Agenda item

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 proposal to go ahead and introduce charges for garden waste collections in the light of the outcome of a public consultation in which a majority of respondents opposed them.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that there were a number of unpalatable choices that councils across the country were facing.  It was further stated that the government had made it clear that considering measures, such as charging for garden waste collections, was part of the range of options that local authorities would need to consider in order to set a balanced budget.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) further responded that as part of the consultation, it was highlighted that the collection of garden waste was not a statutory service, and that difficult decisions were necessary to protect key frontline services like libraries, pools, parks and social care.  It was commented that the Council recognised the strength of public opinion that came through the consultation process, however that needed to be placed in the wider context of being required to agree a balanced budget.  It was stated that the Council remained committed to providing the best possible service within this budget and to do so in a way that was fair and sustainable, while mitigating the impact on residents as much as possible.  This included measures such as offering an enhanced discount for compost bins starting at £10 for those who preferred to compost at home, and all residents were able to swap their 180 litre blue bin for a larger 240 litre bin at a discounted rate.

·         Relating to whether the leaders of the Liberal Democrat and Labour Groups would be willing to propose a joint motion for the next Council Meeting, reiterating the need for the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to divest from fossil fuels and calling for divestment from arms companies supporting global conflicts.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that he would be happy to work with other political groups with regard to ethical investment policies at the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.  It was noted that the Council’s representatives on the Pension Fund Management Panel had consistently raised questions about this issue and would continue to do so.

The Leader of the Opposition (Councillor David Meller) further responded that his priority for the management of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund was that it made a return for public sector workers.  However, Councillor Meller confirmed that he would be willing to discuss the matter within the Labour Group along with broader issues such as how pension fund investments could be used to deliver more social housing.

·         Relating to apparent contradictions within the Sixth Assessment Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and whether this would be raised with the Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee and further whether external experts would be allowed to challenge the evidence behind the Council’s net zero policy.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) responded that scrutiny in Stockport was in the control of opposition groups and that the determination of the programme of work of the scrutiny committees was a matter for the members of those committees alone.

·         Relating to whether the Council would participate in an externally funded public debate involving scientists and experts to explain the Council’s science to voters.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) responded that the Council would not use public money to promote climate change conspiracies.

Two further public question were submitted where the questioners were 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.