Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance and Devolution.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution (Councillor Alex Ganotis) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the draft 2019/20 Council Plan.

MOVED AND SECONDED - That the Council Plan 2019/20 be approved and adopted.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - That the Council Plan 2019/20 be approved and adopted subject to the inclusion of the following changes:-

·         On page 8, add a new, sixth box “Putting real power in the hands of local people”;

·         On page 9, insert a new bullet point after the existing ones, before the closing paragraph of that section “Putting real power in the hands of local people. The people who know our communities best are those communities themselves and the local councillors who represent them. We will take steps to increase the number of decisions taken within the community and at the closest possible level to those they affect, namely at Area Committees.”

·         On page 10, insert a new item in the green column (“Stockport is a place people want to live”) which says: “6. Local Communities have real power”;

·         On page 10, insert a new item in the pink/purple column (“Communities in Stockport are safe and resilient”) which says: “5. Communities are able to take decisions for themselves”;

·         On page 10, insert a new, sixth grey row in the table in the section “We will be changing the way we work by…” and under “Creating an organisation fit for the future” which says: “Putting real power in the hands of local people”;

·         On page 16, insert a new item to reflect “4.6 Local Communities have real power” and with the following narrative: “Local communities can influence decisions affecting them, protect what matters to them and drive change where they feel it is needed.”;

·         On page 17, insert a new item to reflect “5.5 Communities are enabled to take decisions for themselves” and with the following narrative: “We will explore ways to give Area Committees more decision making powers over the things which matter to and affect local communities in a bold move to decentralise power from the Town Hall.”

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution.

The Council Plan accompanies the budget and sets a high-level framework for decision making throughout the financial year. It is a public-facing summary document that sits above annual detailed Portfolio Agreements.

The 2019/20 Council Plan reflects on performance to date and policy priorities for the future. It continues to be aligned with the longer-term vision and five shared outcomes set out in the Borough Plan. It also incorporates the key principles identified by Cabinet, underpinned by an inclusive vision for growth and reform. The Greater Manchester Strategy priorities continue to be integrated into the Plan. The strategic narrative for the Plan builds upon these but also incorporates the medium term strategy and its five key themes which were introduced by Cabinet during 2018. These are central to the plan and its organisational delivery.

The Plan is accompanied by an Equality Impact Assessment. This is largely a summary of the high-level position, with more detailed EIAs included with working papers previously considered by Cabinet and Scrutiny.

The Cabinet is asked to endorse the 2019/20 Council Plan for submission to the Budget Council Meeting.

Officer contact: Holly Rae, 0161 474 3014, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the draft Council Plan for 2019/20 for submission to the Budget Council Meeting on 21 February 2019.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that the draft Plan was aligned to the Cabinet’s agreed long term vision, outcomes set out in previous Council Plans, and the Greater Manchester Strategy. The Leader also highlighted the opportunities for reform through Greater Manchester devolution, through the Cabinet’s commitment to its thematic approach to the budget, and the importance of the ambitious capital programme.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the 2019/20 Council Plan.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The Council Plan accompanies the budget and sets a high-level framework for decision making throughout the financial year. It is a public-facing summary document that sits above annual (detailed) Portfolio Agreements.

The plan is developed by Cabinet, supported by officers, and is an opportunity to reflect on performance to date and policy priorities for the future. The 2019/20 Council Plan continues to be aligned with the longer-term vision and five shared outcomes set out in the Borough Plan. It incorporates the key principles identified by Cabinet, underpinned by an inclusive vision for growth and reform. The Greater Manchester Strategy priorities continue to be integrated into the Plan. The strategic narrative for the Plan builds upon these but also incorporates the medium term strategy and its five key themes which were introduced by Cabinet during 2018. These are central to the plan and its organisational delivery.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

·         Consider and comment on the draft 2019/20 Council Plan and EIA; and

·         Note the key issues and processes outlined above.

Officer contact: Holly Rae, 0161 474 3014, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider the draft Council Plan for 2019/20 prior to its submission to Cabinet and the Council Meeting in February 2019. The Plan set out the high-level framework for decision making through the year and informed the development of detailed Portfolio Agreements.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Comment was sought on what the Leader of the Council believed were the most significant changes to the Council Plan since he had assumed the leadership of the Council. In response the Leader stated that the overall approach to the Council Plan had remained broadly the same as under the previous administration and there had been an evolution of approach, but that the delivery of the Plan was where the difference was most marked, and in giving greater focus to maintaining support for vulnerable residents.

·         Comment was sought on how the place-based approach described in the Plan was reconciled with proposal in the budget to reduce area committee spending powers. In response it was emphasised that place making was becoming increasingly important but that this had to be done with finite, and decreasing, resources that had to be used effectively to deliver the Council’s priorities. Further discussions were needed in relation to governance and best for the Council to take those place-based decisions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.