The Cabinet of Stockport Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 03 November 2026, with a key focus on establishing a Heat Network Zone Coordination Body in Greater Manchester and reviewing the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan. The meeting will also address the ongoing Pride in Place programme in Brinnington and consider the council's Modern Slavery Statement for 2026/27.

Establishment of a Heat Network Zone Coordination Body in Greater Manchester

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed establishment of a Heat Network Zone Coordination Body (ZCB) in Greater Manchester. This initiative is part of the Government's heat network zoning programme, aiming to develop low-carbon district heat networks. The report outlines the intention for the council to establish local governance arrangements for District Heat Network Zones and participate in the Greater Manchester ZCB. The Cabinet is recommended to agree in principle to participate in these arrangements, subject to parliamentary approval of further legislation. Should this legislation pass, authority will be delegated to the Director of Place Management and the Chief Governance Officer and Monitoring Officer, in consultation with Councillor Jake Austin (Cabinet Member for Housing & Environment), to negotiate and agree the detailed governance, operational, and constitutional arrangements for the ZCB. This includes entering into necessary agreements with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and other local authorities.

Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Update

The Cabinet will also consider an update on the production of the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan. This plan is crucial as it will replace the current Greater Manchester minerals and waste plans and will form part of the local plan for each district in Greater Manchester. The report seeks to secure appropriate delegation to enable the timely progression of this plan. The recommendations include noting the update and approving a proposed delegation scheme. Specific tasks, such as the publication of consultation documents and the preparation of the Policies Map, are proposed to be delegated to officers, while other decisions, like the final adoption of the plan, will remain with the full Council.

Pride in Place Update

Progress on the Pride in Place Programme in Brinnington will be presented, highlighting the opportunity to secure up to £20 million of Government investment over ten years. The programme aims to place residents at the centre of decision-making through a resident-led Board. The report outlines the proposed Operating Framework for the Pride in Place Board, detailing how it can make recommendations for decisions and how those decisions will be exercised on behalf of the council. The Cabinet is recommended to agree the council's role as the Accountable Body for the programme and authorise necessary arrangements with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Delegations are also proposed to the Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services to sign contracts, funding agreements, and accept grant funding, as well as to approve and submit funding claims and finalise the Brinnington Pride in Place Plan.

Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement: 2026/27 Review and Refresh

The Cabinet will consider a refreshed version of Stockport Council's Modern Slavery Statement for 2026/27. The report summarises a review of the 2025/26 statement, including the actions taken. The refreshed statement aims to ensure the council's services, businesses, and supply chains are free from modern slavery and human trafficking. The Cabinet is recommended to approve and adopt the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement 2026/27.

Urgent Decisions: Greater Manchester End to End Fostering Hub

The Cabinet is asked to note urgent action taken under the constitution regarding the Greater Manchester End to End Fostering Hub. This decision, reference ODPN2, was made by the Executive Director for People and Neighbourhoods following consultation with Councillor Colin MacAlister (Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education). The action agreed to allow the Greater Manchester Fostering Recruitment Hub to progress with its transition to an end-to-end fostering hub model. This was deemed urgent to meet a deadline for an operational implementation plan to support 'go live' from 16 October 2026. The decision was also exempted from call-in to ensure timely implementation, and it was considered by the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee on 14 October 2026.

Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2025/2026

An annual report on the work undertaken by the council to fulfil its commitment to supporting the borough's armed forces community, as required by the council's Armed Forces Covenant, will be presented. The report details achievements and challenges faced by the armed forces community in Stockport and outlines future objectives. It highlights the efforts of the Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) and its members. The report also includes an update on how the council supports the Armed Forces Covenant across different Cabinet portfolios, in response to a request from Councillor Mark Roberts (Leader of the Council). The Cabinet is recommended to comment upon, note, and endorse the report.

Annual Report Regarding Councillor Conduct (Non-Key)

The Cabinet will receive an annual report providing an update on complaints received about the conduct of members during the 2025/26 municipal year. The report details the number of complaints, the alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct, and how these were resolved. The Cabinet is recommended to note and comment on the report and recommend that the Council Meeting formally receive it.

GMCA Decisions

The Cabinet is invited to note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on 25 September 2026.

To Consider Recommendations of Scrutiny Committees

The Cabinet will consider a recommendation from the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee, which met on 21 October 2026. The committee discussed the council's arrangements for undertaking Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for elected members and resolved that this matter be referred to the Cabinet for consideration. The Cabinet is recommended to consider this recommendation and determine whether it wishes to take any action in response. There are no called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions at the time of agenda publication.