Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 21 May 2024 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 20 June 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 21 May 2024 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 20 June 2024 were approved as correct records and signed by the Mayor.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Council.

No urgent decisions were reported.

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor reported that she had very much enjoyed her first month in her new role as Mayor of the Borough during which she had attended a number of events.  In particular, she highlighted that she had attended the 97^th birthday party of the first Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport.

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.

No declarations were made.

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 a continued focus by the Council on emissions, when Stockport’s and the UK’s contributing to this issue was negligible, and whether as a consequence the Council would retarget its resources to essential services.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) responded that he disagreed with a number of points made by the questioner and that the impact of climate change was being felt around the globe, including in Stockport.  It was stated that the Council had cross-party support for its work on climate change, and that there was an opportunity for the borough to be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution which would bring highly-skilled jobs and economic growth to Stockport.  It was further stated that climate change disproportionately affected vulnerable and poorer people and that tacking this issue was essential in the Council’s bid to address inequalities.

·       Relating to whether there would be a commitment to undertake a public consultation on all future 5G mast installations.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that any development application would need to be formally considered against national and local policies.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) further responded that the Council followed UK Health Security Agency advice regarding public health aspects of exposure to radio waves, including those from 5G mobile phone base stations and other radio transmitters, and that he understood that any masts or transmitters installed in Stockport complied with the exposure guidelines published by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection.  Councillor Roberts stated that he rejected the assertion that any Councillor in the Chamber would ever serve commercial interests over their residents.

·       Relating to the introduction of Metrolink services to Stockport, and whether the Council would work towards the reintroduction of a railway service from Stockport to Manchester Victoria via South Reddish and Denton stations.

The Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services (Councillor Grace Baynham) responded that the Council had a powerful argument for the introduction of a Metrolink service to the borough.  However, it was noted that assurances had previously been given over these matters in the past which had not materialised, and that the Council would continue to work hard to ensure that this didn’t happen on this occasion.  Councillor Baynham, further stated that services along the Stockport-Manchester Victoria line via Reddish South would benefit residents and was supported by the Council.   While capacity constraints in the Stockport area had meant that previous business cases had been unsuccessful, the Council was keeping an open mind about the opportunities that rail infrastructure improvements in the future might bring.

·       Relating to whether the Council would develop a local food security plan and provide support local farmers.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) responded that most of the farmers in the UK sought to manage the land in way that worked with nature and was as financially and environmentally sustainable as possible, however it was acknowledged that this was not always easy to achieve.  It was stated that the Council was working as part of the Stockport Food Partnership that had submitted an application to become a ‘sustainable food place’ that would allow access to information, funding and resources.  Councillor Roberts encouraged residents to shop local where possible and buy in-season produce, and British meat and dairy products.

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 questioner 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

No petitions were submitted.

Presentation - Schools Climate Assembly

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) introduced students from Brookside Primary, Cale Green Primary, Mellor Primary, Norbury Hall Primary and St Mary's CE Primary (Reddish) who 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 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:-

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Greater Manchester Bee Network Committee or the Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling 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) providing an update on the revisions agreed by the Joint STAR Committee on 15 April 2024 to the council’s Contract Procedure Rules to include current legislation for Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules as detailed in the report, and these be incorporated into the Constitution.

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

The Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services (Councillor Grace Baynham) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed variations to the licensing fee structure for those fees set by the Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the schedule of fees and charges as detailed in Appendix A to the report.

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; Finance & Resources; and Parks, Highways & Transport Services 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.

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

To receive the Minutes of the Cabinet held on 25 June 2024 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 25 June 2024 (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.

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 – 13 June 2024

Children & Families – 12 June 2024

Communities & Transport – 10 June 2024

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 11 June 2024

Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change – 13 June 2024

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 30 May and 1 July 2024

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 – 13 June 2024

Children & Families – 12 June 2024

Communities & Transport – 10 June 2024

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 11 June 2024

Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change – 13 June 2024

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 30 May and 1 July 2024

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 2024/25.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the scrutiny review programme for 2024/25.

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

Appointments – 21 March, 23 May, 7 June and 17 June 2024

Employment Appeals – 30 April 2024

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 20 March and 24 April 2024

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 20 May, 30 May and 25 June 2024

Planning & Highways Regulation – 21 March and 25 April 2024

Standards – 24 June 2024

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 18 April and 20 June 2024

Central Stockport – 18 April and 20 June 2024

Cheadle – 16 April and 18 June 2024

Heatons & Reddish – 15 April and 17 June 2024

Marple – 17 April and 19 June 2024

Stepping Hill – 16 April and 18 June 2024

Werneth – 15 April and 17 June 2024

Ward Committees and Area Sub-Committees

Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub-Committee – 28 March 2024

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 – 21 March, 23 May, 7 June and 17 June 2024

Employment Appeals – 30 April 2024

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 20 March and 24 April 2024

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 20 May, 30 May and 25 June 2024

Planning & Highways Regulation – 21 March and 25 April 2024

Standards – 24 June 2024

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 18 April and 20 June 2024

Central Stockport – 18 April and 20 June 2024

Cheadle – 16 April and 18 June 2024

Heatons & Reddish – 15 April and 17 June 2024

Marple – 17 April and 19 June 2024

Stepping Hill – 16 April and 18 June 2024

Werneth – 15 April and 17 June 2024

Ward Committees and Area Sub-Committees

Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub-Committee – 28 March 2024

This council meeting resolves to call on the new government to provide funds to invest in our town centre swimming pools at Grand Central and in our ageing leisure estate across the borough.

Moved by:               Councillor Frankie Singleton

Seconded by:          Councillor Alex Wynne

MOVED AND SECONDED - This council meeting resolves to call on the new government to provide funds to invest in our town centre swimming pools at Grand Central and in our ageing leisure estate across the borough.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This council meeting notes:-

·       Despite the recent business report speaking of investment needed across the estate, there was no mention of the Grand Central estate requiring investment.

·       The first reference of this investment appears as 1 line remark, in a passage on a report in the Communities and Housing committee.

·       The cabinet member for finance advised that options were being worked through to look at solutions for this investment.

·       The original motion shows no sign that options re being worked through and the administration have passed the buck

·       That despite grand central being the only swimming offer to the north of the borough, there has been a 20 million pound investment in leisure facilities servicing the South of the borough already served by Romiley and Hazel Grove.

·       The administration governs the entire borough of Stockport, not just the wards in which it has councillors.

·       The last major investment into Grand Central was under a Labour administration in 2017, where £2.8m of funding was secured into improving this vital resource.

This council meeting resolves to call on the administration to work with the

new government to invest in our town centre swimming pools at Grand

Central, and to do whatever is needed and to ensure this vital resource is not

discarded to make way for new houses or offices.

For the amendment 24, against 32.

AMENDMENT NOT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED - This council meeting resolves to call on the new government to provide funds to invest in our town centre swimming pools at Grand Central and in our ageing leisure estate across the borough.

This council meeting resolves to call on the new government to scrap the two-child benefits cap with immediate effect, to help alleviate poverty in our borough.

Moved by:               Councillor Dan Oliver

Seconded by:          Councillor Jilly Julian

MOVED AND SECONDED – This council meeting resolves to call on the new government to scrap the two-child benefits cap with immediate effect, to help alleviate poverty in our borough.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This council meeting recognises that Stockport stands among the most unequal boroughs in the UK, where the life chances and outcomes of our residents are too often dictated by the postcode they are born into. This council meeting resolves to call on the new government to scrap the two-child benefits cap with immediate effect, to help alleviate poverty in our borough.

Furthermore, this council commits to ensuring that every decision made within its jurisdiction contributes to diminishing socio-economic disparities across the borough. Our goal is to diminish the prevalence and impact of poverty, and to guarantee that all our children receive the optimal start in life.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED - This council meeting recognises that Stockport stands among the most unequal boroughs in the UK, where the life chances and outcomes of our residents are too often dictated by the postcode they are born into. This council meeting resolves to call on the new government to scrap the two-child benefits cap with immediate effect, to help alleviate poverty in our borough.

Furthermore, this council commits to ensuring that every decision made within its jurisdiction contributes to diminishing socio-economic disparities across the borough. Our goal is to diminish the prevalence and impact of poverty, and to guarantee that all our children receive the optimal start in life.