Issue - meetings

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

The report outlines the proposed changes to the Council’s Performance and Resources Framework for 2013/14. The Framework will continue to underpin the delivery of the Council Plan and Medium Term Financial Plan.

These proposals will form the basis for quarterly Portfolio and Corporate reporting during 2013/14. The reports will assess progress against key objectives, priorities and outcomes, enabling Scrutiny Committees to hold the Executive to account and for the Executive to identify current and future risks to delivery. The seven draft Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements (PPRAs) for 2013/14 have been considered by Scrutiny Committees and the final versions are included as background papers available at http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=14405

The report also contains details of how budgets are being realigned to reflect the new portfolio arrangements and the significant restructuring in relation to corporate and support services.

The Executive is invited to approve:

·         the 2013/14 revenue budget, capital programme and earmarked reserves totals as shown in this report on the new portfolio basis;

·         thevirements to the Revenue Budget set out at Appendix Two.

·         proposals for a new ‘Leader’s Report’ as outlined in section 2.2; and 

·         the 2013/14 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements

Officer contact: Peter Owston/ Andrew Moran, 0161 474 3274/ 4086, Andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree changes to the Council’s Performance and Resources Framework for 2013/14 that would underpin the delivery of the Council Plan and Medium Term Financial Plan. Changes had also been proposed following the realignment of the Executive Portfolios and the agreement in June of the Council Plan 2013/15.

RESOLVED – That

•           the 2013/14 revenue budget, capital programme and earmarked reserves totals as shown in this report on the new portfolio basis be approved;

•           the virements to the Revenue Budget set out at Appendix Two be approved;

•           proposals for a new ‘Leader’s Report’ as outlined in section 2.2 be approved; and 

•           the 2013/14 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements be approved.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report sets out the draft portfolio performance and resource agreements 2013/14 relating to the Communities and Sustainability, and Economic Development and Regeneration executive portfolios. They outline the functions within the control of the Executive Portfolios, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects, measures and risks which would form the basis of quarterly Portfolio Reports.

The draft agreements have been informed by the new portfolio responsibilities (reported to the Council Meeting on 21 May 2013) and the draft Council Plan considered by this Committee on 22 May and the Executive Meeting on 11 June 2013.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the draft Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements.

Officer contacts: Doug Holland on 0161 474 2976 or e mail: doug.holland@stockport.gov.uk, and Kora Yohannan on 0161 474 4032 or e mail: kora.yohannan@stockport.gov.uk

The Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the draft portfolio performance and resource agreements for 2013/14 relating to the Communities and Sustainability, and Economic Development and Regeneration executive portfolios.

The report outlined the functions within the control of this Scrutiny Committee, and the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects, measures and risks which would form the basis of quarterly Portfolio Reports. The draft Agreements had been informed by the new portfolio responsibilities (reported to the Council Meeting on 21 May 20130 and the draft Council Plan considered by this Committee on 22 May and the Executive on 11 June 2013.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) and Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Why targets had not been set for some of the performance indicators.
• The percentage of working age people claiming out of work benefits in the neighbourhood management areas compared to other areas in the borough.
• Whether the development application for the former Woodford Aereodrome site had been submitted.
• The current situation with regard to the aim of the Leisure Strategy to identify and secure the opportunity for new provision in a location suitable to meet the leisure needs of the Town Centre, Adswood, Bridgehall and Edgeley communities.
• The Council’s continued aim to increase the rate of recycling in the borough towards 70%, increase the recycling rate in rural areas and flats, work with residents who lived in areas where they were unable to use the ‘four bin’ system and the aim to ensure that all residents were using their recycling bins correctly.
• The work carried out to ensure that residents who currently had two black bins continued to require them both.
• Whilst congratulating the refuse collection staff on the speed of their work, a Member expressed concern about the speed of the vehicles operating in his Ward.
• The fuel efficiency savings implemented in Solutions SK’ vehicles.
• Whether there was anything the Council could do to help the Government’s Welfare to Work programmes reach the right people and priority neighbourhoods.
• The development of the Council’s Carbon Reduction Programme and electric vehicle infrastructure, the time taken to recharge the vehicles and the search for ‘greener’ fuel initiatives. This had to be balanced against the relatively expensive cost of the vehicles.
• There had been an increase in the number of large vacant commercial premises whilst the number of small vacant commercial premises was decreasing.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report sets out the draft portfolio performance and resource agreements 2013/2014 for the Children and Young People and Lifelong Learning & Achievement portfolio holders.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Michael Henry on Tel: 474 3830 or email: michael.henry@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the draft portfolio performance and resource agreements for 2013/2014 in respect to the Children and Young People and Lifelong Learning & Achievement portfolio holders. The agreements outlined the functions within the control of the Portfolios, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects and measures and risks which would form the basis of the quarterly portfolio reports.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Corporate Customer and Community Services Portfolio Agreement for 2013/14 is presented in draft form for consideration by the Scrutiny Committee. It outlines the functions within the control of this Scrutiny Committee, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects, measures and risks which will form the basis of quarterly Portfolio Reports. The draft has been informed by the new portfolio responsibilities (reported to the Council Meeting on 21 May 2013) and the draft Council Plan considered by this Committee on 22 May and the Executive on 11 June 2013.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the draft Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreement and its appendix on proposed measures.

Officer contact Peter Owston, Telephone number 0161 474 3274, email peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk.

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the draft Corporate Customer and Community Services Portfolio Agreement for 2013/14 (copies of which had been circulated).

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) reported that as  her Portfolio has a more strategic focus since the reduction in the size of the Executive, it was not proposed to produce a Portfolio Agreement but she would be bringing a Leaders Report  to the Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis.

The report outlined the functions within the control of this Scrutiny Committee, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects, measures and risks which will form the basis of quarterly Portfolio Reports. The draft Agreements had been informed by the new portfolio responsibilities (reported to the Council Meeting on 21 May 2013) and the draft Council Plan considered by this Committee on 22 May and the Executive on 11 June 2013.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Mark Weldon) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

It was reported that the Executive would consider the report at its meeting on 16 July 2013.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The arrangements for the launch of the Local Information System for Stockport (MyStockport)

·         Confirmation that the Council had assisted local residents claim an extra £19m of benefits they had been entitled to but not previously claimed.

·         Details of the ‘Payment by Results’ pilot project in relation to the take-up of treatment for substance misuse.

·         It was confirmed that at least one participatory budgeting event would be held in each of the Priority 1 Neighbourhood Management Areas (plus Offerton) together with the arrangements for publicising and ensuring community groups engage in these events.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That details of how members can access the Local Information System for Stockport (MyStockport) be circulated to members of this Scrutiny Committee.

(3) That this Scrutiny Committee be kept informed in relation to the ‘Payment by Results’ pilot project.

To consider a joint report of the Service Director (Adult Social Care) and Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The Adult Care Services and Communities and Sustainability Portfolio Agreements for 2013/14 are presented in draft form for consideration by the Scrutiny Committee.  They outline the functions within the control of the Portfolios, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects, measures and risks which will form the basis of quarterly Portfolio Reports.

(NOTE: The Public Realm / Public Protection / Supporting People / Climate Change responsibilities of this Executive Portfolio fall within the remit of the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee)

The draft has been informed by the new portfolio responsibilities (reported to the Council Meeting on 21 May 2013) and the draft Council Plan considered by this Committee on 22 May and the Executive on 11 June 2013.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the draft Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements.

Officer contact: Simon Finch on 474 4019 or email: simon.finch@stockport.gov.uk / Gill Lawton on 474 3686 or email: gill.lawton@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Adult Social Care) and Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration was submitted, outlining the Adult Care Services and Communities & Sustainability Portfolio Agreements for 2013/2014. The agreements outlined the functions within the control of the Portfolios, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects and measures and risks which would form the basis of the quarterly portfolio reports.

Councillors requested a further update on the outcomes of the Preventing Social Isolation Scrutiny Review.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Agreement for 2013/14 is presented in draft form for consideration by the Scrutiny Committee. It outlines the functions within the control of the Portfolio, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects, measures and risks which will form the basis of quarterly Portfolio Reports. The draft has been informed by the new portfolio responsibilities (reported to the Council Meeting on 21 May 2013) and the draft Council Plan considered by this Committee on 22 May and the Executive on 11 June 2013.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the draft Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreement and its appendix on proposed measures.

Officer contact: Donna Sager, 474 3928, donna.sager@stockport.gov.uk / Sarah Newsam, sarah.newsam@stockport.gov.uk / Peter Owston, 474 3274, peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk

The Service Director (Strategy & Performance)/ Deputy Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the draft Health & Wellbeing Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreement for 2013/14 following the approval of the Council Plan 2013/15.

The Executive Councillor (Health & Wellbeing) attended the meeting to respond to any questions the Scrutiny Committee may have had.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Scrutiny Committee would welcome the inclusion of the data range in addition to the mean for statistics contained in future Performance and Resource Reports.

(3) That the Director of Public Health be requested to submit a report to a future meeting on Air Quality and Asthma prevalence.

(4) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to invite the Chair of the Safeguarding Boards to a meeting of the Scrutiny Committee in the autumn.