Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 4 October 2023.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Council held on 4 October 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 deep regret, the Mayor referred to the recent death of former councillor, Eric Pyle.  It was stated that Mr Pyle had served as a councillor for the Great Moor ward between 1987 until his retirement from the Council in 2006, and as Mayor of Stockport in 2001/02

The Mayor further reported that former councillor John Pantall, had also recently passed away.  Mr Pantall had first been elected as a councillor in the Cheadle Hulme North ward in 1979 and had remained a councillor until his retirement in 2021.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) then paid tribute to the memories of Mr Pyle and Mr Pantall.

The Mayor invited all those present to stand in silence as a mark of respect to the memories of Mr Pyle and Mr Pantall.

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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

To receive any questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters relevant to the Council’s activities.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Mayor and councillors on matters within the powers and duties of the Council.

Four public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the deficits being accrued within the Greater Manchester integrated health care system and whether this was an indication the system was failing and what the impact would be on health and social care provision in Stockport.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that there were strong relationship across the health and care system and that all organisations were working closely together to drive improved outcomes on behalf of the residents who needed support on discharge from hospital.  It was stated that the number of people in hospital who were unable to return home had been on a downward trend since it peaked in April 2022, and that the Council and its partners continued to do all they could to get people home quickly with the right care.  The Leader of the Council acknowledged that the GM system was under pressure financially and operationally, and that he had asked for an urgent item on this matter to be placed on the agenda for the next One Stockport Health & Care Board.

·         Relating to Leader of the Council’s support for the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s statement calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East to allow for the hostages to be released and for aid to reach the Palestinian people, and whether this has been discussed at a Liberal Democrat group meeting, and if the Liberal Democrat Group would submit a motion to the next Council meeting calling for a ceasefire.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) confirmed that he had put his name to a statement on behalf of all ten Greater Manchester council leaders, and that while discussions in group meetings normally remain confidential, he stated that he had discussed the situation with his colleagues.  He further confirmed that he would be happy to engage with other group leaders who may have views on this matter.

·         Relating to the Leader of the Opposition’s confirmation that he agreed with the position on calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East and whether this has been discussed at a Labour group meeting, and if the Labour Group would submit a motion to the next Council meeting calling for a ceasefire.

Councillor David Meller responded that he was not convinced that a motion to the Council Meeting would necessarily have the effect suggested by the questioner.  Councillor Meller reaffirmed his position that he wanted to see an end to the conflict.  It was further stated that Stockport Labour Group wanted to see the safe return of all hostages, a cessation of the conflict and a return to diplomacy, where the world could then work to ensure a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine could live together in unity and peace.

·         Relating to the introduction of new cycle lanes and whether the Council was sure that these had public support, and further whether the approach to responding to questions satisfied the Nolan Principles.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) responded that he didn’t agree with the characterization of previous interactions during the public question time process.  Councillor Roberts stated that the Council was united in recognising the real and present danger that climate change presented to our normal way of life. 

It was stated that the Council had a duty to look to the future, to take risks seriously and to provide leadership and take our residents with us as it sought to create a more resilient community.  Any active travel schemes were fully consulted on, and the vast majority of works were funded through separate pots of money that were ring-fenced by government for this purpose.

Councillor Roberts stated that the Council was determined to tackle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(i)

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

Greater Manchester Police

Chief Superintendent John Webster (Stockport District Commander) will attend the meeting and make a presentation and respond to questions in relation to policing issues within the Stockport area.

Petitions

No petitions were submitted.

Presentation - Greater Manchester Police

Chief Superintendent John Webster (Stockport District Commander) attended the meeting and made a presentation and responded to questions in relation to policing issues within the Stockport area.

At the conclusion of the item, the Mayor expressed thanks Chief Superintendent Webster for his attendance and presentation.

(a)       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 following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority:-

(a)       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

Councillor Mark Hunter responded to a question 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.

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority or the Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee.

To consider a report of the Chair of the Standards Committee.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on complaints received by the Monitoring Officer about the conduct of members during the 2022/23 municipal year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and formally received.

To appoint the following members to the Joint Scrutiny Panel for Pennine Care NHS Trust:-

Councillor Angie Clark

Councillor Gary Lawson

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of the following members to the Joint Scrutiny Panel for Pennine Care NHS Trust:-

Councillor Angie Clark

Councillor Gary Lawson

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; Economy, Regeneration & Housing; and Finance & Resources made a report on the conduct of Cabinet business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions 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 Member for 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 31 October 2023 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 31 October 2023 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.

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 Social Care & Health – 12 October 2023

Children & Families – 11 October 2023

Communities & Transport – 9 October 2023

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 10 October 2023

Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change – 12 October 2023

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 – 12 October 2023

Children & Families – 11 October 2023

Communities & Transport – 9 October 2023

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 10 October 2023

Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change – 12 October 2023

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

Employment Appeals – 4 October 2023

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 27 September 2023

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 31 October 2023

Member – 9 October 2023

Planning & Highways Regulation – 28 September 2023

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 19 October 2023

Central Stockport – 19 October 2023      

Cheadle – 17 October 2023

Heatons & Reddish – 16 October 2023

Marple – 18 October 2023

Stepping Hill – 17 October 2023

Werneth – 16 October 2023

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

Employment Appeals – 4 October 2023

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 27 September 2023

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 31 October 2023

Member – 9 October 2023

Planning & Highways Regulation – 28 September 2023

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 19 October 2023

Central Stockport – 19 October 2023     

Cheadle – 17 October 2023

Heatons & Reddish – 16 October 2023

Marple – 18 October 2023

Stepping Hill – 17 October 2023

Werneth – 16 October 2023

Councils are facing ongoing inflationary and pay pressures alongside a spike in demand in areas such as children’s and adult’s social care.

The Local Government Association has estimated that the collective Local Government deficit will be £3.6bn by 2024/25. 

Without national government intervention there will be a marked decline in local service provision across the country and a failure of many councils to meet their statutory obligations.

This council meeting therefore calls on the Chancellor the Exchequer to:

·         fund the current deficit in Local Government finances as part of the Autumn 2023 budget statement; and

·         provide a new multi-year Local Government Finance Settlement that fully funds the vital work councils do.

Moved by:                  Cllr Alex Wynne

Seconded by:            Cllr Jilly Julian

Source

LGA - Autumn Statement Submission

https://www.local.gov.uk/parliament/briefings-and-responses/autumn-statement-2023-lga-submission

RESOLVED - Councils are facing ongoing inflationary and pay pressures alongside a spike in demand in areas such as children’s and adult’s social care.

The Local Government Association has estimated that the collective Local Government deficit will be £3.6bn by 2024/25.

Without national government intervention there will be a marked decline in local service provision across the country and a failure of many councils to meet their statutory obligations.

This council meeting therefore calls on the Chancellor the Exchequer to:

·         fund the current deficit in Local Government finances as part of the Autumn 2023 budget statement; and

·         provide a new multi-year Local Government Finance Settlement that fully funds the vital work councils do.

This council notes:

·         The 2022/23 and 2023/24 UKSPF Community and Place funding allocation for Stockport were rolled together so that £1,580,500 is to be used by 31/03/2024.

·         With the agreement of the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee in March 2023, the council decided to call for project bids. 37 bids were received, and 27 of these were successful.

·         Figures brought to the Economy, Regeneration and Climate Change Committee in October 2023 showed that the successful bids amounted to £972,760. A further £200,000 was allocated to Stockport’s year as Town of Culture; and £40,000 has been allocated to the eight district centres (£5,000 per centre). There remains £367,513 unallocated from this fund.

·         Making our streets and night time economy safer is part of Greater Manchester’s priorities in the Combined Authority’s Standing Together plan for policing, community safety and criminal justice (under Priority 3 - Strengthening Communities and Places). Public safety and protection is a priority under the One Stockport Safety Partnership Plan, which also highlights how residents in some locations and belonging to certain demographic groups feel less safe.

This council believes:

·         Safety in our communities is of the utmost importance, particularly the safety of women and girls who often feel excluded from public spaces due to perceived lack of safety.

·         Safe communities are prosperous communities, and investment in safety will therefore help our town centre, district, and local neighbourhood centres to thrive.

·         The work done to date by the District Centre Managers has been commendable and should be further supported.

This council requests the Cabinet to approve the following:

(1) To use the remaining almost £370,000 UKSPF funding for 2023/24 for the benefit of our communities in both the eight district centres and across our local and neighbourhood centres by:

(a) Further investing in our district centres, to rocket-boost the excellent work to date; prioritising the district centres that serve communities experiencing the most deprivation.

(b) Investing in community safety in neighbourhoods across our borough, recognising that many parts of the borough are not served by one of the eight designated district centres. This should have a focus on the safety of women and girls, and other vulnerable groups. This should also have a focus on the areas of the borough that need it most.

·         The funding could be used to make these centres more attractive, safe and sustainable, and may include measures such as CCTV and better lighting; and should be done in collaboration with local councillors, groups and residents.

·         The funding could also incorporate training and awareness campaigns across the borough, so that all members of our communities feel safe to use public spaces.

(2) To review the way that the third tranche of UKSPF funding is used, so that it benefits communities across Stockport with a focus on getting the basics of community safety right, so that our neighbourhoods and communities can thrive.

Moved by:                 Councillor Claire Vibert

Seconded by:            Councillor Joe Barratt

RESOLVED - This council notes:-

·         The 2022/23 and 2023/24 UKSPF Community and Place funding allocation for Stockport were rolled together so that £1,580,500 is to be used by 31/03/2024.

·         With the agreement of the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee in March 2023, the council decided to call for project bids. 37 bids were received, and 27 of these were successful.

·         Figures brought to the Economy, Regeneration and Climate Change Committee in October 2023 showed that the successful bids amounted to £972,760. A further £200,000 was allocated to Stockport’s year as Town of Culture; and £40,000 has been allocated to the eight district centres (£5,000 per centre). There remains £367,513 unallocated from this fund.

·         Making our streets and night time economy safer is part of Greater Manchester’s priorities in the Combined Authority’s Standing Together plan for policing, community safety and criminal justice (under Priority 3 - Strengthening Communities and Places). Public safety and protection is a priority under the One Stockport Safety Partnership Plan, which also highlights how residents in some locations and belonging to certain demographic groups feel less safe.

This council believes:

·         Safety in our communities is of the utmost importance, particularly the safety of women and girls who often feel excluded from public spaces due to perceived lack of safety.

·         Safe communities are prosperous communities, and investment in safety will therefore help our town centre, district, and local neighbourhood centres to thrive.

·         The work done to date by the District Centre Managers has been commendable and should be further supported.

This council requests the Cabinet to approve the following:

(1) To use the remaining almost £370,000 UKSPF funding for 2023/24 for the benefit of our communities in both the eight district centres and across our local and neighbourhood centres by:

(a) Further investing in our district centres, to rocket-boost the excellent work to date; prioritising the district centres that serve communities experiencing the most deprivation.

(b) Investing in community safety in neighbourhoods across our borough, recognising that many parts of the borough are not served by one of the eight designated district centres. This should have a focus on the safety of women and girls, and other vulnerable groups. This should also have a focus on the areas of the borough that need it most.

·         The funding could be used to make these centres more attractive, safe and sustainable, and may include measures such as CCTV and better lighting; and should be done in collaboration with local councillors, groups and residents.

·         The funding could also incorporate training and awareness campaigns across the borough, so that all members of our communities feel safe to use public spaces.

(2) To review the way that the third tranche of UKSPF funding is used, so that it benefits communities across Stockport with a focus on getting the basics of community safety right, so that our neighbourhoods and communities can thrive.