Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 9 July 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Executive

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the appendices marked confidential which contain information “not for publication” of Agenda Items:-

·         12 (Settlement of Equal Pay Litigation) by virtue of Categories 1 ‘Information relating to any individual’, 4 ‘Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office-holders under the authority’ and 5 ‘Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)

·         16 (Offerton Precinct) which contain information “not for publication” by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendices to the following items should the content of these appendices need to be discussed:-

·         Item 12 (Settlement of Equal Pay Litigation) by virtue of Categories 1 ‘Information relating to any individual’, 4 ‘Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office-holders under the authority’ and 5 ‘Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) (see Minute 15 below)

·         Item 16 (Offerton Precinct) by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) (see Minute 8 below)

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Executive Councillors on any matters within the powers and duties of the Executive, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting on the card provided.  These are available at the meeting and at local libraries and information centres. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

The public were invited to put questions to the Executive on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

16 questions were asked.

Twelve questions related to the draft Woodford Village Garden Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) included on the agenda at item 15 (see Minute 6 below).

·         The first question asked whether consideration had been given to a health related development on the Woodford site to increase health care capacity through the provision of specialist services which would also necessitate housing and other commercial development to support this use.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) replied that while the approach suggested was innovative, it was unlikely to be deliverable, which was a key test of the SPD. The current draft SPD was housing led as this was more deliverable in the current circumstances although this would not preclude anyone from submitting a planning application for this site which would then be judged on its merits.

·         The second question asked when details of any financial contributions to the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme from Cheshire East Council and Harrow Estate or Avro Heritage, as potential developers of the Woodford Aerodrome site, would be made public.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) replied that no financial contributions would be required from either Cheshire East Council nor the developers of the site for the Relief Road Scheme as funding had been identified by Central Government and from within the Greater Manchester Transport Fund.

·         The third question asked whether the Executive would consider the comments made by the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee about the proposed SPD, why officers of the Council had been meeting with potential developers of the Woodford site and why the public’s views as expressed through the Core Strategy were being ignored.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) replied that the comments of the Scrutiny Committee would be taken seriously by the Executive as part of the consultation on the content of the SPD. It was confirmed that officers had met with the potential developer as part of taking forward the SPD but that this was in large part to make the views of the local community aware to the developer. It was stated that the final SPD would take account of national and local planning policy and the views of the local community. It was added that the SPD was designed to shape development on this site, and that this was the most effective mechanism for the Council and the public to get the best out of any proposal.

·         The fourth question asked why the current proposals for the site did not include any employment uses, despite the desire for mixed development in the Core Strategy and sought reassurances that this was not to satisfy developers.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) replied that some employment would be retained on the site and that residents’ views on encouraging this would be welcomed as part of the consultation. The SPD needed to be deliverable and in the current situation this would be best achieved through a housing-led scheme. It was added that the site was an unusual location for a large employment site and was associated with historical circumstance rather than local planning policy.

·         The fifth question asked how the proposed carbon mitigation measures for any development at Woodford, such as public transport improvements and walking and cycling routes, would be funded.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) replied that on and off site sustainability measures would be funded by developers via Section 106 legal agreements as set out in the SPD.

·         The sixth question asked why the Core Strategy’s requirements for formal and casual recreational space and children’s play space were not included within the development area in the SPD.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) replied that a key objective of the Council had been to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration)

The report sets out the background to the opportunities presented by the site of the former Woodford Aerodrome and the development of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to guide the future redevelopment of the site. The report seeks approval for the draft Woodford Garden Village SPD to enable the statutory six week public consultation to be undertaken.

The Executive is invited to:

·         delegate the finalisation of the draft SPD prior to its public consultation, to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor;

·         approve the statutory 6 week public consultation on the draft SPD to commence 3^rd September;

·         agree that as part of the consultation process the draft SPD is taken to the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

Officer contact: Ian Harrison, 0161 474 4550, ian.harrison@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the draft Woodford Garden Village Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) before the commencement of a statutory six week public consultation. The Council’s Core Strategy identified the site of the former Woodford Aerodrome as an opportunity site for development, with the Planning Inspectorate agreeing that the preparation of a SPD was the most appropriate way to guide the future redevelopment of the site.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) emphasised that the SPD was currently in draft form and encouraged all interested parties to submit their views and suggestions as part of the public consultation exercise.

RESOLVED – That

·         the finalisation of the draft Woodford Garden Village Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) prior to its publication be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration);

·         approval be given to the statutory six week consultation on the draft SPD commencing on 3 September 2012;

·         approval be given to the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee being included as part of the consultation process on the draft SPD.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration)

The report provides an update on the progress of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme and the proposed Member involvement in the process over the next year. The report also describes and seeks approval for the proposed consultation process.

The Executive is invited to

·         approve that the consultation process for the A6 to Manchester Airport scheme commences in autumn 2013 and that the approval of the detailed consultation and engagement plan and consultation material is delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration)

·         approve the proposed Member engagement process described in paragraphs 3.3- 3.8.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an update on progress with the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Scheme; the proposed councillor involvement in the process over the next year; and the proposed consultation process.

The Leader of the Council clarified that the proposed commencement of the consultation scheme was autumn 2012, not 2013 as stated in the report.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to

·         the commencement the consultation process for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme in autumn 2012 and that the detailed consultation and engagement plan and material be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration); and

·         the prosed councillor engagement process as detailed in paragraphs 3.3-3.8 of the report.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Governance & Corporate Services)

(Note: this report includes information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within its appendices which have been circulated to executive councillors only)

The report sets out the background to the Council’s efforts to facilitate the redevelopment of Offerton Precinct and provides an update on the current position. The report also seeks authority from the Executive to amend the existing Development Agreement between the Council and the preferred developer of the Offerton Precinct, Tenbest, to allow the development of the Offerton Precinct site for the benefit of the local community and should the amendment not result in appropriate progress by the end of November 2012, authorise appropriate action.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Approve the current request of the developer to vary the Development Agreement as set out in confidential Appendix 2.

·         Agree that in the event that Tenbest are unable to comply with the revised terms of the agreement by the end of November 2012, the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Service Director (Place Development) and the Executive Councillors (Governance & Corporate Services) and (Economic Development & Regeneration) be authorised to proceed in line with Option 2 above and to declare the intention to serve a General Vesting Declaration by the 12 December 2012 and to take such action as is necessary to secure the redevelopment of the site.

·         Agree that in the event that the General Vesting Declaration is served without funding from Tenbest being available, any interim costs are funded through the use of prudential borrowing which will be financed by the future capital receipt from the disposal of the site.

·         Authorise the appointment of Roger Hannah and Co as CPO valuers on behalf of the Council, in relation to this project.

Officer contact: Barry Khan / Paul Lawrence, 0161 474 3202/ 218 1940, barry.khan@stockport.gov.uk / paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an update on the current situation with the Council’s efforts to facilitate the regeneration of Offerton Precinct and set out options to progress the redevelopment of the site.

(Note: this report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within its appendices that were circulated to executive councillors only)

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) reported that the options had been discussed with local ward councillors who had supported the proposals.

The Leader of the Council reported that a letter had been received by the Council at short notice from an alternative developer who had requested that the content of the letter be read out at the Executive Meeting. The Leader of the Council had declined the request as there had been insufficient time to consider its content and ensure that it contained no information that may breach commercial confidentiality.

RESOLVED – That

·         the current request of Tenbest (the developer) to vary the Development Agreement as set out in confidential Appendix 2 be approved;

·         in the event that Tenbest were unable to comply with the revised terms of the agreement by the end of November 2012, the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Service Director (Place Development) and the Executive Councillors (Governance & Corporate Services) and (Economic Development & Regeneration) be authorised to proceed in line with Option 2 in the report and to declare the intention to serve a General Vesting Declaration by 12 December 2012 and to take such action as was necessary to secure the redevelopment of the site;

·         in the event that the General Vesting Declaration being served without funding from Tenbest being available, approval be given to any interim costs being funded through the use of prudential borrowing which would be financed by the future capital receipt from the disposal of the site; and

·         Roger Hannah and Co be appointed as Compulsory Purchase Order valuers on behalf of the Council for this project.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services)

Following the submission of the final report of the Adults & Communities Scrutiny Committee’s Review ‘Safeguarding and Personalisation in Adult Social Care’ to the Executive on 9 July 2012, a response to the recommendations of the Review has been prepared for endorsement by the Executive.

The Executive Meeting is recommended to adopt the response to the ‘Safeguarding and Personalisation in Adult Social Care’ Scrutiny Review as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Jude Wells, 07800 618811, jude.wells@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree a response to the recommendations contained in the ‘Safeguarding and Personalisation in Adult Social Care’ Scrutiny Review carried out by the Adults & Communities Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the response to the ‘Safeguarding and Personalisation in Adult Social Care’ Scrutiny Review as detailed in the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

Following the submission of the final report of Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee’s Review ‘How the Public Contact the Council’ to the Executive on 9 July 2012, a response to the recommendations of the Review has been prepared for endorsement by the Executive.

The Executive Meeting is recommended to adopt the response to the ‘How the Public Contact the Council’ Scrutiny Review as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Adrian Moores, 0161 474 5409, adrian.moores@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Support Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree a response to the recommendations contained in the ‘How the Public Contact the Council’ Scrutiny Review carried out by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the response to the ‘How the Public Contact the Council’ Scrutiny Review as detailed in the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People)

Following the submission of the final report of Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee’s Review ‘Streamlining Family Support Services’ to the Executive on 9 July 2012, a response to the recommendations of the Review has been prepared for endorsement by the Executive.

The Executive Meeting is recommended to adopt the response to the ‘Streamlining Family Support Services’ Scrutiny Review as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Viki Packman, 0161 474 5753, viki.packman@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree a response to the recommendations contained in the ‘Streamlining Family Support Services’ Scrutiny Review carried out by the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the response to the ‘Streamlining Family Support Services’ Scrutiny Review as detailed in the report be approved.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Supporting Communities) and (Policy, Reform and Finance)

This report provides details on the new Right to Buy regime and the requirement for Local Authorities to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of State to retain in Stockport the potential additional receipts that may arise from the new regime. The report seeks the agreement of the Executive to enter into the agreement with the Secretary of State.

The Executive is asked to:

•        Note the report; and,

•        Agree that the Council enters into an agreement with the Secretary of State to retain in Stockport the potential additional receipts that may arise from the new Right to Buy regime.

Officer contact: Paul Lawrence/ Michael Cullen, 0161 474 4515/ 4631, paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk / michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) submitted a report (copies of the which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to retain receipts from Right to Buy purchases of Council housing in order to fund replacement housing stock. The new Right to Buy regime had been announced in March 2012 and required local authorities to enter into such an agreement otherwise the receipts would be passed to the Homes and Communities Agency and thereby limit the Council’s ability to deliver more affordable homes in the borough.

Executive councillors commented that although the proposed agreement would not be on favourable terms for the Council, to do other than enter into the agreement would risk the delivery of new affordable homes in Stockport.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the Council entering into an agreement with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to retain in Stockport the potential additional receipts that may arise from the new Right to Buy regime.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

The report seeks approval of the Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme for 2012/13 and 2013/14 and the funding arrangements to support it. The AMP capital programme is used to carry out upgrade and improvements to core operational buildings within the Council’s corporate estate. A bid for Corporate Funding for the Asset Management Programme is necessary as the capital financing costs of these works cannot be met from the Single Property Budget cash limits.

The Executive is asked to approve;

·         The Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2012/13 and 2013/14, and the financing thereof, as set out in the report.

·         The matching of Salix funding capital projects up to the proposed allocation outlined in the report.

Officer contact: Murray Carr, 0161 474 3649, murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Support Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the draft Assessment Management Plan Capital Programme for 2012/13 and 2013/14 including the funding arrangements to support the programme to carry out upgrades and improvements to the core operational buildings within the Council’s corporate estate.

Executive councillors welcomed the emphasis within the Plan programme on sustainability and energy efficiency.

RESOLVED – That

·         the Asset Management Plan Capital Programme for 2012/13 and 2013/14, and the financing arrangements as set out in the report be approved; and

·         the matching of Salix funding capital projects up to the proposed allocation as outlined in the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

The report sets out the arrangements (including shadow arrangements) proposed by AGMA for the establishment of a Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel which is linked to the forthcoming election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester.

The Executive is invited to:

·         recommend that the Council Meeting adopt the arrangements for the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel as per the recommendation 3.3 of the report;

·         appoint Councillor Sue Derbyshire and Councillor Mark Weldon to the Shadow Police and Crime Panel and the Sub-Panel respectively and that once the Panel has been confirmed as a formal body, the Chief Executive be authorised to make these appointments to the formally constituted bodies.

Officer contact: Steve Callender, 0161 474 3184, steve.callender@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a proposal to establish, in conjunction with other Greater Manchester authorities, a Police and Crime Panel linked to the establishment of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester.

The Leader of the Council confirmed that no councillor appointed to the Police and Crime Panel nor its sub-group would receive an allowance for this role.

RESOLVED – (1) That Council Meeting be recommended to

·         agree to establish a Police and Crime Panel as a joint committee of the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester in accord with the arrangements detailed in the report and Appendix 1, including membership arrangements, the proposed terms of the mandatory co-opted members and the payment of allowances to co-opted panel members, to meet in shadow form until formally constituted in November 2012;

·         delegate to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, any matters that require resolution prior to the next Council Meeting;

·         delegate to the Monitoring Officer the making of necessary amendments to the Council’s Constitution to reflect the Police and Crime Panel arrangements.

(2) That Councillor Sue Derbyshire and Councillor Mark Weldon be appointed to the Shadow Police and Crime Panel and the Sub Panel respectively and that once the Panel has been confirmed as a formal body, the Chief Executive be authorised to make these appointments to the formally constituted bodies.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Support Services)

(Note: this report includes information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within its appendix which has been circulated to executive councillors only)

This report asks the Executive to formally authorise making payment offers to claimants in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Council and the representatives of those claimants. The signing of the MoU was approved by the Executive Councillor (Governance and Corporate Services) on 20 July 2012.  The resulting payments will be funded from the provision established for that purpose. The signed MoU is attached as Confidential Appendix 1.

The report provides the background to the equal value claims, explaining how the Council has previously responded to the implementation of the 1997 Single Status Agreement and the 2004 Pay Agreement for local authority workers. It outlines the recent developments that have led to the introduction of the MoU and the recommendation that offers should now be made to settle the outstanding claims.

The Executive is invited to:

·         approve making offers of settlement in line with the MoU and commit to making compensation payments from the financial provision set aside for that purpose, and

·         delegate to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services the authority to determine the timing and process for implementing the MoU

Officer contact: Ken Wheatley, 0161 218 1437, ken.wheatley@stockport.gov

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the settling of outstanding claims arising from the 1997 Single Status Agreement and the 2004 Pay Agreement for Local Authority workers. The payment offers to claimants were in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Council and claimants representatives, signed by the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) on 20 July 2012 (confidential appendix 1 of the report).

(Note: the report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within its appendix that had been circulated to executive councillors only).

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:

·         the making of offers of settlement to claimants under the 2004 Pay Agreement for Local Authority workers in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the commitment of the Council to making compensation payments to be funded from the provision set aside in accordance with the signed MoU;

·         the delegation to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services the authority to determine the timing and process for implementing the MoU.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

The purpose of this report is to inform the Executive on the operation and effectiveness of the Council's Treasury Management function for 2011/12. 

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting:

·         Approve the actual 2011/12 prudential and treasury indicators in this report;

·         Note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2011/12;

·         Note the changes to the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices to reflect the Council’s amended insurance and creditworthiness policies for 2012/13.

Officer contact: Lorna Salvage, 0161 474 4026, lorna.salvage@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the operation and effectiveness of the Council’s Treasury Management function for 2011/12 and recommending revisions to the Council’s Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

·         approve the actual 2011/12 prudential and treasury indicators in the report;

·         note the annual treasury management report for 2011/12;

·         note the changes to the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices to reflect the Council’s amended insurance policy and revised creditworthiness policy for 2012/13.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

The Community Right to Challenge came into force on 27 June.  This means that the Council must consider expressions of interest (EOI) from relevant bodies in providing a service, and where they accept an EOI, must carry out a procurement exercise for the service.

In order to ensure that the Council was compliant by the implementation date a process was developed and presented for an Executive Member decision on the proviso that further consultation be undertaken with both CRMG Scrutiny Committee and Anchorpoint prior to a final report being presented to Executive.

This report reflects any feedback and outlines the proposed approach to implementing the Community Right to Challenge in Stockport.

The Executive is invited to approve the approach to implementing the Community Right to Challenge.

Officer contact: Holly Rae/ Annalie Burns, 0161 474 3167, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk / Annalie.burns@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the approach for Stockport to the implementation of the Community Right to Challenge contained within the Localism Act 2011 and which came into force on 27 June 2012. The Right allowed relevant bodies to submit expressions of interest (EoI) in providing a service and the Council, where accepting the EoI, was required to carry out a procurement exercise for that service.

RESOLVED – That the Stockport Council approach to the Community Right to Challenge as detailed at section 4.0 of the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration)

The report describes the review of the parking service undertaken in 2011/12 which included the development of a parking strategy, the soft market testing process and independent audit and its recommendations.

The Executive is invited to agree that:

·         A mixed approach to service delivery is used for the provision of Car Parking services. That enforcement should be retained in-house, as should the external provision of the cash collection function and that opportunities for collaboration in the delivery of the back office and the external provision of cash collection should be investigated.

·         Improvements to the service by: Pay By Phone and local trader cash back schemes are implemented.

·         On-going regeneration work in the Town Centre and the complexity of developments in and around the Town Centre car parking portfolio indicate that it is not appropriate at this stage to seek a private sector partner for this element of work. This will however be reviewed in two years’ time.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the outcomes of a review of the parking service, including soft market testing of opportunities for partnering arrangements with external providers for the provision of the public car parking service.

RESOLVED – That

·         a mixed approach to service delivery for the provision of Car Parking Services, including the retention of in-house enforcement, the external provision of the cash collection function be progressed;

·         opportunities for collaboration in the delivery of the back office and the external provision of the cash collection be investigated;

·         a Pay by Mobile Phone system be implemented;

·         the investigation of local “cash back” systems for parking where supported by Traders’ Partnerships be implemented;

·         the regeneration work and complexities of developments in and around the Town Centre and the car parking portfolio in this location indicate that seeking a private sector partner for this work would not be appropriate but that this be reviewed in two years’ time.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration)

The report provides an update on the findings of the consultation on the Draft Obstruction Policy for Highways, Draft Highways Café Policy, Draft Control of Skips, Containers, Scaffolding, and Hoardings on the Highway Policy, and the Draft Advertising Boards and Trade Goods Obstructions Policy and proposes a way forward as a result of these findings.

The Executive is invited to:-

·         approve the amended policies attached and the proposed changes to the licencing

·         authorise the Service Director (Place Management) to agree the appeals arrangements separately, in consultation with the Executive portfolio holder following consideration by the Constitution Working Party.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the draft policies for Obstructions for Highways; the Highways Café; the Control of Skips, Containers, Scaffolding and Hoardings on the Highway; and the Advertising Boards and Trade Goods Obstructions following consultation with stakeholders.

RESOLVED – That

·         the amended Highway Obstruction; Advertising Boards and Trade Goods on the Highway – Obstructions; Highways Café; Control of Skips, Containers, Scaffolding and Hoardings on the Highway policies and associated changes to the licensing be approved;

·         the Service Director (Place Management) be authorised to agree the appeals arrangements separately from the agreement of the policies, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) following consideration by the Constitution Working Party.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

Following the approval of Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements and the re-configured Council Plan and Budget at the Executive on 9 July 2012, the report includes the first Corporate Performance and Resource Report for 2012/13. It is supported by the ten Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) and summarises progress during the first quarter of the financial year in delivering the Council’s priorities, revenue budget and capital programme. It also highlights progress on implementing key strategic projects and managing corporate risks.

Where significant activity or decisions have been made since the end of the quarter, these have been included to ensure that the report remains timely. These will also be included within the comprehensive mid-year report.  

The PPRRs can be accessed via the Council’s website at:

http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=10678

The Executive is invited to;

a)     Review progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget forecasts contained within the report.

b)     Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2 of the report

c)     Note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2012/13 as set out in sections 2.3, 2.5 and 2.6 of the report;

d)     Note the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report;

e)     Approve the contributions to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report.

f)      Note the forecast outturn for the 2012/13 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report

g)     Approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in paragraph 3.1.7

h)     Approve the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4

i)       Identify key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast issues or risks.

Officer contact: Andrea Stewart/ Christine Buxton, 474 3243/ 4124, andrea.j.stewart@stockport.gov.uk / christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the first quarter position in delivering the Council’s priorities, revenue budget and capital programme for 2012/13 and highlighting progress on implementing key strategic projects and managing corporate risk.

The forecast at the end of the quarter was of a surplus of £2.9m for the revenue budget. There remained challenges being forecast for the Adult Care Services budget and investigations were continuing into Solutions SK finances. Overall performances trends remained positive with more than four out of five indicators set to improve or maintain performance.

RESOLVED – That

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2 of the report be approved;

·         the cash and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2012/13 as set out in sections 2.3, 2.5 and 2.6 of the report be noted;

·         the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report be noted;

·         the contributions to/from resources and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report be approved;

·         the forecast outturn for the 2012/13 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted;

·         the changes to the capital programme as set out in paragraph 3.1.7 of the report be approved; and

·         the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4 of the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

The report is to inform the Executive on the operation and effectiveness of the Council's Treasury Management function for quarter one 2012/13.

The Treasury Management Policy Statement, approved by Council on 23 February 2012 outlines that reporting on Treasury Management will be undertaken quarterly and as such the Council is embracing best practice in accordance with CIPFA's Code of Practice. 

A ‘key highlights’ summary for quarter one is provided at the front of the comprehensive report.

The Executive is asked to note the contents of the report.

Officer contact: Lorna Salvage, 0161 474 4026, lorna.salvage@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider performance of the Treasury Management function for the first quarter of 2012/13.

RESOLVED – That performance of the Treasury Management function for the first quarter of 2012/13 be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

The report provides an overview of complaints received in the first quarter of 2012/13 and covers the following complaints procedures:

·         Corporate Complaints.

·         Adult Social Care Complaints.

·         Children’s Social Care Complaints.

·         Stockport Homes’ complaints

·         Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) complaints.

The report also outlines lessons learnt as a result of complaints.

The Executive is asked to:

·         Review performance information contained in this report, and

·         Comment on the performance measures reported and suggest any additional information that might be collected in future.

Officer contact: Anwar Majothi, 0161 474 3182, anwar.majothi@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an overview of complaints received in the first quarter of 2012/13, including comparisons with previous quarters and the lessons learnt from these complaints.

RESOLVED – That performance in relation to complaints received in the first quarter of 2012/13 be noted.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and(Policy, Reform and Finance)

The report outlines the prospects for the Council’s finances for the medium term taking the 2012/13 revenue budget as its starting point and including forecasts for 2013/14 to 2016/17.

The report provides Councillors with a starting point which will inform:

·         The deliberations around priorities and outcomes for the update of the Council Plan;

·         The preparation of medium term business plans covering all of the Council’s services;

·         The development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2013/14, an updated Medium Term Financial Plan through to 2014/15 and a longer term forecast moving into the next Comprehensive Spending Review period up to 2016/17.

In line with the outcomes to date of the Local Government Resource Review the local government finance settlement for 2013/14 and 2014/15 will be published in December 2012. At this stage the best estimate of the reductions necessary to bring forecast spending down to match likely resource levels suggests that savings of around £11.8m are required for 2013/14 and that the cumulative on-going savings requirement to 2014/15 will amount to some £24.2m.

The report also includes details of the new Business Rates Retention regime which is currently the subject of consultation and which will commence on 1 April 2013. The outcomes and changes to the finance regime arising from the Local Government Resource Review, particularly the rates retention element, will go a long way to determining the resources available to the Council from 2013/14 onwards.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Note the position for 2012/13 reported in the first quarter Corporate Performance and Resources Report (elsewhere on the agenda);

·         Note the outlook for local government finance and, in particular, the overview of the set up and operation of the new business rates retention scheme;

·         Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2013/14 to 2016/17, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council;

·         Approve the 2013/14 starting point set out in Appendix One and agree the adjustments and the resultant indicative spending plan as set out in Appendix Three;

·         Note the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2013/14 of £11.827m and £24.217m for 2014/15 along with the sensitivity analysis included as Appendix Four;

·         Note the ‘post CSR’ forecasts to 2016/17 along with the sensitivity analysis included as Appendix Five;

·         Request that Executive Councillors and Corporate Directors develop spending plans and savings proposals to meet the indicative savings requirement for 2013/14 and to report on progress;

·         Take the steps necessary to agree a final balanced budget proposal for 2013/14 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan to 2014/15 for presentation to the Budget Council meeting.

Officer contact: Steve Houston / Andy Moran, 0161 474 4000/ 4086, steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk / Andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an outline of the prospects for the Council’s finances for the medium term, taking the 2012/13 revenue budget as the starting point and including forecasts for 2013/14 to 2016/17. The report would inform the Executive’s deliberations on the priorities and outcomes for the updated Council Plan; the preparation of medium term business plans for Council services; the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2013/14; an updated Medium Term Financial Plan and a long term forecast moving into the next Comprehensive Spending Review period up to 2016/17.

RESOLVED – That

·         the financial position for 2012/13 as detailed in the Corporate Performance and Resources Report - 2012/13 First Quarter be noted;

·         the outlook for local government finance, and in particular the overview of the set up and operation of the new business rates retention scheme as detailed in the report be noted;

·         the financial forecasts for 2013/14 to 2016/17, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council be noted;

·         the 2013/14 starting point set out in Appendix One and the adjustments and the resultant indicative spending plans as set out in Appendix 3 be approved;

·         the indicative cumulative savings requirements for 2013/14 of £11.827m and £24.217m for 2014/15 along with the sensitivity analysis included at Appendix 4 be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance and Corporate Services)

From April 2013 the national Council Tax Benefit Scheme will be abolished and replaced with localised Council Tax Support arrangements. Funding for the scheme will be at least 10% lower than is currently provided. It is up to each local authority to establish its own local scheme and decide how to address the reduction in funding. The report will set out options for the local scheme.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the impact of the abolition of the national Council Tax Benefit Scheme and its replacement with a localised Council Tax Support arrangement. Funding for the scheme would be at least 10% lower than the amount currently provided and each local authority must establish its own scheme and address the reduction in funding.

RESOLVED – That the issues surrounding the introduction of a local Council Tax Support Scheme be noted and that the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in conjunction with the relevant executive councillor, develop proposed Council Tax Support and Council Tax Discount schemes from a menu of measures as set out in the report to be considered at the extraordinary meeting of the Executive on 7 September 2012.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

The report details a proposal to amend PR5 Finance Procedure Rule of the Council’s Constitution to include reference to Maintained Schools being permitted to make use of the Corporate Credit Card Scheme and Business Charge Cards.

The Executive is invited to comment on the report and recommend that the Council Meeting adopt the proposed amendment.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth, 0161 474 3204, craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a proposed amendment to the Financial Procedure Rules of the Council’s Constitution to broaden the coverage of the Corporate Credit Card procedure rules to allow maintained schools to use business charge cards, with appropriate financial controls.

The Constitution Working Party had considered the proposal on 25 July 2012 and recommended that the Constitution be amended in line with the wording set out in the report.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to amend paragraph 9 of PR5 Financial Procedure Rules of the Council Constitution to include the following paragraph:

“9.20 Maintained Schools are permitted to make use of the Corporate Credit Card Scheme and may also use Business Charge Cares in accordance with the usage policy set down on credit cards/ charge cards in the Scheme for Financing Schools.”