The Lord Mayor informed the Council that he had written to the following award recipients, who are either Mancunians or live or work in the city to congratulate them on the honour they have received:-

Officer of the Order of the British Empire was awarded to:

Dr Jeanelle De Gruchy, lately President, Association of Directors of Public Health and Chair, Greater Manchester Directors of Public Health for services to Public Health

Professor Ian Hall, Professor of Mathematical Epidemiology and Statistics, The University of Manchester and Senior Principal Modeller, UK Health Security Agency for services to Public Health, to Epidemiology and to Adult Social Care, particularly during Covid-19

Professor Paul Klapper, Professor of Clinical Virology, The University of Manchester, for services to Viral Diagnostic Testing

Sally MacDonald, Director, Science and Industry Museum for services to the Arts and to Heritage

Professor Richard Wakeford, Professor of Epidemiology, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Manchester for services to the Advancement of the Science of Radiation Protection

Member of the Order of the British Empire was been awarded to:

Neville Beischer, Chief Executive Officer, Flagship Learning Trust, Manchester for services to Education

Pauline Binns-Tulloch, for services to the community in Greater Manchester

Furqan Naeem, Founding Organiser, Greater Manchester Citizens for services to Inter-Faith Relations and to the community in Greater Manchester

Professor Elizabeth Price, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for sustainability, Manchester Metropolitan University for services to Sustainability Education

A Medal of the Order of the British Empirewas awarded to:

Robert Ashworth, Civilian Investigator, Greater Manchester Police for Public Service

The Lord Mayor invited those present to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Sir Howard Bernstein who passed on 22 June 2024.

Sir Howard served Manchester City Council for 46 years. Starting his career in 1971 as junior clerk in the Chief Executives Department and worked his way to become the Chief Executive. He brought a vision and determination to make this city one of the very best and will be remembered for his involvement in the expansion of the Metrolink and establishment of Manchester Airport as a PLC.  His pivotal role in the regeneration of Manchester following the devastation of the Manchester bomb in 1996 and again in the work to secure the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and the successful regeneration in East Manchester and later with the establishment of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The Leader of the Council reflected on Sir Howard’s important contribution and lasting legacy to Manchester that grew from the ambition of a someone born and raised in the city and later worked as a public servant and became known around the world. Sir Howard was at the centre of Manchester’s growth and development and overseen the large projects across the city and will be sadly missed.     

The Lord Mayor invited those present at the meeting to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the lives lost in the Srebrenica genocide which took place in July 1995. The Council passed a resolution in 2016 to support the work of remembering Srebrenica genocide which took place in July 1995 to learn the lessons from the tragedy through tackling hatred and intolerance and helping to build a better, safer and more cohesive society for everyone.

The Lord Mayor informed the meeting of the departure of the Chief Executive Joanne Roney who will be taking up the position of Birmingham City Council’s new Managing Director. In thanking Joanne for her service to Manchester Council the Lord Mayor invited the Leader of the Council and group leaders to express their appreciation.

The Lord Mayor informed the Council that he had agreed to the submission of the minutes of the Constitutional and Nomination Committee held on 10 July 2024.

To submit for approval the minutes of the meeting held on 15 May 2024.

Decision

The Minutes of the Council meeting on 15 May 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Lord Mayor.

This Council notes the outcome of the General Election held on Thursday 4 July 2024

Proposed by Councillor Craig, seconded by Councillor Midgley and supported by Councillors Hacking, Igbon, Karney, Rawlins, Reid, Richards, T Robinson and White

Councillor Craig submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Midgely:-

This Council notes the outcome of the General Election held on Thursday 4 July 2024.

The Lord Mayor reported that the amendment submitted by Councillor Bridges had been received and was accepted by Councillor Akbar.

The amended motion is as follows:

Where the country voted for change and the Labour Party won every seat in the City of Manchester and achieved an overall majority in the House of Commons of 174 seats.

Over the last 14 years of cuts and austerity has been difficult and the council’s budget unfairly and disproportionately slashed. Across the country, life chances have gone backwards. Since 2010, homelessness and poverty have surged, showing that much of this has been a political choice by the Conservative/ Liberal Democrat Coalition and successive Conservative Governments. In Manchester, 43% of our kids are growing up in poverty.

We welcome the incoming Labour Government who will stand beside us, empowers us, and works with us to make our city better.

On the motion being put to the vote, the Lord Mayor declared it carried.

Resolution

1.     That this Council notes the outcome of the General Election held on Thursday 4 July 2024.

2.     That this Council welcome the incoming Labour Government who will stand beside us, empowers us, and works with us to make our city better.

It is widely recognised that our farming and agricultural industries are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental breakdown. Animal agriculture is particularly damaging, contributing to an estimated 14% of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

In 2019, Manchester declared a Climate Emergency, and has since made a commitment to be a carbon zero city by 2038. This is backed up by our Manchester Climate Change Action Plan and the ambitious goals highlighted in the 2022 update. As stated in the Our Manchester Strategy, “across Manchester, we need to achieve an initial reduction of direct CO2 emissions of at least 15% every year, 50% during 2021–2025”. Unfortunately as a city, we are nowhere near achieving this. Therefore we must take urgent and bold action now to ensure we are able to meet our climate targets.

The Plant Based Treaty aims to halt the widespread degradation of critical ecosystems caused by conventional animal agriculture, to promote a shift to more healthy, sustainable plant-based diets and to actively reverse damage done to planetary functions, ecosystem services and biodiversity, based on three core principles:

a)      Relinquish: no land use change, ecosystem degradation or deforestation for conventional animal agriculture

b)      Redirect: an active transition away from animal based food systems to plant-based systems

c)      Restore: actively restore key ecosystems, particularly restoring forests and rewilding landscapes

Food production takes up 70% of our entire landmass in the UK, two thirds of which is used for animal grazing.  The 2023 State of Nature report found that the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries on earth, stating that despite progress in conservation efforts “the UK’s nature and wider environment continues, overall, to decline and degrade”. Producing a kilo of beef creates, on average, 12 times more CO2 than a kilo of tofu or other soya based proteins. Meanwhile, producing a litre of dairy milk uses, on average, at least four times as much land as producing a litre of plant milk.

At the same time, the consumption of excessive meat and dairy products contributes to a decrease in public health, including heightening the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. As recognised in the Our Manchester Strategy, Mancunians have some of the worst health outcomes in the country, including high rates of death from cancer, heart and respiratory illnesses. The Plant Based Treaty promotes systemic changes that would lead to healthier food options being the default, rather than a privilege available to those who can afford it. Endorsing the Plant Based Treaty is therefore another opportunity for us to show our commitment to climate, environment, and the welfare of our residents.

This Council notes:-

·            Diets with low or no meat and dairy are a culturally sensitive option, and are widely consumed across the world by many different cultures and religions

·            Other councils in the UK have endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, including Norwich City Council, Lambeth Council and Edinburgh City Council

·            Edinburgh Council carried out a study to understand  ...  view the full agenda text for item 55.

Councillor Wiest submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Nunney:-

It is widely recognised that our farming and agricultural industries are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental breakdown. Animal agriculture is particularly damaging, contributing to an estimated 14% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. In 2019, Manchester declared a Climate Emergency, and has since made a commitment to be a carbon zero city by 2038. This is backed up by our Manchester Climate Change Action Plan and the ambitious goals highlighted in the 2022 update. As stated in the Our Manchester Strategy, “across Manchester, we need to achieve an initial reduction of direct CO2 emissions of at least 15% every year, 50% during 2021–2025”. Unfortunately as a city, we are nowhere near achieving this. Therefore we must take urgent and bold action now to ensure we are able to meet our climate targets.

The Plant Based Treaty aims to halt the widespread degradation of critical ecosystems caused by conventional animal agriculture, to promote a shift to more healthy, sustainable plant-based diets and to actively reverse damage done to planetary functions, ecosystem services and biodiversity, based on three core principles:

a) Relinquish: no land use change, ecosystem degradation or deforestation for conventional animal agriculture

b) Redirect: an active transition away from animal based food systems to plant-based systems

c) Restore: actively restore key ecosystems, particularly restoring forests and rewilding landscapes.

Food production takes up 70% of our entire landmass in the UK, two thirds of which is used for animal grazing. The 2023 State of Nature report found that the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries on earth, stating that despite progress in conservation efforts “the UK’s nature and wider environment continues, overall, to decline and degrade”. Producing a kilo of beef creates, on average, 12 times more CO2 than a kilo of tofu or other soya-based proteins. Meanwhile, producing a litre of dairy milk uses, on average, at least four times as much land as producing a litre of plant milk.

At the same time, the consumption of excessive meat and dairy products contributes to a decrease in public health, including heightening the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. As recognised in the Our Manchester Strategy, Mancunians have some of the worst health outcomes in the country, including high rates of death from cancer, heart and respiratory illnesses. The Plant Based Treaty promotes systemic changes that would lead to healthier food options being the default, rather than a privilege available to those who can afford it. Endorsing the Plant Based Treaty is therefore another opportunity for us to show our commitment to climate, environment, and the welfare of our residents.

This Council notes:-

• Diets with low or no meat and dairy are a culturally sensitive option, and are widely consumed across the world by many different cultures and religions

• Other councils in the UK have endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, including Norwich City Council, Lambeth  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

Last year as part of the discovery phase of Manchester’s bid to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City, we heard the views of over 11,000 young people. They told us that they want to be made to feel even more welcome in public spaces, such as parks and have opportunities to play, meet friends and enjoy themselves.

Council notes:-

That as part of the UNICEF Child Friendly City bid, the children and young people of Manchester have chosen Place, Health, and Safe and Secure as their three thematic badges, with the golden thread of Equal and Included running though all that we do.

Scope, the disability charity in their “Let’s Play Fair” campaign produced a Playground Accessibility Report. Nationally they found that –

·            Only 1 in 10 playgrounds are inclusive to disabled children,

·            Nearly three quarters of playgrounds are places where it would be difficult for disabled and non-disabled children to play together.

We are responsible for over 140 park and play facilities and despite 14 years of unprecedented cuts to local government finance, where Manchester lost in excess of £443 million, this Labour Council has invested in our parks to make them more accessible and inclusive, this includes:-

·            The Lakeside Adventure Playground at Heaton Park and Mayfield Park include accessible play equipment.

·            An orienteering course has been developed at Boggart Hole Clough based around benches, so that residents who are less mobile can get involved.

·            Funding is in place for new and replacement equipment at 19 Manchester play facilities

The example of Fair Play Barnet, where a playground has been designed with maximum accessibility and inclusivity, so that people of all ages and abilities can play.

That it is important that we meaningfully consult with, and learn from our families, carers and community groups. We can benefit from their lived experiences, and make sure that our parks can be used and enjoyed by all our residents.

Therefore, this Council resolves to –

(1)       Use the opportunity of the refreshed parks strategic to continues the work to make our parks and open spaces full accessibility and inclusive.

(2)       Learn from parks like Mayfield, Heaton Park and Fair Play Barnet on how we can make our parks more accessible and inclusive, particularly with respect of equipment and resources – including car parking, entry gates, play equipment, wheelchair friendly benches etc

(3)       Continue to engage with friends groups, local families, carers and community groups, and work with them and partner organisations to establish a set of accessibility and inclusivity standards, which can be audited on a regular basis.

(4)       Work with the new government to provide additional funding for parks and open spaces to make them more accessible and inclusive.

Proposed by Councillor Gartside, seconded by Councillor McCaul and supported by Councillors Azra Ali, Lovecy, McHale, Midgley, Reid and Reeves.

Councillor Gartside submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor McCaul: -

Last year as part of the discovery phase of Manchester’s bid to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City, we heard the views of over 11,000 young people. They told us that they want to be made to feel even more welcome in public spaces, such as parks and have opportunities to play, meet friends and enjoy themselves.

Council notes:-

That as part of the UNICEF Child Friendly City bid, the children and young people of Manchester have chosen Place, Health, and Safe and Secure as their three thematic badges, with the golden thread of Equal and Included running though all that we do.

Scope, the disability charity in their “Let’s Play Fair” campaign produced a Playground Accessibility Report. Nationally they found that –

• Only 1 in 10 playgrounds are inclusive to disabled children,

• Nearly three quarters of playgrounds are places where it would be difficult for disabled and non-disabled children to play together.

We are responsible for over 140 park and play facilities and despite 14 years of unprecedented cuts to local government finance, where Manchester lost in excess of £443 million, this Labour Council has invested in our parks to make them more accessible and inclusive, this includes:-

• The Lakeside Adventure Playground at Heaton Park and Mayfield Park include accessible play equipment.

• An orienteering course has been developed at Boggart Hole Clough based around benches, so that residents who are less mobile can get involved.

• Funding is in place for new and replacement equipment at 19 Manchester play facilities.

The example of Fair Play Barnet, where a playground has been designed with maximum accessibility and inclusivity, so that people of all ages and abilities can play.

That it is important that we meaningfully consult with, and learn from our families, carers and community groups. We can benefit from their lived experiences, and make sure that our parks can be used and enjoyed by all our residents.

Therefore, this Council resolves to –

(1) Use the opportunity of the refreshed parks strategic to continues the work to make our parks and open spaces full accessibility and inclusive.

(2) Learn from parks like Mayfield, Heaton Park and Fair Play Barnet on how we can make our parks more accessible and inclusive, particularly with respect of equipment and resources – including car parking, entry gates, play equipment, wheelchair friendly benches etc.

(3) Continue to engage with friends’ groups, local families, carers and community groups, and work with them and partner organisations to establish a set of accessibility and inclusivity standards, which can be audited on a regular basis.

(4) Work with the new government to provide additional funding for parks and open spaces to make them more accessible and inclusive.

On the motion being put to the vote, the Lord Mayor declared it carried unanimously.

Resolution

That this Council:

(1) Use the opportunity of the refreshed parks strategic to continues the work to make  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

In 2019, Manchester declared a Climate Emergency, and has since made a commitment to be a carbon zero city by 2038. The Manchester Climate Change Action Framework 2022 update stated that as a city we will not be reaching our first milestone to reduce the city’s direct emissions of 50% by 2025.

Whether our approach as a city to catch up with our goals is through immediate, large-scale action and investment or taking a phased approach, to face this challenge we call for a reset of the relationship between government and councils to meet our climate targets.

To tackle this within the context of our city region The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Trailblazer deeper devolution deal offers a closer and more supportive working relationship with the Government, but is not sufficient and vague on financial commitments and must go further.

A “Take Back Control Act” would need to be very clear on a local low-carbon economy as a “gold standard”.

This Council recognises:-

Local delivery of net zero is essential to the UK’s commitments to net zero by 2050 and to 68% emissions reductions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The UK’s 2030 emission reductions target will crucially be already missed by 4% to 15%, which means that the sixth carbon budget is already off-track.

We note that the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has found that supporting a local approach for delivering net zero by 2050 would be at half the cost of a national approach and would deliver three times the financial returns to our communities. A fair transition to a local net zero economy has the potential to boost prosperity and well-being in every corner of the UK. On 19 October 2023 the Local Government Association (LGA), District Councils Network (DCN), County Councils Network (CCN) and London Councils have jointly called on the Government to back local climate action for that reason.

We further note that, when it comes to adaptation, the LGA states that “Nationally we are not sufficiently prepared for the impacts of climate change, and central government must prioritise its work with local governments to close this gap.” We further note that “For many climate impacts it is the most vulnerable in society that will be most impacted and have the least ability to adapt”.

This Council agrees:-

·            The Mission Zero Coalition is right when it says that “The quickest, cheapest and fairest route to net-zero is through local authorities. As analysis has shown, local-led action could save the UK £140bn in reaching net-zero compared to a top-down approach, while delivering almost double the energy savings and social benefits.”

·            The results of a recent LGA survey suggesting that 67% of councils are not confident in hitting their net zero targets is concerning.

In terms of our City Region, in October 2023 Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, called for local flexibility and funding on net zero, alongside a stable and progressive national approach. He said that a local, place-specific approach to net zero can deliver  ...  view the full agenda text for item 57.

Councillor Johnson submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Nunney: -

In 2019, Manchester declared a Climate Emergency, and has since made a commitment to be a carbon zero city by 2038. The Manchester Climate Change Action Framework 2022 update stated that as a city we will not be reaching our first milestone to reduce the city’s direct emissions of 50% by 2025.

Whether our approach as a city to catch up with our goals is through immediate, large-scale action and investment or taking a phased approach, to face this challenge we call for a reset of the relationship between government and councils to meet our climate targets.

To tackle this within the context of our city region The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Trailblazer deeper devolution deal offers a closer and more supportive working relationship with the Government but is not sufficient and vague on financial commitments and must go further.

A “Take Back Control Act” would need to be very clear on a local low-carbon economy as a “gold standard”.

This Council recognises:-

Local delivery of net zero is essential to the UK’s commitments to net zero by 2050 and to 68% emissions reductions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The UK’s 2030 emission reductions target will crucially be already missed by 4% to 15%, which means that the sixth carbon budget is already off-track.

We note that the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has found that supporting a local approach for delivering net zero by 2050 would be at half the cost of a national approach and would deliver three times the financial returns to our communities. A fair transition to a local net zero economy has the potential to boost prosperity and well-being in every corner of the UK. On 19 October 2023 the Local Government Association (LGA), District Councils Network (DCN), County Councils Network (CCN) and London Councils have jointly called on the Government to back local climate action for that reason.

We further note that, when it comes to adaptation, the LGA states that “Nationally we are not sufficiently prepared for the impacts of climate change, and central government must prioritise its work with local governments to close this gap.” We further note that “For many climate impacts it is the most vulnerable in society that will be most impacted and have the least ability to adapt”.

This Council agrees:-

• The Mission Zero Coalition is right when it says that “The quickest, cheapest and fairest route to net-zero is through local authorities. As analysis has shown, local-led action could save the UK £140bn in reaching net-zero compared to a top-down approach, while delivering almost double the energy savings and social benefits.”

• The results of a recent LGA survey suggesting that 67% of councils are not confident in hitting their net zero targets is concerning.

In terms of our City Region, in October 2023 Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, called for local flexibility and funding on net zero, alongside a stable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

The two-child limit on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit was introduced in April 2017 by the Conservative government and prevents families in need from claiming targeted financial support for more than two children.

As of 2024, families receive £3,455 a year for their second child under the child element of Universal Credit, and families subject to the cap lose out on this amount per year for each subsequent child.  The policy has been widely regarded as a principal driver of child poverty.

This Council notes that:-

·            Manchester has one of the highest poverty rates of any local authority in the UK.

·            Children who grow up in poverty are more likely to experience mental health issues, poorer educational attainment, and worse job opportunities later in life.

·            A new report by the Commons Education Select Committee warns mental health problems and cost-of-living pressures on families are among the complex reasons for increased absenteeism at school.

·            As of 2022, 20% of all children in Manchester are living in a family affected by the two-child limit, with over 7,100 households affected.

·            Manchester Council has a duty to advocate for these families in need, and a duty to pressure the government of the day to pursue welfare policies that alleviate poverty and the causes of poverty.

·            250,000 children would be immediately lifted out of poverty upon removal of the policy, according to the Child Poverty Action Group.

This Council also notes that:

·            The Institute for Fiscal Studies has reported that in the next year, 250,000 extra children are likely to be affected by the policy, and by the end of the next Parliament, an extra 670,000 children will likely be affected.

·            The upfront cost of removing the two-child limit will be approximately £3.4 billion a year in the financial year 2024/25 according to the IFS, which amounts to roughly 3% of the total working-age benefit budget.

·            The impact of the two-child limit policy has disproportionately impacted Muslim and Jewish communities more than any other faith group.

·            The then-Labour MP for Manchester Gorton, Afzal Khan, highlighted the impact of the two-child limit on Manchester’s Muslim community at a recent House of Commons debate.

This Council supports:-

·            Further research into potential savings on the long-term costs of removing the two-child limit, which the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests may reduce as overall life outcomes improve.

·            Wider work in the community to alleviate poverty, for example, improving access to jobs with good wages and reducing the levels of unclaimed benefit when there is entitlement.

This Council therefore resolves to:-

(1)       Oppose the two-child limit on Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit

(2)       Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister to highlight the impact the two-child benefit cap has had in Manchester, and request the policy be scrapped.

Proposed by Councillor Good, seconded by Councillor Leech and supported by Councillors Abdullatif, Johnson, Kilpatrick, Northwood, Nunney and Wiest.

Councillor Good submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Leech: -

The two-child limit on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit was introduced in April 2017 by the Conservative government and prevents families in need from claiming targeted financial support for more than two children.

As of 2024, families receive £3,455 a year for their second child under the child element of Universal Credit, and families subject to the cap lose out on this amount per year for each subsequent child. The policy has been widely regarded as a principal driver of child poverty.

This Council notes that:-

• Manchester has one of the highest poverty rates of any local authority in the UK.

• Children who grow up in poverty are more likely to experience mental health issues, poorer educational attainment, and worse job opportunities later in life.

• A new report by the Commons Education Select Committee warns mental health problems and cost-of-living pressures on families are among the complex reasons for increased absenteeism at school.

• As of 2022, 20% of all children in Manchester are living in a family affected by the two-child limit, with over 7,100 households affected.

• Manchester Council has a duty to advocate for these families in need, and a duty to pressure the government of the day to pursue welfare policies that alleviate poverty and the causes of poverty.

• 250,000 children would be immediately lifted out of poverty upon removal of the policy, according to the Child Poverty Action Group. This Council also notes that:

• The Institute for Fiscal Studies has reported that in the next year, 250,000 extra children are likely to be affected by the policy, and by the end of the next Parliament, an extra 670,000 children will likely be affected.

• The upfront cost of removing the two-child limit will be approximately £3.4 billion a year in the financial year 2024/25 according to the IFS, which amounts to roughly 3% of the total working-age benefit budget.

• The impact of the two-child limit policy has disproportionately impacted Muslim and Jewish communities more than any other faith group.

• The then-Labour MP for Manchester Gorton, Afzal Khan, highlighted the impact of the two-child limit on Manchester’s Muslim community at a recent House of Commons debate.

This Council supports:-

• Further research into potential savings on the long-term costs of removing the two-child limit, which the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests may reduce as overall life outcomes improve.

• Wider work in the community to alleviate poverty, for example, improving access to jobs with good wages and reducing the levels of unclaimed benefit when there is entitlement.

This Council therefore resolves to:-

(1) Oppose the two-child limit on Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit

(2) Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister to highlight the impact the two-child benefit cap has had in Manchester, and request the policy be scrapped.

Councillor Karney moved an amendment to the motion, which was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

To submit the minutes of the Executive on 5 June 2024 and in particular to consider:

Exe/24/49        Capital Programme Outturn 2023/24

Approve the virements over £0.5m between capital schemes to maximise use of funding resources available to the City Council as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.

To approve the budget changes to the Council’s capital programme as follows:-

·                Children’s Services - Schools Capital Maintenance Programme. A capital budget increase of £3.971m funded by Government Grant.

·                Estates – Asset Management Programme. A capital budget increase of £0.500m in 2024/25, £0.250m in 2025/26 and £0.250m in 2026/27 was requested, funded by Capital Receipts.

·                Highways Services - Removal of Obstructions – Decluttering.  A capital budget decrease of £0.200m was requested and approval of a corresponding transfer of £0.200m to the revenue budget, funded by Capital Fund.

·                Public Sector Housing – Housing Operations Programme 2024-25. A capital budget increase of £3m in 2024/25 and £1.4m in 2025/26 by HRA Reserve.

·                Private Sector Housing – Disabled Facilities Grant. A capital budget increase of £9.253m in 2024/25 funded by Government Grant

The proceedings of the Executive on 5 June 2024 were submitted. The Council was asked to give particular consideration to the following recommendations:

Exe/24/49 Capital Programme Outturn 2023/24

Approve the virements over £0.5m between capital schemes to maximise use of funding resources available to the City Council as set out in Appendix 3 of the report, as submitted.

To approve the budget changes to the Council’s capital programme as follows:-

• Children’s Services - Schools Capital Maintenance Programme. A capital budget increase of £3.971m funded by Government Grant.

• Estates – Asset Management Programme. A capital budget increase of £0.500m in 2024/25, £0.250m in 2025/26 and £0.250m in 2026/27 was requested, funded by Capital Receipts.

• Highways Services - Removal of Obstructions – Decluttering. A capital budget decrease of £0.200m was requested and approval of a corresponding transfer of £0.200m to the revenue budget, funded by Capital Fund.

• Public Sector Housing – Housing Operations Programme 2024-25. A capital budget increase of £3m in 2024/25 and £1.4m in 2025/26 by HRA Reserve.

• Private Sector Housing – Disabled Facilities Grant. A capital budget increase of £9.253m in 2024/25 funded by Government Grant.

Decisions

1.     To receive the minutes of the Executive held on 26 July and 13 September 2023.

2.     To approve the budget changes to the Council’s capital programme as follows:-

• Children’s Services - Schools Capital Maintenance Programme. A capital budget increase of £3.971m funded by Government Grant.

• Estates – Asset Management Programme. A capital budget increase of £0.500m in 2024/25, £0.250m in 2025/26 and £0.250m in 2026/27 was requested, funded by Capital Receipts.

• Highways Services - Removal of Obstructions – Decluttering. A capital budget decrease of £0.200m was requested and approval of a corresponding transfer of £0.200m to the revenue budget, funded by Capital Fund.

• Public Sector Housing – Housing Operations Programme 2024-25. A capital budget increase of £3m in 2024/25 and £1.4m in 2025/26 by HRA Reserve.

• Private Sector Housing – Disabled Facilities Grant. A capital budget increase of £9.253m in 2024/25 funded by Government Grant.

To receive answers to any questions that councillors have raised in accordance with Procedural Rule 23.

Councillor Rawlins responded to a question from Councillor Richards regarding the Manchester active Travel Plan.

Councillor Igbon responded to a question from Councillor Richards regarding action to address rodent problems in neighbourhoods

Councillor Igbon responded to a question from Councillor Richards concerning the problem of residential fly tipping and the impact this has on neighbourhoods.

Councillor Igbon responded to a question from Councillor Nunney regarding arrangements for the clearing of litter in areas before grass cutting lawned areas.

Councillor Leech responded to a question from Councillor Akbar regarding Council funding discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Councillor Reid responded to a question from Councillor Leech regarding the demand for school places in Manchester following the introduction of VAT on school fees.

Councillor Midgley responded to a question from Councillor Leech regarding the 2-child benefit cap on child poverty within Manchester.

Councillor Akbar responded to a question from Councillor Leech regarding the estimated cost of the upgrade to the Councillor’s contact system.

Councillor White responded to a question from Councillor Leech regarding plans for affordable houses to be built by 3032.

To note the minutes of the following committees:

·       Economy & Regeneration – 21 May 2024

·       Communities & Equalities – 21 May 2024

·       Children & Young People – 22 May 2024

·       Health – 22 May 2024

·       Resources and Governance – 23 May 2024

·       Environment, Climate Change and Neighbourhoods – 23 May 2024

The minutes of the following Scrutiny Committee meetings were submitted:

• Economy & Regeneration – 21 May 2024
• Communities & Equalities – 21 May 2024
• Children & Young People – 22 May 2024
• Health – 22 May 2024

• Resources and Governance – 23 May 2024

• Environment, Climate Change and Neighbourhoods – 23 May 2024

Decision

To receive those minutes submitted.

To submit for approval the minutes of the following meetings and consider recommendations made by the committee:

·       Audit Committee – 23 April 2024

·       Standards Committee – 14 March, 11 April and 13 June 2024

·       Planning and Highways Committee - 30 May 2024

·       Personnel Committee - 28 May, 5 June and 14 June 2024

In particular, the Council is requested to consider minute:

PE/24/8        Recruitment to Director of Housing and Strategic Director Children's and Education

To agree that a £5,000 market rate supplement may be applied, at the discretion of the Director of Human Resources, Organisational Development and Transformation, in respect of the recruitment to the Director of Housing role.”  

·       Health and Wellbeing Board - 5 June 2024

·       Constitutional and Nomination Committee – 10 July 2024

The minutes of the following meetings were submitted:

• Audit Committee – 23 April 2024

• Standards Committee – 14 March, 11 April and 13 June 2024

• Planning and Highways Committee - 30 May 2024

• Personnel Committee - 28 May, 5 June and 14 June 2024

The Council was requested to give particular consideration to the following recommendation from those minutes:

PE/24/8 Recruitment to Director of Housing and Strategic Director Children's and Education

To agree that a £5,000 market rate supplement may be applied, at the discretion of the Director of Human Resources, Organisational Development and Transformation, in respect of the recruitment to the Director of Housing role.”

• Health and Wellbeing Board - 5 June 2024

• Constitutional and Nomination Committee – 10 July 2024

The Council was requested to give particular consideration to the following recommendation from those minutes:

CN/24/11         Appointments and Changes to Council Committee Membership

1. The Committee recommend Council approve the amendments to committee membership and outside bodies as follows:

2. The Committee recommend the Council to approve the following appointment of Lead Members:

·       Race Men issues: Councillor Ahmed Ali.

·       Intergenerational Work: Councillor Mumtaz and Councillor Amin.

Decisions

1.     To receive those minutes submitted.

2.     To approve that a £5,000 market rate supplement may be applied, at the discretion of the Director of Human Resources, Organisational Development and Transformation, in respect of the recruitment to the Director of Housing role.”

3.     To approve the amendments to committee membership and outside bodies as follows:

The report of the Executive Leader is enclosed.

The Council considered the report of the Executive Leader on the appointment of the Deputy Leader and Executive Members.

Decision

To note the appointment of the Deputy Leader(s) and Executive Member(s) and their porfolios.

The report of the City Solicitor is enclosed.

The Council considered the report of the City Solicitor that provided an update on the matters within the remit of the Standards Committee since the beginning of February 2023. The report was forwarded to the meeting to provide assurance on standards issues.

Decision

To note the report.  

The report of the Director of HR, OD and Transformation is enclosed.

The Council considered the report of the Director of Human Resources, Organisational Development and Transformation that introduced the draft Manchester City Council Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25. The report sought Council approval of the statement.

Decision

1.     To approve the content of the draft Pay Policy Statement 2024-25.

2.     To approve the organisation’s Pay and Grading Structure for the financial year 2024/2 appended to the draft Pay Policy Statement.

The report of the City Solicitor is enclosed.

The Council considered the report of the City Solicitor on key decisions that have been taken in accordance with the urgency provisions in the Council’s Constitution.

Decision

To note the report.