Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 18 November and 20 December 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Council held on 18 November and 20 December 2021 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.

The Mayor reported that on 2 December 2021 he had welcomed The Princess Royal to St Ann’s Hospice as part of their 50^th anniversary celebrations.  The Mayor also reported that during December he had planted a tree as part of the 3,000 that were due to be planted on Gatley Hill.

The Mayor then referred to the ongoing impact of the covid-19 pandemic and the difficulties that this had brought to bear on many residents of the borough.  The Mayor extended his thanks and gratitude to all those in the health and social care sector, local businesses and others who continue to deal with the uncertainties brought by the pandemic.

The Mayor then stated that work was taking place to hold a service at 3.00 pm on 27 January 2022 for Holocaust Memorial Day to which everyone was invited.  The Mayor thanked Councillor Ryness for her work in planning and promoting the event.

Finally, the Mayor referred to the forthcoming retirement of Mr David Clee from the Democratic Services team who had served the Council and its members for 20 years as part of a long career in democratic services.  On behalf of the Council, the Mayor wished Mr Clee a long and happy retirement.

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:-

Disclosable Pecuniary 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.

Nine public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the Future High Street Fund and how the opposition to the proposals could be prevented from silencing the voices of the local community and depriving the local community out of this much needed investment.

Councillor Andy Sorton responded that moving the library service was about providing an inclusive service and to provide access to people across the borough.  Councillor Sorton stated that the Central Library building reflected the age of its design and was no longer able to serve everyone in the borough and could not provide the range of facilities that would be available at Stockroom.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) further responded that Stockroom and the Future High Street Fund bid represented another step forward in delivering positive change for the town centre area.  The proposals had been consulted on in-depth and broadly including through ward councillors and the local Area Committee to ensure that the decisions taken by the Cabinet were influenced by local people.

·         Relating to when the last time the Council spent £14.5m on a community facility such as Stockroom was, and if Stockroom didn’t go ahead when the council would be able to build a similar facility that met all the community’s needs.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus (Councillor David Sedgwick) responded that the development of the Stockroom facility would permit more room for people to gather and that it would enhance the town centre and improve the life chances of some of the poorest and most deprived communities in Stockport.  Councillor Sedgwick stated that following discussions with officers, there had not been this level of investment in a purely community-led facility in memory and that this opportunity did not arise that often.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) responded that there was a growing Black, Asian and minority ethnic population in Stockport and that it was important that there needs were properly catered for.  It was stated that opportunities such as this did not come very often and that the Council was trying to obtain grants through levelling up funds for Marple and Reddish to improve community facilities there.

·         Relating to the message the Council would send to community organisations if it could not agree to spend £14.5m of government money on the Stockroom project.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that there were significant challenges in securing successful bids for funding, although under the current administration the Council had seen significant success in this area. Having secured £14.5m through the Future High Streets Fund had been a coup for Stockport and Sector3 had been instrumental in both the thanking and design proposals and remained strong supporters of Stockroom.  It was stated that would have a positive impact on the town centre and would no doubt form part of many VCSC funding bid applications going forward.  However, Councillor Wilson stated that there appeared to be a number of members who were prepared to turn their back on investment and the partnership work that had gone into the Stockroom proposal and the new plans for the Central Library building that had recently been announced by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus (Councillor David Sedgwick) further responded that the Stockroom proposal was about promoting better quality services while at the same time tackling in inequalities in society.  Councillor Sedgwick stated that a failure to come to agreement on Stockroom would send a dreadful message and may jeopardise any future bids for funding that the Council made.

·         Relating to a lack of a written response to a question asked at the 18 November 2021  ...  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.

No such arrangements have been made for this meeting.

There were no petitions or presentations.

(a)       Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Councillor Amanda Peers to answer questions, if any, on the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

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

Greater Manchester Combined Authority                        - Councillor Elise Wilson

Greater Manchester Transport Committee                      - Councillor David Meller

Greater Manchester Waste Committee                            - Councillor Roy Driver

(a)       Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Councillor Tom McGee responded to questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillor Elise Wilson responded to questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority

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

To consider executive decision CAB339.

The call-in of this decision was considered by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee on 4 January 2022 which agreed to refer the decision to this meeting for debate.

A written record of the concerns of the Scrutiny Committee will be circulated in advance of the meeting.

The Executive Decision Record and original report are enclosed.

The Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the decision of the committee to refer executive decision CAB339 – ‘Future High Street Fund – Stockroom’ to the Council Meeting so that it could be debated by all councillors.

RESOLVED (30 for, 22 against, 1 abstention) - That this Council Meeting objects to the permanent removal of library services from Stockport Central Library under the “Future High Street Fund – StockRoom” decision (CAB339).

This Council Meeting notes:

·         the public consultation conducted by this Council found a majority of respondents were against the permanent removal of library services from Stockport Central Library;

·         petitions with over 8,000 signatories received by this Council opposing the move; and

·         the formal recommendation made by three scrutiny committees not to proceed with the move.

This Council Meeting believes that:

·         Cabinet should rescind the decision to move Central Library from its current location to Merseyway;

·         This Council should proceed with StockRoom, keep Central Library open and seek clarity with the Department of Levelling Up on the formal change procedure to vary the final mix of uses and spend profile; and

·         a cross-party working group should be established to review and secure the long-term viability of Central Library in its historic home.

This Council Meeting requests that the decision is referred back to Cabinet for reconsideration along with the opinion of this Council Meeting as set out above.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the options open to the Council and the basis of officers’ recommendation to Audit Committee to opt into the national arrangement with Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA).

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited as the Council’s external auditor.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2021/22.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year be noted.

(2) That the revised interest rate forecasts for PWLB rates over the short and medium term, which will drive the Council’s long-term borrowing strategies going forward be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the annual review the local scheme of discounts and exemptions which are available in respect of Business Rates and Council Tax and outlining a schedule of proposed changes.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Community Amateur Sports Club Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2022/23, enabling Community Amateur Sports Clubs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

(2) That Charity Relief remains limited to the 80% Mandatory Relief for the year 2022/23.

(3) That Rural Rate Relief continues to be limited to 50% Mandatory Relief for the year 2022/23 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

(4) That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not-for-Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2022/23.

(5) That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2022/23.

(6) That the continuation of a case-by-case approach for Business Rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2022/23. It is unlikely that Exceptional Circumstances Relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the Council, either grant funded or commissioned.

(7) That the Council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties for 2022/23.

(8) That the maximum Council Tax premium charge levels in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties are implemented in accordance with those shown at para 4.3.3 for 2022/23.

(9) That any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2022/23.

(10) That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2022/23 as detailed at Appendix 5.

(11) That the Council Tax discretionary fund is refreshed to £25k for 2022/23,

supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means.

(12) That the Revenues & Benefits Discretionary Support Policy at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2022/23.

(13) To approve the setting of the Council’s 2022/23 Council Tax Taxbase at 96,883.10 Band D equivalent dwellings.

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 and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) reported that covid rates in the borough remained very and had risen sharply in the period before Christmas.  It was stated that this continued to have an impact on the workforce and was affecting business continuity, although it was anticipated that the transition to a five-day isolation period may have a positive impact on this. 

The Leader then expressed her thanks to all teams across the Council and its partners who had worked over the Christmas period to continue to provide support to vulnerable residents across the borough.

The Leader stated that a newly refreshed international strategy would shortly be submitted to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority that aimed to showcase Greater Manchester on a global stage, build international relationships and attracting investment.

Finally, it was reported that the Council continued to work with the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust in relation to the bid for a new hospital facility in the town centre that would assist with the development of a new model of healthcare across Stockport.  It was stated that further engagement will be done with MPs, a range of government departments and local partners to push this proposition forward and seek national support for the existing or future rounds of funding.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) reported that the Air Quality Administrative Committee of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority was due to meet during the following week and that the agenda had just been published that included a series of technical papers.  It was reported that a briefing had been arranged on the matter for all councillors. 

Councillor McGee then stated that a consultation was shortly due to commence on the proposed level of the police precept, with the final decision to be announced on 7 February 2022.

Councillor McGee then reported how the Council had used government grants to help some of the more impoverished families in Stockport which included issuing 9,500 vouchers for those in receipt of free school means and 2,400 families who didn’t qualify for free school meals also received one-off payments.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) reiterated the earlier statement made by the Leader in relation to the work undertaken in the health and social care sector for maintaining services to the public during an incredibly challenging period.  It was stated that there remained outbreaks of covid in a number of the borough’s care homes and a significant number of people had been hospitalised.  Councillor Wells stated that over the Christmas period, people had been challenged to receive the covid vaccination booster, and over 7,000 boosters were given over this period.

Councillor Wells then extended her congratulations to the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust for having been rated as ‘good’ in their most recent CQC inspection of the emergency department.

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 Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance; and the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport 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 2 November and 7 December 2021 (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 on 2 November and 7 December 2021 (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.

At this stage in the proceedings the Mayor informed the Council Meeting that the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 (Duration of Meeting) would be invoked unless the Council Meeting wished the meeting to continue.

RESOLVED – That the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 relating to the duration of (Council) meetings be duly invoked.

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 notes of the following ‘Meetings of Members of Scrutiny Committees’:-

Adult Social Care & Health – 25 November 2021

Children & Families – 24 November 2021

Communities & Housing – 22 November 2021

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 23 November 2021

Economy & Regeneration – 25 November 2021

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 13 December 2021

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 – 25 November 2021

Children & Families – 24 November 2021

Communities & Housing – 22 November 2021

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 23 November 2021

Economy & Regeneration – 25 November 2021

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 13 December 2021

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

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation, Licensing, Environment and Safety or Audit Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Chairs of Ordinary and Area Committees, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

There were no questions relating to the business of the Ordinary, Area and Ward Committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

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

Ordinary Committees

Appointments – 15 and 21 December 2021

Audit – 17 November 2021

Contributors – 25 November 2021

Employment Appeals – 12 and 23 November 2021

Health & Wellbeing Board – 24 November 2021

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 10 November and 15 December 2021

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 14 December 2021

Planning & Highways Regulation – 11 November and 16 December 2021

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 2 December 2021

Central Stockport – 2 December 2021

Cheadle – 30 November 2021

Heatons & Reddish – 29 November 2021

Marple – 1 December 2021

Stepping Hill – 30 November 2021

Werneth – 29 November 2021

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 – 15 and 21 December 2021

Audit – 17 November 2021

Contributors – 25 November 2021

Employment Appeals – 12 and 23 November 2021

Health & Wellbeing Board – 24 November 2021

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 10 November and 15 December 2021

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 14 December 2021

Planning & Highways Regulation – 11 November and 16 December 2021

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 2 December 2021

Central Stockport – 2 December 2021

Cheadle – 30 November 2021

Heatons & Reddish – 29 November 2021

Marple – 1 December 2021

Stepping Hill – 30 November 2021

Werneth – 29 November 2021