The Cabinet of Stockport Council met on Tuesday 24 June 2025, approving a refreshed Climate and Nature Strategy, a new Corporate Parenting Strategy, and the business plan for the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation. The meeting also saw the approval of the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, and the initiation of compulsory purchase order powers for the Stockport Exchange regeneration scheme.

Climate and Nature Strategy Refresh

The Cabinet approved the refreshed One Stockport Climate and Nature (CAN) Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy outlines the council's plan to achieve operational net zero by 2030 and contribute to Stockport becoming carbon neutral by 2038, while also enhancing resilience to climate change impacts. Councillor Jake Austin, Cabinet Member for Housing & Environment, highlighted that the refreshed strategy now explicitly includes 'nature' in its title and places a greater emphasis on climate resilience. The work of the cross-party CAN Steering Group was acknowledged for ensuring a sustained focus on climate change across the authority.

Corporate Parenting Strategy

The Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025-2027 was approved and adopted by the Cabinet. This strategy, co-produced with children in care and care-experienced young people, sets out the council's vision and pledge to provide them with the experiences, opportunities, and support needed for happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Members emphasised the importance of listening to and acting upon the voices of those in care and care leavers.

Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation Business Plan

The Cabinet approved the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) Strategic Business Plan for 2025-2030. This plan details the MDC's achievements from 2019-2025, outlines future challenges, and sets strategic objectives and delivery commitments. Councillor Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Skills, noted the support of the Mayor of Greater Manchester for the borough's ambitions to expand the MDC's boundary. Councillor Mark Roberts, Leader of the Council, declared a personal and prejudicial interest as a Member of the MDC Board, but was permitted to participate and vote due to a dispensation granted by the Standards Committee.

Stockport Exchange Compulsory Purchase Order

The Cabinet agreed to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for 72/74 Wellington Road South as part of the Stockport Exchange regeneration scheme. This decision follows over ten years of unsuccessful voluntary negotiations with the landowner. The CPO is deemed necessary to assemble the land required for the scheme's continued delivery, which is critical for the town's economic growth and the creation of approximately 1,500 jobs. Councillor Micheala Meikle presented the report, and the Cabinet delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Assistant Director for Governance to manage the CPO process, including negotiations, potential objections, and confirmation by the Secretary of State. The report detailed considerations regarding human rights and equalities, concluding that the order is overwhelmingly in the public interest and strikes a fair balance between individual rights and community benefits.

Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan

The Cabinet agreed to delegate the formulation and preparation of the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan (GMJMWP) to the AGMA Executive Board, subject to the Council Meeting approving the plan in principle. This statutory plan will cover minerals and waste planning across all ten Greater Manchester councils. The Cabinet noted that the final approval, amendment, and adoption of the plan remain the responsibility of the Council Meeting.

District Heat Network Development

Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Section 151 Officer to procure and appoint a Development and Funding Partner for a District Heating Network in Stockport. They will also be responsible for preparing a Local Development Order for its provision. Councillor Jake Austin highlighted that this initiative would significantly contribute to the council's decarbonisation efforts and enhance future energy security, noting that residential buildings are included within the scope of the proposed network.

Corporate Performance and Resources

The Cabinet noted the Corporate Performance and Resources 2024/25 Year-End (Quarter 4) Report, which summarised progress in delivering the council's priority outcomes up to 31 March 2025. This included an overview of corporate delivery, performance, and a detailed financial update on revenue and capital outturns, as well as appropriations to and from reserves. The Cabinet approved the delegation of changes to the outturn, reserves, and balances position to the Director of Finance – Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, and approved the resourcing of the capital programme and the 2024/25 prudential indicators.

2025/26 Portfolio Performance and Resources Agreements

The Cabinet approved the seven Portfolio Performance and Resources Agreements for 2025/26. These agreements align with the priorities set out in the 2024-27 Council Plan and the 2025/26 budgets, forming the basis for reporting on delivery and spending plans to Scrutiny Committees. During the discussion, it was noted that funding had been approved for the Metrolink light rail extension to Stockport, and the importance of bringing this to fruition was emphasised.

Stockport UK Shared Prosperity Fund Proposals

Approval was given to the proposed uses for UK Shared Prosperity funding in Stockport, along with the associated processes and governance framework. Councillor Micheala Meikle welcomed the doubling of funding for district centres and noted that the fund was oversubscribed, indicating a strong demand for its allocation.

Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Cabinet agreed that the Chief Executive be authorised to confirm the council's contentment for the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) to be published. This strategy is a key component in addressing the biodiversity emergency declared by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in 2022.

Adswood Depot Battery Storage and Heathside Park Road Land Transactions

The Cabinet noted and approved the approach and recommended option for a Lease Option for a Battery Storage Scheme at the Adswood Depot Site and a Purchase Option for land at Heathside Park Road, Cheadle Heath. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Place Management to finalise necessary agreements.

Stockport Crematorium and Cemetery Redevelopment

The Cabinet noted and approved the business case for the redevelopment and refurbishment of the Stockport Crematorium and Cemetery site. Authority was delegated to senior officers to enter into necessary legal agreements, appoint a design team, and proceed with enabling works, including the ordering of new cremator units.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The Cabinet approved the appointment or nomination of council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2025/26. The Chief Executive was authorised to finalise the schedule of appointments in consultation with the relevant party group leader.

Scrutiny Review of Early Years Support

The Cabinet received the final report of the Scrutiny Review into 'Prevention: Support in the Early Years (-9 months to 5 years)'. They resolved to request the Head of Service Early Years and Neighbourhoods to prepare a response to the review's recommendations for future consideration and recorded their gratitude to the Scrutiny Review Panel for their work.

GMCA Decisions

The Cabinet noted the decisions made by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) at its meetings on 28 March and 30 May 2025. The Leader of the Council highlighted the importance of integrated water management across Greater Manchester.