Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2015

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 2 June 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations were made.

To consider call-in items (if any).

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an update on progress towards delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budgets during the fourth quarter, and an overview of 2014/15. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which have been considered in detail by the recent cycle of Scrutiny Committees.

In relation to the Corporate Performance and Resources Annual Report 2014/15 the Executive at it’s meeting on 16 June 2014:

·         Approved the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3 of the report.

·         Noted the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2014/15 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6.

·         Noted the position on the 2013/14 and 2014/15 budget savings programme set out in section 2.4.

·         Approved the approach to financing redundancy costs set out in paragraph 2.6.3.

·         Noted the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8.

·         Noted the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 be approved and the resulting final reserves and balances position of £91.96m.

·         Approved the changes to the outturn, reserves and/or balances position that may arise from the audit of the statement of accounts (see section 2.11) be delegated to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in conjunction with the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance).

·         Noted the forecast position for the 2014/15 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1.

·         Approved the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.7.

·         Approved the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3.4 and 3.3.5.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the report and the decisions of the Executive.

Officer contact: Peter Owston/ Andy Moran, 0161 474 3274 / 4086, peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk / andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on progress towards delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budgets during the fourth quarter, and an overview of 2014/15. It was supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which had been considered in detail by Scrutiny Committees.

It was reported that the Executive at its meeting on 16 June 2014 had approved the recommendations in the report.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

Clarification was sought as to whether the Local assistance Scheme would continue. It was reported that this was dependent upon funding being secured in the future.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Leader’s Report highlights some of the key strategic issues and significant achievements over the last quarter and reflects on the last 12 months. This includes updates on the latest developments on the Investing in Stockport programme and Greater Manchester Devolution.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the Leaders Report

Officer contact: Peter Owston/ Andy Moran, 0161 474 3274 / 4086, peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk / andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader submitted her Annual Report (copies of which had been circulated) which highlighted some of the key strategic issues and significant achievements over the last quarter and reflects on the last 12 months. This included updates on the latest developments on the Investing in Stockport programme and Greater Manchester Devolution.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members noted that a review of the AGMA/ GMCA scrutiny arrangements had recently been undertaken and that with increased devolution to the Combined Authority it was essential the scrutiny arrangements are more transparent.

·         The Scrutiny Committee welcomed the comments of the Leader of the Council in relation to the need to build in the ability for Scrutiny Committees in Stockport to consider decisions taken by AGMA/ GMCA preferably in advance of decisions being taken. It was noted that the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee would be invited to consider this issue.

·         It was noted that many of the devolution programmes would be delivered locally by the Council but it was acknowledged that the Leader of the Council would increasingly be involved in work of AGMA/ GMCA.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The Council is required through regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003 to produce an annual treasury report reviewing treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2014/15. This report meets the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).

The Scrutiny Committee are invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact John Parkinson on Tel: 0161 218 1757.

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the Treasury Management Annual Report for the financial year 2014/15 (copies of which had been circulated)

The Council was required through regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003 to produce an annual treasury report reviewing treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2014/15. This report met the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

It was noted that in relation to LOBO loans, these were taken out some years ago at competitive rates when compared to PWLB loans at that time. Should the lenders exercise their rights to increase the rates the Council would consider exercising its right to repay those loans without penalty.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the Treasury Management Annual Report for the financial year 2014/15.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

This report presents the draft Support & Governance and Safe & Resilient Communities Portfolio Agreements (Appendix 1) for consideration and comment by the Scrutiny Committee. This incorporates the following service areas;

·         Support and Governance

o   Corporate and Support Services

o   Revenues and Benefits

o   Contact Centre

o   Elections

o   STAR Procurement

·         Safe and Resilient Communities

o   Community Safety

o   Neighbourhood Management

o   Youth Offending

o   Libraries

These will form the basis for regular in-year reporting. Portfolio and Corporate Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs and CPRRs) will assess progress against key objectives, priorities, outcomes and budgets, enabling Scrutiny Committees to hold the Executive to account and for the Executive to identify current and future risks to delivery.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to review and comment on the proposed changes to the performance framework outlined in the report in relation to areas of responsibility set out in the draft Portfolio Agreements.

Officer contacts Peter Owston, Policy, Performance and Reform (CSS), peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk (474 3274)  Susan Wood, Strategic Accountant (CSS) susan.wood@stockport.go.uk (218 1032)

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the draft Support & Governance and Safe & Resilient Communities Portfolio Agreements (copies of which had been circulated) for consideration and comment by the Scrutiny Committee. These incorporated the following service areas;

·         Support and Governance

o   Corporate and Support Services

o   Revenues and Benefits

o   Contact Centre

o   Elections

o   STAR Procurement

·         Safe and Resilient Communities

o   Community Safety

o   Neighbourhood Management

o   Youth Offending

o   Libraries

It was reported that the Portfolio Agreements would form the basis for regular in-year reporting and would assess progress against key objectives, priorities, outcomes and budgets, enabling the Scrutiny Committee to hold the Executive to account and for the Executive to identify current and future risks to delivery.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) and the Executive Councillor for Safe and Resilient Communities (Councillor Shan Alexander) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The style and revised format be welcomed.

·         It was noted that within the Safe and Resilient Communities Portfolio, a number of community safety performance indicators  were outside the Council’s direct control, although it was important to monitor how the council was contributing in partnership with other agencies to reduce crime.

·         It was noted that the draft business cases in relation to Corporate and Support Services would be considered by the Executive on 18 August and submitted to this Scrutiny Committee on 22 September for comments.

RSOLVED (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That a report of the Safer Stockport Partnership be submitted to this Scrutiny Committee annually showing trends and how the intervention by the various partners was impacting on the performance indicators identified in the Portfolio Agreement.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report sets out the Executive response to the Scrutiny Review ‘Understanding the Accessibility of Digital Services in Stockport’ undertaken jointly by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance and  Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committees. At the Executive meeting on 21 April the Leader Councillor of the Review attended to present the final report. The intention is for more detailed proposals on developing a Strategic Plan for the Digital Design Programme to be consulted upon in due course, so this report is an initial response to the recommendations of the Review.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to agree note the initial response to the Joint Scrutiny Panel’s Review on understanding the accessibility of digital services in Stockport approved by the Executive at it’s meeting on 16 June 2015.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton/ Paul James, 0161 474 3174 / 5430, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk / paul.james@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the

 Executive response to the Scrutiny Review ‘Understanding the Accessibility of Digital Services in Stockport’ (copies of which had been circulated) undertaken jointly by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance and Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committees. It was intended that a report setting out a more detailed proposals on developing a Strategic Plan for the Digital Design Programme would be submitted to the Scrutiny Committee for comments in due course and that this report was an initial response to the recommendations of the Review.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

Members made comments in relation to the Executive response as part of the debate on Agenda item 8 “Digital by Design – Draft Executive Proposal.

RESOLVED – That the initial Executive response to the Scrutiny Review recommendations of the Review.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

This report sets out the draft proposal for a Digital by Design Programme to better use technology to keep people informed and connected; and to reduce the cost of services.  These issues are presented for discussion by Councillors on the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee, following the all-Members briefing earlier on 7 July, and ahead of the Executive’s decision regarding the shape of and investment required for the digital programme. Specifically, the Committee is asked to comment on the proposals contained within the report.

The Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee is recommended to discuss and comment upon the proposals contained in the report. Members’ comments will be then reported to the Executive meeting which receives the proposals for consideration and approval.

Officer contacts: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk or Paul James on 0161 474 5430 or email paul.james@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the draft proposal for a Digital by Design Programme to better use technology to keep people informed and connected; and to reduce the cost of services.

The Chair referred to the all-Members briefing held earlier in the evening prior to the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee. The report invited the Scrutiny Committee to comment on the proposals ahead of the Executive’s decision regarding the shape of and investment required for the digital programme.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Scrutiny Committee discussed the financial benefits to the Council in view of the significant investment required to implement the proposals. It was noted that the proposals were critical to enable other parts of the Investing in Stockport Programme to be delivered and improve the ‘customer experience’.

·         The need to maintain current systems alongside the implementation of the Digital by Design Programme.

·         The opportunity for Councillors to assist in enabling residents has the tools and skills to communicate with the council digitally and for Councillors to be involved in the implementation process.

·         The need to ensure that security is paramount in relation to personal data.

·         The need to reduce duplication in relation to transactions made on line e.g. as far as possible systems are automated.

·         The need to review the impact on staff including flexible and mobile working.

RESOLVED – That the report and executive proposals be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The purpose of this report is to invite the Scrutiny Committee to comment upon the proposed Executive report to be submitted to its meeting on 21 July 2015.  The Executive is being asked to note the update on progress of the Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme for 2015/16, the Energy Capital Programme (ECP) for the Civic Complex and to approve the inclusion of revised schemes to be delivered in 2015/16. It will also seek approval of the ECP for the Corporate Estate and the funding arrangements to support the programme.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on the report and the proposed recommendations to the Executive as set our below:

The Executive is asked to approve;

·         The Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2015/16 the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for 2016/17 to 2017/18, as set out in the report.

·         The application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2015/2016 to 2017/2018; with the application of funding types (capital receipts (including total achieved from ORP) and borrowing) being delegated to the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group (ESG)

·         The Energy Capital Programme Phase 2 for implementation, where the funding required is derived from the energy reduction measures within the programme and the matching of Salix funding capital projects where appropriate up to the proposed allocation outlined in the report.

·         That the Executive and the CRMG Scrutiny Committee receives a annual update reports on progress.

Officer contact Murray Carr   on Tel: 0161-474-3019 or by email on murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to comment upon the proposals to be considered by the Executive Meeting on 21 July 2015.  The Executive was being asked to note the update on progress of the Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme for 2015/16, the Energy Capital Programme (ECP) for the Civic Complex and to approve the inclusion of revised schemes to be delivered in 2015/16. It also sought approval of the ECP for the Corporate Estate and the funding arrangements to support the programme.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that improving performance in relation to property costs, property occupancy and annual energy consumption would improve through the proposed capital investment proposed in the Asset Management Plan once the buildings had been disposed of.

·         It was noted that upgrading the emergency generator/ switchgear capacity would ensure that the data centre continued to function during a power failure without the loss of data/ systems.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That this Scrutiny Committee would welcome an annual update report on progress in relation to the Asset Management Plan Capital Programme.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on the Year End position in terms of sickness absence.  The report outlines our performance in the previous financial year and our plans to continue focusing on this area of activity in the next review period.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the report.

Contact Officer Sue Williams 0161 474 2175 sue.williams@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on the Year End position in terms of sickness absence.  The report outlines our performance in the previous financial year and our plans to continue focusing on this area of activity in the next review period.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed at the number of managers that had not attended the ‘Mandatory’ training and welcomed the action being taken by the Corporate Leadership Team to address this.

·         The need to support employees through return to work interviews and by providing them with access to other services e.g. occupational health was endorsed.

·         It was noted that the higher incidents of sickness appeared to be in front line services.

·         Further information was required in relation to the significant increase in long term sickness in the People Directorate compared to other parts of the Council together with data on whether there were seasonal peaks in relation to sickness.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted and where further information can be provided to members in relation to the comments made this be circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee.

(2)  That a mid-year report be submitted to this Committee in six months which provided a more detailed breakdown in relation to long term sickness in the People Directorate compared to other parts of the Council together with data on whether there were seasonal peaks in relation to sickness.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.               

The report sets out planned agenda items for future meetings of the Committee and Forward Plan items that fall within its remit.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and put forward any agenda items for future meetings.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth, Democratic Services Manager, telephone number 474 3204, email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk.

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the planned items for the Scrutiny Committee’s future meetings and Forward Plan items which fell within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.