The Council Meeting of Stockport Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important issues, including support for residents facing the cost of living crisis, the future of Stepping Hill Hospital, and plans for children and young people. The meeting agenda also included consideration of policy frameworks, budget reports, and general council business.

Supporting Stockport Residents Through the Cost of Living Crisis

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis affecting residents in Stockport. The agenda included a motion to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging the government to identify and simplify the process for pensioners eligible for Pension Credit. The council also planned to use a broad communication strategy to raise awareness and encourage uptake of Pension Credit, involving local elected members. Furthermore, the agenda proposed informing the Cabinet to amend the Stockport Household Support Fund delivery plan to explicitly protect vulnerable pensioners during the winter period, ensuring support is accessible to those without computer access.

Another motion focused on the eligibility threshold for Winter Fuel Payments. This item highlighted concerns that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes would no longer receive these payments due to changes linking eligibility solely to Pension Credit receipt. The agenda indicated plans to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, calling for a pause on these changes and the introduction of a more reasonable eligibility threshold. The council also intended to ask the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to commence a further awareness campaign to maximise Pension Credit uptake and consider the continuation of the Warm Spaces scheme.

Urgent Funding for Stepping Hill Hospital and Additional Healthcare Capacity

The meeting was scheduled to address the urgent need for funding to repair Stepping Hill Hospital¹. The agenda noted the hospital's poor building condition, which had led to incidents like collapsing roofs and the postponement of clinics, impacting its ability to serve local residents. Additionally, the council was set to discuss the need for increased healthcare capacity, particularly in the town centre, and the potential for building an additional hospital facility. The resolution proposed asking the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Health, requesting a visit to Stepping Hill Hospital and the proposed town centre site, and urging urgent funding for repairs and consideration for a new hospital facility.

Children and Young People Plan

A report from the Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education concerning the Children & Young People Plan was scheduled for consideration. This plan outlines the council's strategies and objectives for supporting children and young people within the borough.

Youth Justice Plan

Also on the agenda was a report from the Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education regarding the Youth Justice Plan. This plan would detail the council's approach to youth justice services and interventions.

Treasury Management Annual Report

The meeting was set to consider the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2023/24. This report, presented by the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, would detail the council's financial management activities and performance over the past year.

Amendments to the Constitution

A report from the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources was scheduled for discussion concerning proposed amendments to the council's constitution. The constitution outlines the rules and procedures by which the council operates.

Allocation of Places on Committees

The agenda also included a report on the allocation of places on committees in accordance with proportionality rules. This item, from the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, would address the distribution of seats on various committees to reflect the political balance of the council.

Business Programme 2025/26

The council was scheduled to consider the Business Programme for 2025/26, as presented by the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources. This programme outlines the council's planned activities and priorities for the upcoming financial year.

Leader’s Report and Cabinet Business

The Leader of the Council and other Cabinet members were expected to provide a report on the conduct of Cabinet business since the last council meeting. This would be followed by a question and answer session for councillors to address the Leader and Cabinet members. The minutes of recent Cabinet meetings and a schedule of executive decisions taken would also be received.

Scrutiny Committee Business

Reports from the Chairs of the various Scrutiny Committees were scheduled to be received, detailing the work undertaken by these committees. This would be followed by a question and answer session for councillors to address the Scrutiny Chairs. The minutes of several Scrutiny Committee meetings, including Adult Social Care & Health, Children & Families, Communities & Transport, Corporate, Resource Management & Governance, and Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change, were also to be received.

Ordinary and Area Committees Business

The meeting agenda included a report from the Chairs of the Planning & Highways Regulation, Licensing, Environment & Safety, and Audit Committees on their recent business. This would be followed by a question and answer session for councillors to address the Chairs of these committees. Additionally, the minutes of numerous Ordinary and Area Committees, including Appointments, Audit, Health & Wellbeing Board, Licensing, Environment & Safety, and various Area Committees, were to be received.

Community Engagement

The meeting was scheduled to include Public Question Time, allowing members of the public to ask questions relevant to the council's activities. There would also be an opportunity to receive petitions, delegations, and presentations from the public and community groups. A presentation from Chief Superintendent John Webster of Greater Manchester Police was planned, focusing on policing in the Borough of Stockport, followed by a question and answer session. The council was also to appoint Councillor Jake Austin to answer questions regarding the Greater Manchester Police, Crime & Fire Panel and receive updates from councillors representing the borough on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and its associated committees.