Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 1 June 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 June 2011 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 of interest 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, Corporate Support Services.

The report sets out the 2010/11 outturn position on the Council's general fund revenue account.

The report was previously considered by the Executive at its meeting held on 11 July 2011.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Christine Buxton Tel: 474 4124 email: christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the 2010/11 outturn position on the Council's general fund revenue account. The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• There is a focused commitment from the Children and Young People Senior Management Team throughout 2010/11 on striking the right balance between maintaining service priorities and performance levels whilst taking an active involvement in spending decisions and budget management.
• The Directorate response to in year budget savings and the phased implementation of changes.
• Staffing levels in the Directorate and the numbers of staff who had taken voluntary redundancies.
• A reduction in the SEN Transport Deficit which has reduced to £0.324m.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, Corporate Support Services.

The purpose of this report is to update the Committee with regard to the achievement of the outputs and outcomes of capital projects in 2010/11 and to seek approval for amendments to the capital programme to reflect changes in available funding and expenditure profiles of schemes.

The report was previously considered by the Executive at its meeting held on 11 July 2011.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Christine Buxton Tel: 474 4124 email: christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining achievements in respect to the outputs and outcomes of capital projects in 2010/11. The followings comments were made/issues raised:-

• It was noted that the capital funding settlement for schools was significantly lower than anticipated.
• Councillors enquired when the Government response to the James Review would be published and noted that no date had been identified.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report relates to consultation about proposals to change the delivery of nursery provision in Reddish. The proposals support the Council’s commitment to providing the best possible education for all children whilst ensuring value for money. The Council is also committed to continuing to provide early years education.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Viki Packman - 0161 474 5709 email: viki.packman@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) concerning the consultation about proposals to change the delivery of nursery provision in Reddish which were to make a prescribed alteration to Vale View Primary School in order to create a nursery class as part of the school and to discontinue Fir Tree Nursery. The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• The Committee noted that the Council had received poor advice from the Department for Education in relation to the original consultation process.
• Councillors expressed concern that the consultation process had to be undertaken a second time. It was suggested that the reasons for second consultation should be clearly communicated to parents.to avoid anypotential confusion.
• The Committee noted that a great deal of work had been carried out to resolve any operational issues associated with the creation of the new nursery class at Vale View Primary School and the closure of Fir Tree Nursery.
• Councillors expressed the opinion that the proposals would serve to enhance nursery provision in Reddish.

RESOLVED - That subject to the above comments, the report be noted

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.               

The report sets out planned agenda items for the next two 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: Steve Fox, Tel: 474 3206, email: stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the planned items for the Scrutiny Committee's next meeting and Forward Plan items which fell within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

The Corporate Director for People reported on potential topics which the Scrutiny may wish to consider for future scrutiny reviews, including:-

• Family Support Services
• Young People at the risk of crime
• The transition process for children with disabilities to adulthood

RESOLVED - That the report be noted and the Corporate Director for People be requested to submit a detailed report to the next Scrutiny Committee meeting in respect to the suggested scrutiny review topics.

To consider the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel : Services for Young People.

The Review was carried out between January and May 2011 consisting of four meetings. The outcomes of these meetings are detailed in the main body of the report. The Review was undertaken in partnership with Services for Young People. Maria Kidd, Head of Services for Young People led the Review and co-ordinated support from the Children and Young People’s Directorate.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Maria Kidd 0161 474 4461 email : maria.kidd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the outcomes of the Scrutiny Review Panel: Services for Young People. The following comments were made/issue raised:-

• Councillors stressed the importance of ward Councillors being informed at the earliest opportunity about any changes to provision in their wards. This related not only to Services for Young People but for all changes to Council Services. The Committee requested that their concerns be drawn to the attention of the Assistant Chief Executive (
• It was acknowledged that resources should be focused in Priority One area but that consideration must also be given to other deprived areas throughout the borough.
• It was suggested that a report be submitted to Area Committee outlining the new structure for the Service.
• Councillors requested that they be provided with regular updates in relation to the impact of the new structure on service provision with a detailed report to be submitted to the Scrutiny Committee in the New Year.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.