Agenda and minutes

Councillor Plant was a substitute for Councillor Jebb.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 November 2024, be approved as a correct record.

There were none.

      i.        Disclosable Pecuniary Interests;

     ii.        Other Interests.

There were none.

Members commented that they would expect the future of Moorlands House and LGR to be included in the work programme. Members suggested that a review of the work programme should take place to clearly state which elements would no longer be applicable.

Officers advised that the Communications Strategy is scheduled for the next meeting.

RESOLVED:
That the work programme be noted.

Members received the Quarter Three Performance Report from Alliance Norse. The extensive report covered the following detail: Compliance and Maintenance Overview, Responsive Repairs, Capital Projects, Cleaning and Caretaking, Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality and a KPI Matrix.

Members thanked Oliver Wild for the report.

Members discussed the KPI results for Asbestos, reason for the underspend on capital projects, LED installation at Moorlands House and the impact of LGR on projects.

RESOLVED:
Members noted the report.

This item had been deferred.

Members received a report which provided a summary of the Alliance’s workforce progression. The Council recognised the importance of workforce progression and is committed to supporting and improving the progression and upskilling of its workforce, in line with the aims of the Corporate Plan as well as the Organisational Development Strategy.

The report focused on key areas such as training and training spending, progression statistics, senior leadership, and procedures and opportunities in place for continued workforce development.

Members discussed the low turnover of staff, planning for LGR, how younger people were encouraged to join the Alliance and the apprenticeship levy.

The Chair commented the report illustrated that the Alliance was a good place to work, was progressive and had a good atmosphere.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Members received a report which provided them with an update on trade union liaison and collective agreements for a period of twelve months (January to December 2024). Trade union liaison meetings took place on a quarterly basis. The purpose of those meetings was to provide a forum for discussion, consultation and negotiation between Senior Managers, Elected Members and the recognised trade union (UNISON) on workforce matters, terms and conditions of employment and Human Resources Policies and Procedures.

Officers confirmed to members that the forthcoming TUPE on page 40 of the report was in progress.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    That an update on trade union liaison on an annual basis be provided to the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Members received a report which provided potential policy alternatives that would maximise the Council’s car park assets for the purposes of People, Planet and Pounds. The report identified seven policy alternatives for the Council’s car parks. For all options, there were limitations and considerations that were highlighted throughout the report. Options may not be mutually exclusive and had been considered to indicate whether the policy alternative offers a net positive contribution, neutral contribution or negative contribution.

Members were advised by the Portfolio Holder that it was recognised a “one size fits all” policy would not work as all areas had different needs and she welcomed the input from members.

Members considered the proposal to charge for parking where it was currently free. It was highlighted those carparks served communities. For example they  allowed vehicles to be parked off main roads so that traffic could flow freely and easy access to businesses and properties be maintained and some small village carparks, such as Blythe Bridge and Tean, were used by local residents. Members were concerned that the loss of free parking may affect local trade and suggested a window of free parking. The Portfolio Holder encouraged discussions with the affected Parish Councils for possible asset transfers they were interested.

Members discussed the costs of installing ANPR cameras, enhanced security, user compliance, and use by the police for crime prevention and detection. They further commented that some carparks, such as Tape Street, were through routes for deliveries, carparks and public toilets. Officers stated that a grace period could be programmed into the system. 

Members commented that the overnight parking proposal would need to be looked at logistically as not all car parks were suitable due to their layout, barriers and signage and suggested only some carparks be included.

Members discussed the proposed longer charging periods highlighting that particularly in Cheadle, parents relied on the current free period as a safer route for schools. They commented that the location of the schools were town centre based and so should be considered in this light. Members commented that other areas benefited from the longer periods of free parking and agreed that footfall increased during this period which was considered to have a positive effect on businesses.

Members welcomed local level discussions, trials and the feedback.

Due to the thorough debate, the timescale for the meeting over ran. Councillors Roberts and Malyon left the meeting at 11:45am and nominated Councillors Moult and Wilkinson to act as substitutes should a vote be required.

Given the extent of the debate, members voted on each recommendation individually.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    That SMDC engage with Parish and Town Councils affected by car parks that are currently free in relation to possible asset transfers.

3.    That ANPR cameras be trialled on three car parks, potentially one in each town dependent on logistics and feasibility.

4.    That a cashless carpark would be trialled on one carpark that could be identified as having good mobile network  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.