The Cabinet of Stockport Council met on Tuesday 10 December 2024, approving changes to business rates and council tax discounts, and authorising the use of compulsory purchase powers for affordable housing development. The meeting also saw decisions made regarding the renewal of a water charge collection agreement, the Greek Street bridge renewal project, and nominations for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the upcoming municipal year.

Business Rates and Council Tax Discounts Annual Review

The Cabinet approved a series of changes to the council's policies on business rates and council tax discounts for the 2025-26 financial year. A key decision was that private schools will no longer be eligible for discretionary rate relief as non-profit organisations, a move estimated to save the council £0.651 million. The council will continue with its existing empty property discount and premium scheme, and will apply exceptions to long-term empty and second home premiums in line with statutory guidance, with a localised policy to be developed. Council tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 will remain zero, and the council's Council Tax Support scheme will be maintained. A discretionary fund of £0.2 million is set for 2025-26 to support customers facing financial difficulty, with delegation given to the Director of Finance to review and adjust this fund if necessary, capped at £0.385 million.

Proposed Compulsory Purchase Order for Land at Higher Hillgate/Higher Barlow Row

The Cabinet approved the use of compulsory purchase powers to acquire land at Higher Hillgate/Higher Barlow Row in Stockport. This action is intended to secure satisfactory title for the development of 24 affordable homes by Stockport Homes Group on behalf of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC). The decision follows unsuccessful informal discussions with landowners and aims to address issues of anti-social behaviour on the derelict site, bringing it back into beneficial use for the community. The development is planned within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Greek Street Bridge Renewal Project

An update on the Network Rail-led Greek Street bridge renewal project was considered, with the Cabinet approving the entry into the Bridgeguard 3 agreement and authorising necessary payments to Network Rail. Authority was delegated to the Director of Place Management, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services, to agree diversion routes and the final highway layout for the new structure. The project, expected to cause disruption from March 2025 to March 2026, is funded by Network Rail, with Stockport Council contributing 5% of the total scheme cost, covered by the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlement Strategic Maintenance Funding.

Nominations for Mayor and Deputy Mayor 2025/26

The Cabinet authorised the Leader of the Council to nominate Councillor Kerry Waters for the position of Mayor for the 2025/26 municipal year. A further nomination for the position of Deputy Mayor will be made at the Council Meeting on 16 January 2025.

Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy Mid-Year Review 2024/25

The Cabinet reviewed the council's Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2024/25. The report noted that the existing strategies remain relevant and effective, with no key changes required. Revised interest rate forecasts for Bank Rate and PWLB rates were noted, which will influence the council's long-term borrowing strategies. The Cabinet recommended that the Council Meeting note the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year, and approve the continuation of the current strategies.

Stockport Billing Area - 2025/26 Council Tax Taxbase and Non-Domestic Rates Forecast

The Cabinet considered the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2024/25, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2025/26, and a forecast for Business Rates income for 2025/26. A provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus of £0.461m in 2024/25 was declared, relating to a Council Tax deficit of £0.531m and a Business Rates surplus of £0.992m. The Cabinet approved the use of this surplus to support the Council's 2025/26 Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). The 2025/26 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes was noted as 99,339.6 Band D equivalent dwellings, with the final figure to be presented to the Council meeting on 16 January 2025. The 2025/26 Business Rates budget forecast was also noted, subject to the completion of the NNDR1 return to the Government.

2024/25 Mid-Year (Quarter 2) Corporate Performance and Resources Report

The Cabinet reviewed the Corporate Performance and Resources Mid-Year Reports for 2024/25, noting key delivery and performance issues across the council's seven portfolios. The report highlighted progress against council priorities and capital schemes, alongside budget outturns. The Cabinet noted the forecast outturn positions for cash and non-cash limits, as well as Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account, and Collection Fund forecasts. They also noted appropriations to and from reserves and balances, and approved the resourcing of the capital programme and the 2024/25 prudential indicators.

Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations

The Cabinet considered proposals for future polling arrangements in Stockport, following a review and consultation period. The report detailed proposed changes to polling districts, places, and stations to inform the Council meeting's determination for forthcoming elections. The Cabinet was asked to consider the report and make observations or suggested amendments before recommending the proposals to the Council Meeting on 16 January 2025.

Collection of Water Charges on Behalf of United Utilities

The Cabinet approved the extension of the water charge collection agreement between the Council and United Utilities until 31 March 2030. This agreement, which has been in place for 16 years, has been successful in collecting water charges from council tenants, with commission earned over the period reinvested in social inclusion initiatives. The proposed new agreement aims to continue these benefits, despite a slight reduction in the commission rate.

Other Decisions

The Cabinet also noted decisions made by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on 29 November 2024. A report detailing a land transaction at Booth Street was considered, with approval given to the proposed disposal on terms detailed in a 'not for publication' report.