Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meetings of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 23 May 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 23 May 2023 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 regret, the Mayor reported that Lord Bob Kerslake had passed away at the beginning of July following a short illness.  Lord Kerslake had served as the Chair of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation following a long and successful career in local government.  It was stated that Lord Kerslake has championed Stockport on many platforms at a national level and saw the potential of the borough and the role that the council was playing in investing in its future.

The Mayor and the Group Leaders then paid tribute to the memory of Lord Kerslake.

The Mayor then invited all those present to stand in silence as a mark of respect.

The Mayor then stated that the annual Civic Service was due to be held on 23 July 20223 at 2.30 pm at St Mary’s in the Marketplace and all members we welcome to attend.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they may have in any of the items on the Summons for the meeting.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the items on the summons for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

The Mayor reported that a personal interest would automatically be registered for all councillors who were members of a trade union in respect of Summons Item 7(ii) – ‘Motion – A Fully Funded, Proper Pay Rise for Council and School Workers’

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.

Four public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the use of glyphosate weedkiller by the council and the grass verge cutting regime.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) responded that the council, in common with many local authorities did use glyphosate to control weed growth, but did recognise the public's concern and have reduced its use over recent years with a much more targeted approach and a gradual shift to more rewilding.  However, it was stated that there was not currently a realistic alternative to keeping footpaths free of weeds. 

Councillor Roberts noted that the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee had asked to undertake a review of the use of glyphosate with a view to considering how the council could reduce its use further and whether there were practical alternatives available or emerging elsewhere.

·         Relating to whether councillors were aware of the issues around the mining of lithium for use in batteries for electric vehicles, and whether the council would confirm that it would always do what is best for local people, the environment and for children and if it would resist pressure and subsidies linked to harmful new technologies.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) responded that the council was aware and also concerned about the complexities of the full-life cycle analysis of new technologies and practices. It was clear that in some instances there were unintended consequences.  However, while some of the examples quotes in the question were not a panacea, they remained better choices than maintaining the status quo.

·         Relating to the lack of a public consultation on the future of the Central Library building.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that the council was not closing the library and that while the Central Library building would temporarily be closed for refurbishment, library services would continue to be offered from the building.

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport (Councillor Frankie Singleton) further responded that Stockroom was offering a state of the art archive for our cultural assets and that currently the archives were not well used and were not accessible to the people of Stockport.  The new service allowed the council to keep its accreditation from the National Archives and enhance our heritage and library service. There would be an opportunity to showcase some of our archival material that had not been able to be on display for some years.

It was further stated that the move would also allow for a refurbishment of the Central Library building and make space for the adult education service to also make use of that building.

A further public question was submitted where the questioner was not in attendance 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.

Schools Climate Assembly

The Council Meeting will receive a presentation in relation to the Schools Climate Assembly.

Petitions

One petition was submitted with 357 signatories requesting that he Council secure all of Mirrlees Fields for the community and future generations.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services.

Presentation - Schools Climate Assembly

Liz Atherton (Transformation Project Manager - Climate Action Now) and students St Paul’s Primary School, Brinnington and St Winifred’s Primary School, Heaton Mersey attended the meeting and made a presentation and responded to questions in relation to the Schools Climate Assembly.

At the conclusion of the item, the Mayor expressed thanks to Nick Leslie and all those students who attended the meeting for their attendance and presentation.

(a)       Greater Manchester Police, Crime & Fire Panel

To appoint Councillor Tom Morrison to answer questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Crime & Fire Panel.

Councillor Tom Morrison to answer questions, if any, on the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Crime & Fire Panel.

(b)      Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The appoint the following spokespersons to answer questions (if any) in  relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority:-

The appointed councillors to then answer questions, if any, on the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Greater Manchester Bee Network Committee and the Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee.

(a)       Greater Manchester Police, Crime & Fire Panel

RESOLVED – That Councillor Tom Morrison be appointed to answer questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Crime & Fire Panel.

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

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

RESOLVED - That the following councillors be appointed to answer questions in relation to the discharge of the functions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Greater Manchester Bee Network Committee and the Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee:-

Councillor Mark Hunter then responded to questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Councillor Grace Baynham responded to questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Bee Network Committee.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services.

The Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services (Councillor Grace Baynham) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) proposing changes to the governance arrangements for transport in Greater Manchester.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following insofar as they relate to the discharge of non-executive functions:-

(i) The establishment of a new joint transport committee (the Bee Network Committee) of the GMCA, the Mayor and the ten Greater Manchester constituent councils.

(ii) The appointment of members to the Bee Network Committee, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, specifically appointing Councillor Grace Baynham to the Committee and Councillor Mark Roberts as the substitute member.

(iii) The Terms of Reference of the Bee Network Committee as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

(iv) The delegation of the functions of the GMCA as set out in the Terms of Reference to the Bee Network Committee and noted the delegation of Mayoral functions as set out in the Terms of Reference, attached at Appendix 2 of the report.

(v) The delegation of the functions of the Local Authority Constituent Councils as set out in the terms of Reference, attached at Appendix 2 of the report (which for the avoidance of doubt are the same delegations given to the former Transport Committee).

(vi) The Rules of Procedure for the Bee Network Committee as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the recommendations of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) following the receipt of a report detailing the recommendations of the Greater Manchester Independent Remuneration Panel in relation to payments to members of the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That it be noted that:-

·         the GMCA has received and considered a report of its Independent Remuneration Panel on 16 December 2022 detailing a proposed schedule of allowances for members of the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee as detailed in paragraph 2.2 of this report.

·         the GMCA noted and accepted the recommendations of the GM IRP.

·         the GMCA does not currently have the legislative power to pay allowances

·         directly to the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee members pending the passage of the levelling up bill through parliament.

·         the GMCA has requested that the GM Districts consider paying the proposed allowances to their appointees on the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the interim, subject to reimbursement from the GMCA.

·         the GMCA has recommended that the payment of allowances be backdated to 24 June 2022 when the new scrutiny arrangements were put in place.

(2)  That approval therefore be given to the adoption and incorporation of the proposed schedule of allowances within Stockport’s Members’ Allowances Scheme.

(3) That approval be given to the backdating of the payment of any such allowances to 24 June 2022 when the new scrutiny arrangements were put in place.

(4) That paragraph 4(4) of the Members’ Allowances Scheme be amended to permit the payment of two SRAs to a member of the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the strategic proposal to expand the current STAR Shared Procurement service from four partner councils to six partner councils and the rationale for STAR’s growth strategy, proposed commercial arrangements, governance arrangements and implementation strategies.

RESOLVED – That insofar as the matter related to the discharge of non-executive functions, and noting that the Cabinet had already given approval to those matters requiring executive authority:-

(1) Approval be given to the disestablishment of the current STAR Joint Committee.

(2) Approval be given to the expansion of the current shared procurement service to include the Fifth Partner and Sixth Partner which will continue to be hosted by Trafford Borough Council in accordance with the provisions detailed in the main body of the report.

(3) Approval be given to the establishment of a new STAR Joint Committee for Stockport, Trafford, Rochdale, Tameside, the Fifth Partner and Sixth Partner that will support the delivery of the Shared Service and provide delegated authority to the Procurement Service to operate across the Stockport, Trafford, Rochdale, Tameside, Fifth Partner and Sixth Partner areas.

(4) Approval be given to the governance arrangements and Terms of Reference of the new STAR Joint Committee as set out in the report.

(5) Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to agree the final terms and conditions of and to enter into an Inter Authority Agreement (“IAA”) in respect of the STAR Procurement shared service in similar terms to the existing IAA.

(6) The proposed approach to those circumstances whereby staff would transfer to the new procurement service, and therefore to Trafford Council under TUPE, as outlined in the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

(NOTE: This item stood adjourned without debate from the last ordinary meeting of the Council Meeting on 30 March 2023).

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the amendment of the Council Meeting Procedure Rules to provide for the submission and circulation of any proposed amendments to notices of motion in advance of the meeting.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given the amendment of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.6(b) as detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

(2) That this rule be disapplied in the case of committee meetings and that an amendment be made to Council Meeting Procedure Rule 26 to include Rule 14.6(b) within the schedule of exemptions.

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council and other members of the Cabinet on the conduct of Cabinet business since the last Council Meeting.

The Leader of the Council; the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment; and the Cabinet Members for; Children, Families & Education; Communities, Culture & Sport; Finance & Resources; and Parks, Highways & Transport Services made a report on the conduct of Cabinet business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions and receive comments from Councillors addressed to the Leader of the Council or other members of the Cabinet, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

The Leader of the Council; the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment; and the Cabinet Members for Communities, Culture & Sport; Economy, Regeneration & Housing; Finance & Resources; Health & Adult Social Care; and Parks, Highways & Transport Services answered questions and responded to comments relating to the business of the Cabinet in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Cabinet held on 27 June 2023 (pages 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 Cabinet held 27 June 2023 (copies of which had been circulated) and the record of executive decisions 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.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Scrutiny Chairs, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

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

To receive the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees:-

The Mayor declared the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

Adult Social Care & Health – 15 June 2023

Children & Families – 14 June 2023

Communities & Transport – 12 June and 29 June 2023

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 13 June 2023

Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change – 15 June 2023

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 3 July 2023

To consider a report of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee (Councillor Colin Foster) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing scrutiny review topics which had been proposed by scrutiny committees for 2023/24.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the scrutiny review programme for 2023/24.

To receive a report from the Chairs of the Planning & Highways Regulation and Licensing, Environment & Safety 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 – 23 March 2023

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 26 April 2023

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 3 May and 8 June 2023                                  

Member – 3 July 2023

Planning & Highways Regulation – 23 March, 3 April and 27 April 2023

Standards Sub – 25 April 2023

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 20 April and 22 June 2023

Central Stockport – 20 April and 22 June 2023

Cheadle – 18 April and 20 June 2023

Heatons & Reddish – 17 April and 19 June 2023

Marple – 19 April and 21 June 2023

Stepping Hill – 18 April and 20 June 2023

Werneth – 17 April and 19 June 2023

This Council meeting notes the proposed reduction in cover from Offerton Fire Station is a major cause for concern for local residents, with officials estimating response times would increase by up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

This Council meeting resolves to oppose any such reduction in cover, in Offerton or elsewhere in Stockport, as it would represent a potential danger to lives.

Moved by:               Councillor Lisa Smart

Seconded by:          Councillor Will Dawson

RESOLVED - This Council meeting notes the proposed reduction in cover from Offerton Fire Station is a major cause for concern for local residents, with officials estimating response times would increase by up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

This Council meeting resolves to oppose any such reduction in cover, in Offerton or elsewhere in Stockport, as it would represent a potential danger to lives.

This Council notes:

·       Local government has endured central government funding cuts of more than 50% since 2010. Between 2010 and 2020, councils lost 60p out of every £1 they have received from central government. Councils across England are now facing a collective funding gap of £2.4bn for the financial year 2023/24 and a cumulative funding gap of £4.08bn for 2024/25 according to UNISON research.

·       Councils led the way in efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a huge range of services and support for our communities. Local government has shown more than ever how indispensable it is. But Covid has led to a massive increase in expenditure and loss of income, and as we emerge from the pandemic, local authorities and schools need far more support from Westminster. Recent funding announcements from the Government relating to schools did nothing to help.

·       Council and school workers kept our communities safe through the pandemic, often putting themselves at considerable risk as they work to protect public health, provide quality housing, ensure our children continue to be educated, and look after older and vulnerable people.

·       Since 2010, the local government workforce has endured years of pay restraint with the majority of pay points losing at least 25 per cent of their value since 2009/10. Staff are now facing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, with inflation hitting 10% and many having to make impossible choices between food, heating and other essentials. This is a terrible situation for anyone to find themselves in.

·       At the same time, workers have experienced ever-increasing workloads and persistent job insecurity. Across the UK, 900,000 jobs have been lost in local government since June 2010 – a reduction of more than 30 per cent. Local government has arguably been hit by more severe job losses than any other part of the public sector.

·       There has been a disproportionate impact on women, with women making up more than three-quarters of the local government workforce. Recent research shows that if the Government were to fully fund the unions’ 2023 pay claim, around half of the money would be recouped thanks to increased tax revenue, reduced expenditure on benefits and tax credits, and increased consumer spending in the local economy.

This Council believes:

·       Our workers are public service super-heroes. They keep our communities clean and safe, look after those in need and keep our towns and cities running. Without the professionalism and dedication of our staff, the council services our residents rely on would not be deliverable.

·       Local government workers deserve a proper real-terms pay increase. The Government needs to take responsibility and fully fund this increase; it should not put the burden on local authorities whose funding has been cut to the bone and who were not offered adequate support through the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Council resolves to:

·       Support the pay claim submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of council and school workers, for an increase of RPI + 2%.

·       Call on the Local Government Association to make urgent representations to central government to fund the NJC pay claim.

·       Write to the Chancellor and Secretary of State to call for a pay increase for local government workers to be funded with new money from central government.

·       Meet with local NJC union representatives to convey support for the pay claim and consider practical ways in which the council can support the campaign.

·       Encourage all local government workers to join a union.

Moved by:               Councillor Rachel Wise

Seconded by:          Councillor John Taylor

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 which had been published and circulated in advance of the meeting.

It was then

RESOLVED - This council notes:

·         Local government has endured central government funding cuts of more than 50% since 2010. Between 2010 and 2020, councils lost 60p out of every £1 they have received from central government. Councils across England are now facing a collective funding gap of £2.4bn for the financial year 2023/24 and a cumulative funding gap of £4.08bn for 2024/25 according to UNISON research.

·         Councils led the way in efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a huge range of services and support for our communities. Local government has shown more than ever how indispensable it is. But Covid has led to a massive increase in expenditure and loss of income, and as we emerge from the pandemic, local authorities and schools need far more support from Westminster. Recent funding announcements from the Government relating to schools did nothing to help.

·         Council and school colleagues kept our communities safe through the pandemic, often putting themselves at considerable risk as they work to protect public health, provide quality housing, ensure our children continue to be educated, and look after older and vulnerable people.

·         Since 2010, the local government workforce has endured years of pay restraint with the majority of pay points losing at least 25 per cent of their value since 2009/10. Staff are now facing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, with inflation hitting 10% and many having to make impossible choices between food, heatingand other essentials. This is a terrible situation for anyone to find themselves in.

·         At the same time, colleagues have experienced ever-increasing workloads and persistent job insecurity. Across the UK, 900,000 jobs have been lost in local government since June 2010 – a reduction of more than 30 per cent. Local government has arguably been hit by more severe job losses than any other part of the public sector.

·         There has been a disproportionate impact on women, with women making up more than three-quarters of the local government workforce.

·         Recent research shows that if the Government were to fully fund the unions’ 2023 pay claim, around half of the money would be recouped thanks to increased tax revenue, reduced expenditure on benefits and tax credits, and increased consumer spending in the local economy.

This council believes:

·         Our colleagues are public service super-heroes. They keep our communities clean and safe, look after those in need and keep our towns and cities running.

·         Without the professionalism and dedication of our staff, the council services our residents rely on would not be deliverable.

·         Local government colleagues deserve a proper real-terms pay increase. The Government needs to take responsibility and fully fund this increase; it should not put the burden on local authorities whose funding has been cut to the bone and who were not offered adequate support through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Within the NJC negotiation process, this council resolves to:

·           Support the pay claim submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of council and school colleagues, for a fully-funded increase of RPI + 2%

·           Call on the Local Government Association to make urgent representations to central government to fund the NJC pay claim

·           Write to the Chancellor and Secretary of State to call for a pay increase for local government colleagues to be funded with new money from central government

·           Meet with local NJC union representatives to convey support for the pay claim and consider practical ways in which the council can support the campaign

·           Confirm our support for all local government colleagues to join a union.