Subscribe to updates
You'll receive weekly summaries about Stockport Council every week.
If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.
Prefer no ads? Become a Supporter for £3.50/month
Cabinet - Tuesday, 15 September 2026 - 6.00 pm
September 15, 2026 at 6:00 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
Open Council Network is an independent organisation. We report on Stockport and are not the council. About us
The Cabinet of Stockport Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, discussing a range of important issues including the local plan, the council's financial position, and the introduction of an Article 4 Direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation. Key decisions included approving the progression of the Stockport Local Plan to the Regulation 19 consultation stage and adopting an anti-racist organisation framework and action plan.
Stockport Local Plan: Regulation 19 Consultation
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Stockport Local Plan, with Councillor Jake Austin, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, presenting the report seeking approval to move to the Regulation 19 consultation stage. Councillors expressed a collective disappointment with the national planning framework, particularly the Grey Belt policy, which they argued forces the council to consider development on land they would prefer to protect. Despite these reservations, the Cabinet agreed that proceeding to the Regulation 19 consultation was the most responsible course of action to maintain local control over planning decisions and avoid speculative development. Councillor Austin emphasised that this step does not equate to adopting the plan or approving all site allocations, but rather allows for further public scrutiny and formal representations before a final submission. The consultation is scheduled to run from 23 September to 8 November.
Financial Position and Medium-Term Financial Plan
Councillor Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resource and Innovation, presented a series of reports detailing the council's financial health. The Cabinet expressed significant concern over the council's underfunding, with Councillor Julian stating, we are chronically and acutely underfunded as a local authority.
The reports highlighted a projected deficit for the current financial year, attributed to unprecedented demand and complexity in statutory services. The Cabinet agreed to note the Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Update and approve the proposed revisions to the revenue budget. They also approved changes to the council's reserves policy, acknowledging the need to bolster budget resilience reserves. The council's Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) was also discussed, with a strong emphasis on the need for increased government funding to meet the growing demands on local authority services. The Cabinet agreed to note, approve, or support the seven recommendations related to these financial reports.
Anti-Racist Organisation Framework and Action Plan
Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, and Councillor Jilly Julian presented the Anti-Racist Organisation Framework and Action Plan. This report stemmed from a pledge made by the administration to become an anti-racist organisation. The framework aims to move beyond simply not being racist to actively challenging racism within the council and its services. The Cabinet endorsed the framework and its associated action plan, committing to its continued implementation and monitoring. Councillor Julian highlighted the importance of this work being driven by global majority colleagues and community connections, ensuring that the perspectives of those most affected by racism are central to the strategy.
Introduction of Article 4 Direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Councillor Jake Austin also presented a report on the introduction of an Article 4 Direction relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This direction will require planning permission for any HMO, regardless of size, whereas previously, HMOs with six or fewer rooms were permitted development. The Cabinet agreed to approve an immediate Article 4 Direction across the entire borough to prevent the problem from spreading to other areas. This measure aims to control the concentration and quality of HMOs, mitigating potential detrimental impacts on neighbourhoods.
Other Discussions
The Cabinet also discussed and approved updates to the scheme of delegations for strategic investment assets, including the Mercyway Shopping Centre, Cheetah Leeco Park, Red Rock, and Stockport Exchange. They also noted decisions taken at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting on 29 June 2026 and considered recommendations from scrutiny committees.
In addition, the Cabinet agreed to recommend to Full Council the approval of changes to the constitution resulting from the national scheme of delegation, acknowledging that these changes are being made under duress from government legislation. They also approved the use of compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers in respect of land at Town Centre West to facilitate development. Finally, the Cabinet approved the award of a contract for local electric vehicle infrastructure and noted the Treasury Management Annual Report and the Treasury Management Quarter 1 Report.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
-
Introduction of an Article 4 Direction Relating to Small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (General Exception)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the making of an immediate Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for changes of use from dwellinghouses to small houses in multiple occupation across the borough. This decision was made on 15/09/2026. Officers were authorised to issue the Direction and associated notices.
-
2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Update (Non-Key)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Stockport Council decided to approve virements to the Revenue Budget and note various budget forecast outturn positions on 15 September 2026. The Cabinet agreed to approve virements to the Revenue Budget.
-
Planning Committee Reforms and National Scheme of Delegation Implementation (Non-Key)
Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)The Cabinet decided to approve recommendations for changes to the Council's Constitution and Planning Scheme of Delegation. These changes implement the National Scheme of Delegation for planning applications. The decision was made on 15 September 2026.
-
Use of Compulsory Purchase powers in respect of Land at Town Centre West (ER&S8/ General Exception)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Stockport Council decided on 15 September 2026 to approve the preparation and making of a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire property interests at Daw Bank, Stockport. This decision authorises officers to continue negotiations, decide when to make the order, and delegate steps for making, submitting, and confirming the order.
-
Strategic Investment Assets: Scheme of Delegation (ER&S8)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve updated delegations for property-related transactions concerning Strategic Investment Assets. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance to negotiate and enter into property transactions, and to the Chief Governance Officer and Monitoring Officer to implement these resolutions. These delegations will require explicit Cabinet approval for future Strategic Investment Asset decisions on a case-by-case basis.
-
Part A: Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Summer Review Update (F&R66)
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Stockport Council decided to approve forecast and assumption adjustments for the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2026/27 to 2030/31 on 15/09/2026. They also approved the use of one-off resources to support the council's financial position. The Cabinet noted that the council's savings requirement has increased and that MTFP assessments will continue to be iterative.
-
2026/27 Reserves Policy (Non-Key)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Stockport Council decided to approve the proposed 2026/27 Reserves Policy on 15 September 2026. They also noted the annual review of the policy and approved adjustments and reclassification of earmarked reserves.
-
Part B Cabinet Response: Responding to Our Medium Term Financial Plan (F&R67)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Stockport Council decided to note the approach and endorse next steps for responding to the medium-term financial plan review on 15 September 2026. They also supported the ongoing development of the MTFP response and a three-year transformation programme. Proposals will be shared with scrutiny for comment.
-
Stockport Local Plan: Regulation 19 (H&E9)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Stockport Council approved the publication of the Stockport Local Plan for consultation on 15 September 2026. This decision allows for the plan to be published under regulation 19 and for consultation to take place from 23 September to 8 November 2026. The Cabinet also agreed to the proposed consultation approach and the process for submitting the Local Plan for approval. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director Place Making and Planning for minor amendments to the plan prior to consultation.
-
Cabinet Response to Scrutiny Review - Alcohol Use: The Effectiveness of Treatment'
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Stockport Council approved its response to the recommendations from the 'Alcohol Use: The Effectiveness of Treatment' Scrutiny Review on 15/09/2026. The Cabinet has agreed to the response to the recommendations contained within the review.
-
Treasury Management Q1 Report 2026/27 (F&R68)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Stockport Council decided to note the Quarter 1 Treasury Management Performance and Prudential Indicators for the 2026/27 financial year on 15/09/2026. The council will continue to utilise internal borrowing to reduce net interest costs and maintain liquidity.
-
Treasury Management Annual Report 2025/26 (F&R69)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the mid-year amendment to the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy. This decision was made on 15/09/2026. The amendment ensures that statutory capital charges for assets brought onto the balance sheet under the new IFRS 16 Leases standard are accurately adjusted to reflect the transitional value of the asset over the lifetime of the lease.
-
Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Preferred Supplier (PH&T18)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve Transport for Greater Manchester proceeding to award a contract for Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. This decision was made on 15/09/2026. Authority was delegated to the Director of Place Management to agree legal agreements.
-
2026-28 Anti-racist Organisation Framework and Action Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to endorse the Anti-racist Organisation Framework and associated action plan on 15 September 2026. They also agreed to support the continued implementation, monitoring, and governance arrangements for this programme of work. The framework will inform the review and development of people, workforce, and organisational policies.
Attendees
Topics
Meeting Documents
Reports Pack
Additional Documents