The Cabinet of Stockport Council met on Tuesday 05 November 2024 to discuss a range of key decisions impacting the borough. Notable outcomes included the approval of a new framework for adult day opportunities, the endorsement of the Stockport Skills Plan, and the agreement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund. The Cabinet also approved the adoption of the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement for 2024/25 and the Stockport Town Centre Residential Design Guide.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund Memorandum of Understanding

The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to negotiate and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme. This initiative, funded by the government and managed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), aims to provide electric vehicle charging facilities for residents who lack private off-street parking. The MoU will enable Stockport Council to participate in the scheme, with officers working with TfGM to develop detailed funding proposals for the borough. The City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding will be utilised to support this development work. A future report will be brought to the Cabinet detailing the proposed scheme and contracts.

Stockport Skills Plan

The Cabinet endorsed and approved the Stockport Skills Plan, a three-year strategy outlining the council's vision, ambition, and priorities for its skills system. The plan is a partnership initiative designed to harness skills, knowledge, and resources across public, private, and third sectors to achieve the One Stockport Ambitions. Key actions agreed upon include the production of a detailed annual delivery plan with targets and milestones, the creation of an index for tracking progress, the maintenance of productive stakeholder partnerships, and the alignment of Skills Plan priorities with emerging funding opportunities.

Day Opportunities Framework - Adults

A new four-year framework for the provision of Day Opportunities for adults across Stockport was approved for launch. This framework aims to offer greater choice, flexibility, and value for money for individuals assessed as requiring such services. The Director of Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care and the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Governance, was delegated authority to enter into all necessary contractual documentation and agreements.

Project Skyline (GM Children's Homes)

The Cabinet approved in principle the council's entry into a Partnership Agreement for Project Skyline. This Greater Manchester initiative aims to increase the availability of children's homes to provide more placements for looked-after children within the region, particularly for the most vulnerable young people. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for People and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with relevant officers and the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, to agree the terms of the Partnership Agreement. The Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance was also delegated authority to enter into any necessary documentation.

Annual Complaints Report 2023-2024

The Cabinet noted the information contained within the Annual Complaints Report for 2023-2024. The report highlighted positive progress in improving complaints handling across the council.

Stockport Town Centre Residential Design Guide

The Cabinet approved proposed amendments to the draft Stockport Town Centre Residential Design Guide. This guide sets out the council's design expectations for residential development in the town centre, aiming to ensure high-quality and sustainable growth. The finalised guide will be published on the council's website and used as a material consideration in development management decisions and related processes.

Annual Report - Armed Forces Covenant 2023/24

The Cabinet noted and endorsed the Annual Report on the Armed Forces Covenant for 2023/24. The report detailed the council's work with stakeholders to support the borough's armed forces community and highlighted key achievements against identified priorities.

Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement 2024/25 Annual Review

The Cabinet approved and adopted the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement for 2024/25. This statement outlines the council's commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within its corporate activities and supply chains.

Annual Report Regarding Councillor Conduct

The Cabinet recommended that the Council Meeting formally note and receive the Annual Report regarding Councillor Conduct for 2023/24. The report detailed the number of complaints received about councillor conduct during the municipal year and their outcomes.

GMCA Decisions

The Cabinet noted the decisions taken by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) at its meetings on 27 September and 25 October 2024. These decisions, detailed in the GMCA Decisions document, cover a range of regional initiatives and policies.