'starter homes' requirement on the local availability of affordable homes.

·           To analyse and report on any further likely impacts of the Bill on the local area;

·           To use this information to:

o    support the Leader of the Council in writing to the Secretary of State with our concerns about the Bill;

o    set up an urgent meeting between the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive with the local Members of Parliament to raise our concerns;

o    make public our concerns, including by publishing the above information on the council's website and promoting through the local press.

Moved by:               Councillor Sue Derbyshire

Seconded by:        Councillor Patrick McAuley

MOVED AND SECONDED - This council notes:

·         That the Housing and Planning Bill is currently being debated in Parliament, and if passed would threaten the provision of affordable homes for rent and buy through:

o   forcing 'high-value' council homes to be sold on the open market;

o   extending the right-to-buy to housing association tenants; and

o   undermining section 106 requirements on private developers to provide affordable homes.

·         That there is no commitment in the Bill that affordable homes will be replaced like-for-like in the local area;

·         That whilst measures to help first-time buyers are welcome, the 'starter homes' proposals in the Bill will be unaffordable to families and young people on ordinary incomes in most parts of the country; will not preserve the taxpayer investment; and will be built at the expense of genuinely-affordable homes to rent and buy;

·         That the Bill undermines localism by taking 32 new wide and open-ended powers for the Secretary over councils and local communities, including the ability to override local plans, to mandate rents for social tenants, and to impose a levy on stock-holding councils, violating the terms of the housing revenue account self-financing deal.

This council resolves:

·         To analyse and report on the likely impact of the forced sale of council homes, the extension of right-to-buy and the 'starter homes' requirement on the local availability of affordable homes.

·         To analyse and report on any further likely impacts of the Bill on the local area;

·         To use this information to:

o   support the Leader of the Council in writing to the Secretary of State with our concerns about the Bill;

o   set up an urgent meeting between the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive with the local Members of Parliament to raise our concerns;

o   make public our concerns, including by publishing the above information on the council's website and promoting through the local press.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This council notes:

·         That the Housing and Planning Bill is currently being debated in Parliament, and if passed would threaten the provision of affordable homes for rent and buy through:

o   forcing 'high-value' council homes to be sold on the open market;

o   extending the right-to-buy to housing association tenants; and

o   undermining section 106 requirements on private developers to provide affordable homes.

·         That there is no commitment in the Bill that affordable homes will be replaced like-for-like in the local area;

·         That whilst measures to help first-time buyers are welcome, the 'starter homes' proposals in the Bill will be unaffordable to families and young people on ordinary incomes in most parts of the country; will not preserve the taxpayer investment; and will be built at the expense of genuinely-affordable homes to rent and buy;

·         That the Bill undermines localism by taking 32 new wide and open-ended powers for the Secretary over councils and local communities, including the ability to override local plans, to mandate rents for social tenants, and to impose a levy on stock-holding councils, violating the terms of the housing revenue account self-financing deal.

This council resolves:

·         To analyse and report on the likely impact of the forced sale of council homes, the extension of right-to-buy and the 'starter homes' requirement on the local availability of affordable homes.

·         To analyse and report on any further likely impacts of the Bill on the local area;

·         To use this information to:

o   support the Leader of the Council and Leader of the Labour Group in writing to the Secretary of State with our concerns about the Bill;

o   set up an urgent meeting between the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Labour Group and the Chief Executive with the local Members of Parliament to raise our concerns;

o   make public our concerns, including publishing the above information on the Council's website, continued promotion through the local press, and supporting the Labour and Liberal Democrat Group Housing Spokespeople in their opposition  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.(ii)

This council notes:

·           1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

·           The World Health Organisation predicts that depression will be the second most common health condition worldwide by 2020.

·           Mental ill health costs some £105 billion each year in England alone.

·           People with a severe mental illness die up to 20 years younger than their peers in the UK.

·           There is often a circular relationship between mental health and issues such as housing, employment, family problems or debt.

This council believes:

·           As a local authority we have a crucial role to play in improving the mental health of everyone in our community and tackling some of the widest and most entrenched inequalities in health.

·           Mental health should be a priority across all the local authority’s areas of responsibility, including housing, community safety and planning.

·           All councillors, whether members of the Executive or Scrutiny and in our community and casework roles, can play a positive role in championing mental health on an individual and strategic basis.

This council resolves:

·           To sign the Local Authorities’ Mental Health Challenge run by Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Providers Forum, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, Royal College of Psychiatrists and YoungMinds.

We commit to appoint an elected member as ‘mental health champion’ across the council.

We will seek to identify a member of staff within the council to act as ‘lead officer’ for mental health.

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The council will also:

·           Support positive mental health in our community, including in local schools, neighbourhoods and workplaces.

·           Work to reduce inequalities in mental health in our community.

·           Work with local partners to offer effective support for people with mental health needs.

·           Tackle discrimination on the grounds of mental health in our community.

·           Proactively listen to people of all ages and backgrounds about what they need for better mental health.

·           Sign up to the Time to Change pledge

Moved by:               Councillor Keith Holloway        (Liberal Democrat Group)

Seconded by:        Councillor Tom McGee             (Labour Group)

                                 Councillor Kenny Blair              (Conservative Group)

                                 Councillor Adrian Nottingham (Independent Ratepayers Group)

RESOLVED - This council notes:

·           1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

·           The World Health Organisation predicts that depression will be the second most common health condition worldwide by 2020.

·           Mental ill health costs some £105 billion each year in England alone.

·           People with a severe mental illness die up to 20 years younger than their peers in the UK.

·           There is often a circular relationship between mental health and issues such as housing, employment, family problems or debt.

This council believes:

·           As a local authority we have a crucial role to play in improving the mental health of everyone in our community and tackling some of the widest and most entrenched inequalities in health.

·           Mental health should be a priority across all the local authority’s areas of responsibility, including housing, community safety and planning.

·           All councillors, whether members of the Executive or Scrutiny and in our community and casework roles, can play a positive role in championing mental health on an individual and strategic basis.

This council resolves:

·           To sign the Local Authorities’ Mental Health Challenge run by Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Providers Forum, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, Royal College of Psychiatrists and YoungMinds.

We commit to appoint an elected member as ‘mental health champion’ across the council.

We will seek to identify a member of staff within the council to act as ‘lead officer’ for mental health.

?

The council will also:

·           Support positive mental health in our community, including in local schools, neighbourhoods and workplaces.

·           Work to reduce inequalities in mental health in our community.

·           Work with local partners to offer effective support for people with mental health needs.

·           Tackle discrimination on the grounds of mental health in our community.

·           Proactively listen to people of all ages and backgrounds about what they need for better mental health.

·           Sign up to the Time to Change pledge