Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 3 December 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Council held on 3 December 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.

With deep regret, the Mayor referred to the death on 17 January 2016 of Councillor Lenny Grice who had served on the Council since May 2008 as a member for Cheadle Hulme South ward.  Councillor Grice had also served as the Chair of the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee since 2009.

Each Group then addressed the Council Meeting and paid tribute to Councillor Grice.

Members of the Council then stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of Councillor Grice.

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

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

It was noted that the Standards Committee had approved a wide dispensation to enable any member with a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or a Personal and Prejudicial interest in Summons Item 3(i) – ‘Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget and Rent Levels for 2016/17’  to take part and vote at the meeting.

It was also noted that a further dispensation had been granted to enable any member with a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in the Council Tax Support and Discount Scheme as a property owner or a personal and prejudicial interest as being eligible to pay Council Tax to take part and vote at this Council Meeting.

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 in relation to whether a list could be provided in relation to grants or other funds provided to charities or other organisations during 2014/15 or 2015/16 which were then paid to Stockport Council to act as banker for the funds.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) responded that in both 2014/15 and 2015/16 the Council had not acted as banker for any grant or other funds received by organisations.

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

There were no petitions or presentations.

(a)       Section 41 Spokespersons

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

(b)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

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

(c)        Greater Manchester Combined Authority

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

(d)       GMCA/AGMA Scrutiny Pool

Members of the GMCA/AGMA Scrutiny Pool to make a report on the conduct of the business of the Pool since the last meeting of the Council Meeting.

The following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the GMCA/AGMA Scrutiny Pool:-

Councillors   Sue Ingham

John McGahan

                        Wendy Wild

(a)       Section 41 Spokespersons

Councillor Syd Lloyd asked Councillor Walter Brett whether he had approved of the proposal of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority to allocate one fire engine to the Borough overnight in the light of the proposed allocation of more fire engines to less populous boroughs including four to each of Salford, Tameside and Rochdale.

Councillor Brett responded that he agreed with Councillor Lloyd and that while he had made no representations on the proposals to date, work was being undertaken to secure a better grant for the Authority so that there were more fire engines on call at all times.

Councillor Syd Lloyd then further enquired how the allocation to each of the boroughs had been calculated in the light of both Stockport and Trafford being allocated one fire engine each while other less populated districts, or districts with less risk associated with the operation of their industrial and commercial activities had been allocated more fire engines.

Councillor Brett advised Councillor Lloyd that he would provide a written response.

Councillor Lloyd stated that the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Authority currently held £15 million in balances and was projected to hold £35.5 million by the end of the year.  Councillor Lloyd asked if Councillor Brett was aware that the Authority had been able to transfer an additional £1.5 million of its revenue budget into the Capital Reserve Fund and that there was still a projected underspend of £1.3 million; and whether in the light of these facts he could justify any proposal to increase the precept levied by the Authority.

Councillor Brett responded that he was aware of the information described by Councillor Lloyd.  Councillor Brett advised Councillor Lloyd that there was a significant capital investment programme being undertaken by the Authority and that by the end of the financial year, the level of reserves would be in line with auditing standards and had been approved by the auditor.

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 Wendy Wild stated that the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework had identified a number of locations in Stockport for possible housing, two of which fell within the Davenport & Cale Green ward; one of which was a much valued community orchard and the other a well-used allotment area.  Councillor Wild asked whether the Leader of the Council could provide any assurance that these areas would not be put forward for development.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) responded that there had been an open call for sites that may be suitable for future development and that as a result there was no suggestion that all of those site proposed would ever be suitable for development.

(d)       GMCA/AGMA Scrutiny Pool

There were no reports or questions on the business of the GMCA/AGMA Scrutiny Pool.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Support & Governance) and (Thriving Economy).

The Deputy Leader of the Council (Support & Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Council Meeting to set the level of rent and service charges in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and approve the HRA budget for 2016/17.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:-

·         a reduction in the average social rent of 1% for dwelling rents;

·         an increase of 1.3% for rents of shared ownership properties;

·         service charge changes and increases as outlined in section 3;

·         a 0.9% increase in Carecall Charges;

·         a 0.9% increase in Warden Charges; and,

·         the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2016/17 as set out in Appendix 1.

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 outcome of the review the local Discounts and Exemptions which would be available in respect of Business Rates and Council Tax for 2016/17.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following in respect of Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts and Exemptions:

(a)   Business Rates Relief

·         That support continues for

o   CASC organisations as outlined at 3.4

o   Not for profit organisations as outlined at 3.7

·         That further support for Charities is limited to mandatory relief (see paragraph 3.5) and that any village shop entitlement (3.6) be considered through the local business rates relief scheme.

·         That the localised discount scheme for businesses as outlined in section 3.8 and 3.9 be maintained with a review of the awarding criteria for the Town & District Improvement Scheme.

·         That organisations and initiatives which are considered to be essential for the Council to achieve its priorities as outlined at 3.10 of this report continue to be considered for business rates relief.

(b)   Council Tax

·         That Stockport’s empty property discount scheme is maintained for 2016/17 as described at section 4.3 of this report.

·         That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2016/17 as detailed at section 5 and Appendix 6.

·         That the wording of the Council Tax Support Scheme be amended to clarify the treatment of Universal Credit in the calculation.

·         That Care Leavers under the age of 21 be considered as a priority group for a Discretionary Council Tax Payment as described at section 4.4.

·         That the Discretionary Payment Budget be increased to £100k for 2016/17.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places).

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) submitted a revised Statement of Licensing Policy and Gambling Policy (Statement of Principles) detailing how the Council would exercise its functions under relevant legislation.

RESOLVED - That the Statement of Licensing Policy and the Gambling Policy as detailed in the report be approved and adopted.

Leader of the Council to report.

RESOLVED – (1) That Councillor Chris Gordon be invited to allow his name to be submitted to the Annual Council Meeting for election to the Office of Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for the year 2016/2017.

(2) That Councillor Lisa Walker be invited to allow her name to be submitted to the Annual Council Meeting for the appointment to the Office of Deputy Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for the year 2016/2017.

To appoint Councillor Christine Corris as Chair of the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Christine Corris be appointed Chair of the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

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 Executive had formulated its budget proposals which had been the subject of intense scrutiny by the Council’s scrutiny committees over a period of months and which had produced a balanced budget.  However, since then, the recent Local Government Finance Settlement had signalled a shift away from the provision of an element of Council Tax freeze grant and had built in an assumption that councils would levy an associated increase in Council Tax. 

Councillor Derbyshire reported that this now produced a budgetary shortfall of approximately £2 million and that proposals would now need to come forward on how this shortfall would be addressed.

Councillor Derbyshire further reported that on 18 December 2015, the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Partnership Board approved in principle the draft strategic plan.  It was stated that all of the partners at the meeting were in agreement that this plan would help improve health outcomes across the conurbation.

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; the Deputy Leader of the Council (Support & Governance) and the Executive Councillors (Independence and Wellbeing), (Supporting Adults), (Safe and Resilient Communities), (Supporting Children), (Supporting Places) 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 16 December 2015 and 5 January 2016 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 Meetings held on 16 December 2015 and 5 January 2016 (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 Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Tom McGee) responded to a question on the business of the Scrutiny Committee 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 – 7 December 2015

Children & Young People – 9 December 2015

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 8 December 2015

Environment & Economy  – 10 December 2015

Health & Wellbeing – 1 December 2015

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 11 December 2015

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.

The Chair of the Licensing, Environment & Safety Committee (Councillor Chris Gordon) responded to a question on the business of the Committee in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

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

Ordinary Committees

Area Committees

Ward Committees

Brinnington & Reddish Joint Ward – 7 December 2015

Offerton – 10 December 2015

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 – 9 December and 15 December 201

Audit – 6 January 2016

Employment Appeals Committee – 9 December 2015

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 25 November 2015 and 13 January 2016

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 24 November 2015

Planning & Highways Regulation – 26 November 2015 and 14 January 2016

Town Centre – 13 January 2016

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 17 December 2015

Central Stockport – 17 December 2015

Cheadle – 15 December 2015

Heatons & Reddish – 14 December 2015

Marple – 16 December 2015

Stepping Hill – 15 December 2015

Werneth – 14 December 2015

Ward Committees

Brinnington & Reddish Joint Ward – 7 December 2015

Offerton – 10 December 2015

This Council Meeting welcomes the Government’s announcement on 9 December, 2015 that the new Northern and TransPennine Express Franchises have been awarded, in a massive boost to rail services bringing the Northern Powerhouse to life.

This Council Meeting further welcomes the news that the franchises will make a real difference to passengers bringing benefits including:

·         The introduction of 500 brand new carriages

·         Removal of the outdated and unpopular Pacer trains across the North

·         Space for over 40,000 more passengers at the busiest of times

·         Thousands of extra services a week

·         Roll out of free Wi-Fi on trains and at stations

·         Over £55 million invested in station improvements, including new ticket machines and the introduction of staffing at 45 currently unstaffed stations

·         Improving compensation arrangements, including automatic compensation for delays for registered season and advanced purchase tickets.

This Council Meeting further welcomes the decision that the franchises will be jointly managed in the North, from Leeds, by the DfT and Rail North Ltd - which represents 29 Local Authorities across the North. This shows the Government’s continued commitment to devolution and to closing the economic gap between the North and South. The new franchises are expected to create jobs, opportunity and growth and – coupled with electrifying the vital trans-Pennine route – will help our region realize its full economic potential by ensuring it has a modern, 21st Century transport system.

This Council Meeting notes that the award of the new rail franchises has been roundly welcomed by business organisations and others including the CBI, Manchester Airport and UKTI as well as by the IPPR North.

This Council Meeting therefore welcomes the award of the rail franchises and resolves to support the provision of a world class rail service across the North and the contribution this can make to rebalancing the UK economy, with Greater Manchester at the heart of a Northern Powerhouse.

Moved by:                  Councillor Syd Lloyd          

Seconded by:           Councillor Oliver Johnstone

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) at the request of the mover of the motion the Council Meeting gave its consent to the alteration of the motion as tabled to incorporate an alteration proposed by the Liberal Democrat Group which had been published and circulated in advance of the meeting.

RESOLVED - This Council Meeting welcomes the Government’s announcement on 9 December, 2015 that the new Northern and TransPennine Express Franchises have been awarded, in a massive boost to rail services bringing the Northern Powerhouse to life.

This Council Meeting further welcomes the news that the franchises will make a real difference to passengers bringing benefits including:

·         The introduction of 500 brand new carriages

·         Removal of the outdated and unpopular Pacer trains across the North

·         Space for over 40,000 more passengers at the busiest of times

·         Thousands of extra services a week

·         Roll out of free Wi-Fi on trains and at stations

·         Over £55 million invested in station improvements, including new ticket machines and the introduction of staffing at 45 currently unstaffed stations

·         Improving compensation arrangements, including automatic compensation for delays for registered season and advanced purchase tickets.

This Council Meeting further welcomes the decision that the franchises will be jointly managed in the North, from Leeds, by the DfT and Rail North Ltd - which represents 29 Local Authorities across the North. This shows the Government’s continued commitment to devolution and to closing the economic gap between the North and South. The new franchises are expected to create jobs, opportunity and growth and – coupled with electrifying the vital trans-Pennine route – will help our region realize its full economic potential by ensuring it has a modern, 21st Century transport system.

This Council Meeting notes that the award of the new rail franchises has been roundly welcomed by business organisations and others including the CBI, Manchester Airport and UKTI as well as by the IPPR North.

This Council Meeting therefore welcomes the award of the rail franchises and resolves to support the provision of a world class rail service across the North, including for those with disabilities, and the contribution this can make to rebalancing the UK economy, with Greater Manchester at the heart of a Northern Powerhouse.

This Council notes

·         The crucial role played by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) in protecting local residents in Stockport

·         The vital work of GMFRS during recent severe weather conditions and floods across Greater Manchester and elsewhere in the North West

·         That since 2010 the GMFRS budget has been cut by £28 million, resulting in the loss of 539 firefighter posts and 10 fire engines being taken out of operation

·         Cuts have already left GMFRS stretched to the limit in terms of their ability to tackle local and national crises, and in their ability to keep our communities safe

·         That the Comprehensive Spending Review means further frontline cuts of £15.8 million to the GMFRS budget over the next 4 years, and that £12.6 million of this is frontloaded in 2016-17 and 2017-18

·         County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly projects that this will mean 312 firefighter posts will be lost in Greater Manchester, with overall numbers falling from 1,311 at present to less than 1,000 by 2020. In 2010 there were 1,850

·         That Stockport could now have greatly reduced night-time cover, with a reduction of night-time fire engines across Greater Manchester from 56 down to 33 meaning our borough will only have 1 engine immediately available

·         That the Summer Budget on 8th July 2015 stated that ‘Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority will be abolished and legislation will enable the transfer of its functions to the Elected Mayor. Appropriate arrangements will be introduced to oversee the operational discharge of functions’

This Council believes

·         That as the second largest service in the country, GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives and helping in times of crisis

·         Fire prevention is a key part of the work of GMFRS and a successful focus on it is the primary reason for a 42% reduction in fires over the last six years

·         Further cuts to GMFRS will seriously undermine the continued ability of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to future emergencies and will inevitably put residents in Stockport at increased risk

This Council resolves

·         To work with Stockport MPs and other GM Councils to highlight the impact of further cuts to the GMFRS budget and press the Government to rethink these disproportionate changes

·         For the Chief Executive to write to the Minister of State for Communities and Resilience to request a meeting with local MPs and Group Leaders to ask that the Government reconsider these cuts and recognise the importance of budgetary protection for GMFRS

Moved by:                  Councillor Alex Ganotis

Seconded by:           Councillor Walter Brett

RESOLVED (47 for, 12 against) - This Council notes

·         The crucial role played by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) in protecting local residents in Stockport

·         The vital work of GMFRS during recent severe weather conditions and floods across Greater Manchester and elsewhere in the North West

·         That since 2010 the GMFRS budget has been cut by £28 million, resulting in the loss of 539 firefighter posts and 10 fire engines being taken out of operation

·         Cuts have already left GMFRS stretched to the limit in terms of their ability to tackle local and national crises, and in their ability to keep our communities safe

·         That the Comprehensive Spending Review means further frontline cuts of £15.8 million to the GMFRS budget over the next 4 years, and that £12.6 million of this is frontloaded in 2016-17 and 2017-18

·         County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly projects that this will mean 312 firefighter posts will be lost in Greater Manchester, with overall numbers falling from 1,311 at present to less than 1,000 by 2020. In 2010 there were 1,850

·         That Stockport could now have greatly reduced night-time cover, with a reduction of night-time fire engines across Greater Manchester from 56 down to 33 meaning our borough will only have 1 engine immediately available

·         That the Summer Budget on 8th July 2015 stated that ‘Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority will be abolished and legislation will enable the transfer of its functions to the Elected Mayor. Appropriate arrangements will be introduced to oversee the operational discharge of functions’

This Council believes

·         That as the second largest service in the country, GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives and helping in times of crisis

·         Fire prevention is a key part of the work of GMFRS and a successful focus on it is the primary reason for a 42% reduction in fires over the last six years

·         Further cuts to GMFRS will seriously undermine the continued ability of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to future emergencies and will inevitably put residents in Stockport at increased risk

This Council resolves

·         To work with Stockport MPs and other GM Councils to highlight the impact of further cuts to the GMFRS budget and press the Government to rethink these disproportionate changes

·         For the Chief Executive to write to the Minister of State for Communities and Resilience to request a meeting with local MPs and Group Leaders to ask that the Government reconsider these cuts and recognise the importance of budgetary protection for GMFRS.

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) setting out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2016/17 be confirmed and published in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

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

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed amendments to Article 11 of the Constitution relating to the Standards Committee based on the recommendations made by the Standards Committee, Constitution Working Party and the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the changes to Constitution as set out in the report relating to the Standards Committee (Part 2 Article 11 and Part 3 Scheme of Delegation, Appendix 6).

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

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed amendments to the Financial Procedure Rules within the Council’s Constitution following a regular biennial review.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the amendments to the the Constitution as set out in the report relating to the Financial Procedure Rules (Part 1 Article 4; Part 2 Article 4; Part 3, introduction and Appendices 3 and 10; Part 4 PR2 and PR5).

(2) That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any consequential changes to the Scheme of Delegation and other changes to the Constitution necessitated by the deletion of the post of Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

To consider a report of the Returning Officer.

The Deputy Leader of the Council (Support & Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed amendments to the Council’s scheme of polling arrangements in advance of the Local elections in May 2016.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the proposed amendments to the Council’s scheme of polling arrangements as detailed in the report.

(2) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Group Leaders, be authorised to identify any alternative polling stations, if necessary, for the May 2016 elections should any other polling stations become unavailable on the date of the election.

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 proposed Business Programme for the municipal years 2016/17 and 2017/18.

RESOLVED - That the Business Programme for the municipal years 2016/17 and 2017/18 be approved and adopted.

To note that Mr Michael Cullen has been appointed to the post of Borough Treasurer with effect from 1 April 2016.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that Mr Michael Cullen had been appointed to the post of Borough Treasurer with effect from 1 April 2016.

To appoint Malcolm Bargett and Michelle Beecroft as Parent Governor Representatives on the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the provisions of The Parent Governor Representatives (England) Regulations 2001.

RESOLVED – That Malcolm Bargett and Michelle Beecroft be appointed as Parent Governor Representatives on the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the provisions of The Parent Governor Representatives (England) Regulations 2001.