The Council Meeting of Stockport Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important matters, including a review of the Members' Allowances Scheme, urgent action on banking services in North Stockport, and the commemoration of Driver John Axon G.C. Other key topics included public realm cleanliness, tackling violence against women and girls, and various committee minutes and reports.

Members' Allowances Scheme

The meeting was scheduled to consider a report from the Independent Remuneration Panel regarding amendments to the Members' Allowances Scheme. The Panel's report, dated January 2025, detailed recommendations for basic allowances, special responsibility allowances for various roles including the Leader of the Council, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Members, opposition group leaders, and chairs of committees such as Planning and Highways Regulation, and Licensing, Environment and Safety. Recommendations were also made for co-optee allowances, dependent carers' allowance, travel and subsistence, ICT allowance, and civic allowances for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The Panel's report suggested that these recommendations be implemented from the date of the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

Urgent Action on Banking Services in North Stockport

A motion was scheduled to be considered regarding the proposed closure of the NatWest branch in Heaton Moor on 3rd June 2025. The motion highlighted that this closure would leave residents and businesses in North Stockport without a local banking service, particularly impacting older residents, those on low incomes, and local businesses reliant on in-person services. The motion proposed urging NatWest to reconsider its decision, calling for an assessment of the feasibility of establishing a Banking Hub in North Stockport, and resolving to write to NatWest, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the UK Government to express concerns. This motion was moved by Councillor David Sedgwick and seconded by Councillor Holly McCormack.

Commemorating Driver John Axon G.C.

A motion was scheduled to recognise and commemorate Driver John Axon G.C., a Locomotive Driver with London Midland Region, British Railways, based at Edgeley Sheds, who lost his life in the line of duty on 11 February 1957. The motion noted his posthumous award of the George Cross and other accolades, as well as the BBC Radio transmission of 'The Ballad of John Axon'. The motion proposed that all necessary measures be taken to rename the Thomson Street Bridge in Edgeley to the Driver John Axon G.C Bridge, and to arrange for a naming plaque and information board to be installed. The Director of Place Management and the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services were requested to make arrangements for a renaming ceremony. Additionally, it was proposed that the George Cross medal be relocated to Stockport from the National Railway Museum in York for an exhibition. This motion was moved by Councillor Matt Wynne and seconded by Councillor Asa Caton.

Public Realm Cleanliness and Wider Societal Impacts

A motion was scheduled to address the issue of litter in the community, described as reaching epidemic proportions. The motion referenced a Keep Britain Tidy report from 2024, highlighting statistics on litter prevalence, public perception, and the disproportionate impact on deprived areas. It also noted the role of litter in creating no-go areas for women and the public's support for preventative measures. The motion proposed that the council commit to a year-round, multi-faceted prevention strategy, including developing the ‘The Stockport EcoTidy award’ for businesses, considering joining the Keep Britain Tidy network, adopting a zero-tolerance approach with increased signage, developing behaviour-change campaigns, reporting back to Full Council at 6-monthly intervals, and developing a ward-level dashboard. This motion was moved by Councillor Helen Hibbert and seconded by Councillor Rosemary Barratt.

Motion for Change: Together Against Violence Towards Women and Girls in Stockport

A motion was scheduled to address violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Stockport. The motion welcomed Labour's commitment to halve VAWG in the next decade and stressed the need for local action. It highlighted the impact of domestic abuse in Stockport, citing statistics on prevalence, costs, and the link to severe health consequences. The motion emphasised the need for prevention and support services, noting concerns about attitudes towards relationships among young people and the pressure on specialist domestic abuse services. The Council Meeting was scheduled to consider recommendations that the Cabinet undertake four pledges: developing a local strategy, ensuring comprehensive education in schools, reviewing procurement practices for VAWG services, and clarifying which Cabinet Member holds responsibility for VAWG. This motion was moved by Councillor Claire Vibert and seconded by Councillor Jon Byrne.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The meeting was also scheduled to receive minutes from previous Council and Cabinet meetings, hear Mayor's Announcements, and address declarations of interest. Community engagement was planned through Public Question Time and Petitions and Presentations. Discussions were also scheduled regarding joint authorities, including the Greater Manchester Police, Crime & Fire Panel and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The conduct of Scrutiny business and regulatory business from various committees, including Planning & Highways Regulation and Licensing, Environment & Safety, was also on the agenda.