We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage and implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 81 responses were received with an equal split of 44% respondents supporting /against the proposals. 33 respondents strongly disagreed with the proposals, all of whom commented on the proposed parking restrictions. whilst 25 respondents that strongly agreed with the proposals some felt that the proposed restrictions don’t go far enough.
In response to the feedback received, the proposed restrictions on Clough Meadow and Northdown Avenue will be reduced. The consultation responses have been reviewed and analysed and will be discussed with ward members. This may lead to a reduction in the extent of parking restrictions proposed.
What happens next?
A meeting is proposed to discuss changes and amendments to the scheme will be carried out before the proposed scheme and report is presented to the Werneth Area Committee in April 2023, alternatively June 2023. If approved to continue with changes the TROs are expected to be advertised in late spring/summer 2023
We asked for the views of those who live and work in Stockport on the Council’s proposal to close St Mary’s RC school.
Given the strength of consultation feedback and the position taken by the Diocese of Salford and their Trustees of the Emmaus Trust further time is sought before a decision is made on the closure of the school.
A pause will allow time for the Trustees to fully consider the feedback from consultation and establish a final position as to whether the school should be converted into their Trust.
The decision is to pause considerations of discontinuance until June 2023 at which point, should it be necessary, a further officer decision will be taken regarding the progress of the discontinuance process.
We asked for your views on the Expedited Public Spaces Protection Order (E-PSPO) for the safety of staff and visitors to vaccination centres. The order aims to protect the public from the harm that some protests can cause around schools, vaccination centres and NHS Test and Trace sites. The order is not designed to restrict free speech or the right to protest, however it is intended to ensure both the public using the services, and staff and volunteers providing them can do so free from intimidation, harassment and any restriction of access to those services.
There were a total of 27 responses to the survey which allowed members of the public to share their views and experiences of the order and its requirements.
When asked about interference to the vaccination centres, all respondents agreed this should be covered by the E-PSPO. We also asked about signage, text and images used, with 100% of respondents agreeing it should be a requirement of the E-PSPO to be removed if breaching it. The majority of respondents stated these behaviours had a major impact and led to harassment and intimidation.
Overall 96% of respondents completing the survey agreed with the council’s decision to introduce a 6 month E- PSPO to help prevent harassment, intimidation and impediment at COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Stockport.
The results highlight the concerns regarding the behaviour around COVID- 19 vaccination sites for staff and service users. As a result of this consultation, we are opening a further consultation to seek views on replacing the e-PSPO with a 3-year public spaces protection order, which would be otherwise identical in its effect to the e-PSPO.
Participants were asked to consider the following eight proposed changes to the Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy:
A total of 340 representations were received, with 259 responses from client/carers, 37 from members of staff and 44 from members of the public. A further 61 people were engaged through focus group discussions.
With overall agreement of fifteen percent for proposal three ‘Using a personal bank account’, this was the least agreeable of the eight proposals and was particularly unpopular with staff taking part in the consultation. Proposal six ‘Paying for Council services and using DPs outside the UK’ proved to be unpopular across all groups consulted, with just one in five staff agreeing with the proposal.
For clients and carers, proposal two ‘Support from family members’ proved to be the most agreeable with proposal one ‘Unspent funds’ and proposal four ‘Holiday costs’ a close second.
Strong themes have appeared throughout the consultation.
Responses about what people like about the proposals can be broadly set out into 3 categories:
Across all proposals, a key theme was that the policy would give greater control and flexibility to the client. It will also give greater flexibility to staff members who will be able to be more creative and have more responsibility when writing support plans. It was noted that this needs to be communicated to practitioners so that support plans can be altered to reflect the flexibility.
Respondents largely felt that the proposed changes would improve their own, or the person they care for’s mental health and wellbeing. This was particularly prevalent on proposals relating to unspent funds and leisure activities.
A key theme across the proposals was that the changes will help ease financial pressures felt by clients and carers. For example, travelling to appointments and other activities set out in the care plan, paying family members, and using Direct Payments to pay for leisure activities.
Responses about how the proposals could be improved can be broadly set out into 3 categories:
Respondents felt that the language under proposal seven: using your Direct Payment to pay for leisure activities could be rephrased. For example, the terms wellbeing or wellness should be used instead. Also, it was found that the language under proposal 6: paying for council services and spending your Direct Payment outside of the UK needs to be clearer.
A key theme across all proposals was that clarity and training is needed within the policy so that Practitioners can effectively and confidently write support plans and that clients and carers can confidently use their Direct Payment to fulfil their needs. Clarification is needed on proposal three that using the same bank is a choice, not a requirement and how this will be audited. Also, clear guidance on how Direct Payments can be used for holiday and/or respite, and travel. There also needs to be guidance on what leisure activities are acceptable and how this will be managed by practitioners. Furthermore, clarity is needed on whether there are any rules on people spending prolonged periods of time away from home. There also needs to be assurance that the policies will be linked to individual outcomes.
Another key theme across the proposals was a concern for the possibility of proposals being open for misuse. This was particularly prevalent through the proposals relating to unspent funds and paying family members. Respondents felt that there needs to be a defined process to reduce the risk of misinterpretation as funds are derived from the public purse.
Summary of the feedback we received and the action we plan to take in response to it:
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Feedback |
Action proposed in response to feedback |
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Repayment of monies reclaimed under old policy |
The Council has already contacted just over one hundred clients and carers where any reductions in care were made under the old policy. It has now reviewed the care needs for these clients and where necessary, reinstated support plans. If you were negatively affected by the previous policy and we have not yet been in touch with you, then please call us on 0161 218 1450 or email us at dp.review@stockport.gov.uk and we will respond as quickly as possible. |
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Maintain consistent approach/interpretation of policy, and practitioners to be informed about how support plans can be altered to allow flexibility |
We have developed a staff training and communication plan. This consists of a series of briefings for managers in Adult Social Care, followed by a training programme for all staff who work on direct payments in Adult Social Care. We will also be providing updated written guidance and an e-learning training package for staff. This training programme will also have a focus on how social workers can develop flexibility in support plans. |
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Ensure that policy is not abused – e.g., Paying families and paying for leisure activities |
We will monitor use of Direct Payment funds through our review and audit processes. This involves an initial check by the Brokerage Service and the allocated social worker within the first six weeks of a payment. This is to assure the council that the service user understands their responsibilities and is coping well with the expected administration of the account. A formal audit will be undertaken at four months – this allows time for a pattern of spend to be established and for the first bank statement to arrive. If there are no issues with the first audit, they will be carried out every six months. |
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Rephrase communication asking for repayments to avoid stress to families |
We have already started to review all our correspondence to Direct Payment clients to ensure that it is written in a way that doesn’t cause unnecessary stress. We will share our revised documentation with the Stockport Advocacy Group to seek their feedback on our changes. |
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Clarification needed that using the same bank account is a choice, not a requirement, and clarification on how using same bank account for DP will be managed in terms of audit |
We recognise that further guidance is needed for people using personal bank accounts to manage Direct Payments. We are in the process of developing this guidance, which will also include details of the processes we will use for auditing spend. |
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Guidance on how Direct Payments can be used for holidays and/or respite |
We are currently working on improving the guidance and developing some examples to be included in our new policy. |
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Guidance on what kind of travel Direct Payments can be used for i.e., to what places, what form of transport and fair travel costs |
We will be improving our guidance and providing examples in the new policy. |
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Paying for council services and spending your Direct Payment outside of the UK language needs to be clearer, and guidance on using Direct Payments outside of UK will be managed by practitioners |
Examples will be included in the new policy and guidance will be provided for practitioners. |
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Term ‘leisure’ re worded under proposal 7, and guidance on what leisure activities are acceptable and how this will be managed by practitioners |
We have removed the word ‘leisure’ from the Direct Payment Policy because we felt it was misleading, instead we will refer to wellbeing activities to meet a person’s assessed outcomes under the Care Act. We feel this provides clearer guidance for clients and carers. We will not be providing a list of which activities are acceptable as we feel that this is dependent on assessed care act needs and finding the best activity to help an individual meet those needs. However, we will still provide a list of activities that are not acceptable in the policy, such as those that involve gambling or alcohol. |
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Guidance on whether there are any rules on people spending prolonged time away from home |
We will not be introducing any rules regarding prolonged periods away from home. |
We asked for your views on the potential introducton of a prebooked minimum journey free for Hackney Carriages.
There were real concerns regarding the proposal from people who either use hackney carriages or who are carers for people who use hackney carriages. Your told us of your concerns around the increased cost associated with a prebooked fare.
Yout said that you felt aggrieved by the proposal for a prebooked minimum fare and their response is that they would use private hire instead.
Results indicated concerns from service users regarding the request for the introduction of a minimum fare to be charged for prebooked hackney carriage journeys.
The concerns were re-laid to the hackney carriage trade association who have decided to withdraw their request for a prebooked minimum fare from the current fare review.
The hackney carriage trade association have asked the Council to undertake research with other local authorities to see if any similar schemes operate successfully in other council areas, so that the matter may be considered in any future hackney carriage fare review
We asked how far you agreed or disagreed with the Stockport Active Communities Strategy principles, approach, priority groups and action priorities.
There were a total of 94 responses to the online survey. 69.15% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed whole systems approach; 67.03% either agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed principles and approach; 70.22% either agreed or strongly agreed with the identified priority groups and 29.79% respondents felt that there were some action priorities missing. The key themes arising from the survey were that everyone needs to be included and that accessibility and inclusivity is of upmost importance. It is also about getting everyone involved through good communications and leading by example.
The next stage of development is the implementation plan and that is the stage when we will not only consider in detail what we propose to do to further support and facilitate activity for our priority groups but also consider how to measure impact.
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of bollards and dropped kerbs with tactile paving; road markings; speed limit repeater signs and new school warning signs as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 9 responses were received with 78% of respondents supporting the proposals.
The proposed scheme was approved at the Central Stockport Area Committee on the 10th March 2022. The TROs are expected to be advertised in spring/summer 2022.
The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy web pages here (Item 11): https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=27523&Ver=4
We asked for your views on the School Admission arrangements for the 2023-24 academic year including changes to the processing of late applications and school holiday dates.
There was overwhelming support for keeping the school holidays the same as in previous years, with many saying these allowed parents of primary aged children to book holidays in the May half term.
There was a mixed response to the change of processing late applications, many stakeholders felt it was fair to allow these applications to be made on time following offer day. Others felt that there is sufficient time for everyone to apply and it was unfair to the parents and children who applied by the deadline.
The proposals were considered and approved with school holiday dates following the same format as in previous years and ‘late applications’ will be considered as on time 2 weeks after offer day. The full determination can be found here: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/determination-notice-2023-24
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of bollards and dropped kerbs with tactile paving; access protection markings and new school warning signs as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 18 responses were received with 71% of respondents supporting the proposals. Four local residents advised that they experience drivers parking across their driveways at school times.
In response to the feedback received access protection markings are proposed at an additional two properties (the other two properties that reported cars parking across the driveway have existing access protection markings).
The proposed scheme was approved at the Werneth Area Committee on the 7th March 2022. The TROs are expected to be advertised in spring/summer 2022.
The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy web pages here (Item 9): https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=135&MId=27481&Ver=4
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of pencil bollards; and new school warning signs as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 22 responses were received with 68% of respondents supporting the proposals. 6 respondents disagreed with the proposals, 5 of whom disagreed with an element of the proposed TROs. One resident requested that additional measures be implemented on Churchley Road.
In response to the feedback received, the proposed restrictions on Huntley Road have been reduced. Ward members have also agreed to review Churchley Road, separate to the Road Safety Around Schools programme.
The proposed scheme was approved at the Central Stockport Area Committee on the 10th March 2022. The TROs are expected to be advertised in spring/summer 2022.
The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy web pages here (Item 10): https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=27523&Ver=4
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving on Bosden Fold Road and remarking of the existing 20 roundels and SLOW road markings as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 14 responses were received with 93% of respondents supporting the proposals.
The proposals were approved at the Stepping Hill Area Committee on 25th January 2022. The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy Web pages here (Item 9): Agenda for Stepping Hill Area Committee on Tuesday, 25th January, 2022, 6.00 pm - Stockport Council
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage and implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 16 responses were received with 69% of respondents supporting the proposals. 3 respondents disagreed with the proposals, all of whom commented on the proposed parking restrictions. Two respondents advised that on-street car parking is already competitive, whilst the third felt that the proposed restrictions don’t go far enough.
The proposed scheme represents a reduction in the parking restrictions proposed when compared with a previous 2019 scheme and aims to balance improved safety with the parking requirements of local residents. The proposed scheme was approved at the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Soutth Area Committee on the 10th March 2022. The TROs are expected to be advertised in spring/summer 2022.
The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy web pages here (Item 9): https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=142&MId=27515&Ver=4
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; and new school warning signs as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 36 responses were received with 61% of respondents supporting the proposals. 11 respondents disagreed with the proposals, 9 of whom disagreed with the introduction of No Waiting at Times Shown restrictions on Fairacres Road.
Whilst the length of the proposed No Waiting at Times Shown restrictions was identified on the plan (12m) this distance was not included within the text shown on the on-street notices. It is considered that this may have led to some misunderstanding regarding the proposed extent of the restrictions. The proposed restrictions would reduce the on-street parking available by approximately two vehicle lengths and were proposed in order to improve the flow of traffic at the eastern end of Fairacres Road and prevent vehicles blocking the uncontrolled pedestrian crossing. It was therefore recommended that the restrictions be retained.
The proposals were approved at the Marple Area Committee on 1st December 2021. The TROs will be advertised in spring 2022.
The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy Web pages here (Item 15): Agenda for Marple Area Committee on Wednesday, 1st December, 2021, 6.00 pm - Stockport Council
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; road markings and new school warning signs to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 8 responses were received with 75% of respondents supporting the proposals; 1 respondent was against the proposals. The resident who disagreed with the proposals advised that cars park on the school zig-zag markings and across driveways, not in the location of the proposed works.
The proposals were approved at the Central Stockport Area Committee on 21st October 2021. A request will also be made for additional enforcement visits with the camera car following the introduction of the new measures.
The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy Web pages here (Item 10): https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=27520&Ver=4
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving and pencil bollards; and new school warning signs as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
A total of 16 responses were received with 81% of respondents supporting the proposals.
The proposals were approved at the Central Stockport Area Committee on 2nd December 2021. The TROs were advertised in February 2022.
The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy Web pages here (Item 9): Agenda for Central Stockport Area Committee on Thursday, 2nd December, 2021, 6.00 pm - Stockport Council
We asked for your views on the potential implementation of a footway build-out with associated dropped kerbs with tactile paving; pencil bollards, access protection markings, new school warning signs, sign post painting and provision of additional road markings to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.
1 response was received as part of the consultation; this was supportive of the proposed scheme.
The proposals were approved at the Central Stockport Area Committee on 21st October 2021 and the proposals are being taken forward for detailed design and then construction.
The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy Web pages here (Item 9): https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=27520&Ver=4
The aims of this engagement were to: understand what uses Stockroom could have; enable participants to have their say on the types of things they might like to see in Stockroom; identify any perceived disadvantages to the Stockroom idea; capture the perceived benefits a development of this nature may provide.
In total 1299 surveys were completed. A broad mix of age bands (17% under 35, 60% 35-64 & 18% over 65), those with (37%) and without children at home (59%) (4% preferring not to say) and those who do (18%) or do not have (76%) a disability or long-term health condition (5% preferring not to say) completed the survey.
The idea of Stockroom was seen as exciting and a great opportunity to enhance learning as well as being a place to socialise. Stockroom is seen as having the potential to provide a multi-use community space and bring services and organisations together in one central location. The benefits of a development of this nature for the Town Centre were seen as being multi-faceted but with regeneration of the High Street the one most agreed with.
Participants also had the opportunity in an open-ended question to write anything which they saw as being a disadvantage to the proposed plans. 41% of participants left this question blank and 23% of those who gave a written answer to this question provided a positive comment rather than any perceived disadvantage. However, 20% of those making a comment felt that most or all resources will be taken away from Central Library. Also, 16% felt that Stockroom would take away from local amenities and facilities.
Following the positive response to this survey, we are now consulting with people about moving the Town Centre library services from Central Library into Stockroom. The Proposal to move Central Library services to Stockroom consultation is running from 23 August to 18 October.
You can view the full consultation report here.
Between Wednesday 13th January and Friday 12th February 2021, we asked you for your views on the existing traffic calming measures along Windlehurst Road between the A6 (Buxton Road) and Broadhurst’s Bridge.
Part 1 of the response form focused on traffic calming along Windlehurst Road (A6 to Broadhurst’s Bridge) as a whole.
A total of 932 online and written response forms were received in response to the consultation. The results indicate that the majority (81%) of respondents agree that traffic calming on Windlehurst Road should be reviewed and removed in some sections.
Part 2 of the response form focused on the traffic calming along Windlehurst Road within the following two sections: Section 1 - Between the A6 (Buxton Road) and Andrew Lane; and Section 2 - Between Andrew Lane and Broadhurst’s Bridge (Macclesfield Canal).
77% and 89% of respondents respectively for Section 1 and 2 identified that they believe traffic calming should be removed within these Sections. Furthermore, 80% and 86% of respondents respectively for Section 1 and 2 identified that they do not like driving along Windlehurst Road. Very few respondents identified that they feel more comfortable walking or cycling along Windlehurst Road.
The analysis of the consultation has found that approximately half of the responses received to this public consultation were from residents who live outside the High Lane area. It is considered likely that these residents utilise Windlehurst Road as a driving route and would not experience the impacts of speeding along Windlehurst Road to the same extent as the residents who live alongside or adjacent to the road who are directly affected daily.
Therefore, it has been recommended that additional analysis is undertaken to better understand the various perspectives based on geographical locations prior to any decisions being made regarding the retention or removal of the existing traffic calming measures along Windlehurst Road.
We asked for your views on proposed changes to a number of SEND support services in Stockport funded by the High Needs Funding block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
We had over 674 responses to the consultation from a range of different stakeholders.
We are now in the process of considering the outcomes of the consultation and beginning to work up the proposals that will be further developed to be taken forward later in the year. For more information please email DSG@stockport.gov.uk
We asked for your thoughts on a proposed cycle route, a school streets pilot, a village 'parklet' and councillor lane improvements.
The consultation asked for feedback on the proposed introduction of a new cycle track linking Whitegates Road to Ashfield Road and Massie Street car park. There was a total of 25 respondents of which 69% agreed.
Feedback was sought for a 'school street' pilot on Ashfield Crescent for Cheadle Primary School which would prevent motor vehicles using the road between school drop off/pick up times. There was a total of 26 respondents of which 69% agreed.
The consultation also asked for feedback on a proposed new 'parklet' to provide an attractive place to sit and parking for cycles on/ near to Cheadle high street. From the 26 respondents, 63% agreed.
Furthermore, the consultation asked for opinions on improvements to the appearance of the shopping parade, including new trees, cycle parking and seating. From the 29 respondents, 66% agreed with the recommendations.
After consideration from the feedback received from the consultation, we have begun to progress the Ashfield Road Segregated Cycle route.
The overall positive feedback from the 'school street' pilot means that we have begun detailed designs for construction.
In response to the feedback received for the 'parklet' we are undergoing further assessment into the feasibility of an alternative position on the high street, to ensure the safest location.
The overall positive support for the Lane Improvements has meant that the proposal has been taken forward for detailed design and construction. Two bollards have been added to the proposal to prevent footway parking on the eastern side of York Close.