Issue - meetings

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

The First Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRR) for the Communities & Sustainability and Economic Development & Regeneration Portfolios are presented for consideration by the Committee. These provide a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, budgets and capital programmes during the first quarter of 2014/15, and include early forecast performance and financial data for the Portfolio. The reports also include a progress report and updated risk assessment of the portfolio savings programmes. 

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

a)    Consider the Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports,  

b)   Review the progress against priorities, performance, budgets and savings targets for 2013/14;

c)    Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues.

d)    Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer contacts Joe Conmee/Michael Cullen on 0161 474 5396/4361 or email: joseph.conmee@stockport.gov.uk/michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the First Update Performance and Resource Reports for the Communities and Sustainability, and Economic Development and Regeneration Portfolios. The report provided a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, budgets and capital programmes during the first quarter of 2014/15, and included out-turn performance and financial data for the Portfolio. The report also included a progress report and updated risk assessment of the portfolio savings programmes.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) (Councillor Martin Candler) and the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) (Councillor Patrick McAuley) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

Economic Development and Regeneration Portfolio

·         It was encouraging to see that the overall employment rate in Stockport was still the highest in Greater Manchester at 75.6%.

·         More pro-active work was required to increase occupancy rates of premises in Hazel Grove. Problems were caused by the ribbon development in Hazel Grove District Centre, the fact that the Council did not own the land in close proximity to the A6 in Hazel Grove and the proximity of dwellings close to the shops.

·         Although business investment was strong in Stockport in Quarter 1 and the retail market in the town centre continued to perform well, investment was not strong in manufacturing.

·         A Member queried the viability of the Stockport Business and Innovation Centre as it was 62% let.

·         A Member enquired whether there was a breakdown of the number of full time and part time jobs which had been created and whether the increasing number of independent businesses in the town centre (320) as a proportion of the number of businesses (47.76%) was appropriate.

·         In the Portfolio Risks Update for the Economic Development and Regeneration Portfolio under Section 4 ‘Increased Transport Network Congestion’, the SEMMMS strategies and policies were not a mitigating action for Hazel Grove where traffic would increase. The Council remained in discussions with the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency regarding a feasibility study for the second stage of the SEMMMS relief road,

·         There would be a gym and a sports hall at the new leisure centre in Brinnington.

·         The bid to Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund to replace the clubhouse at Woodbank Athletics Stadium had been unsuccessful. However, the Council had been advised to amend the bid and resubmit it.

·         With regard to PI Code ED & R 14, a Member enquired how the Council could help to increase the percentage of the adult population who participated in regular sport and active recreation.

·         How much the Council subsidised the reduction in the number of visitors to Stockport’s Museums.

Communities and Sustainability Portfolio

·         The reduction in the percentage of parks and open spaces assessed as satisfactory was as a result of the loss of long standing staff and the recruitment of multi-skilled staff who were new to the service and required training. The sunny and wet conditions in Quarter 1 had meant that resources had struggled to keep up with the rapid grass growth.

·         The significant increase in Unsupported Borrowing in 2015/16 compared to 2014/15 was a result of the Highways Investment Programme.

·         Members complimented the excellent figures obtained in the performance figures for recycling.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director for People and the Executive Councillors Children & Young People and Lifelong Learning & Achievement.

The report provides the first quarter portfolio performance and resource reports for the Children & Young People and Lifelong Learning & Achievement Portfolios. It summarises progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, budgets and capital programmes during the first quarter of 2014/2015 and includes early performance and financial data for each portfolio.

The Scrutiny Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Simon Finch on Tel: 474 4019 or email: simon.finch@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for People submitted a report submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the first Portfolio Performance and Resources Report for the Children & Young People and Lifelong Learning & Achievement portfolios. The reports provided a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, budgets and programmes during the first quarter of 2014/2015.

The Executive Councillors Children & Young People (Councillor Wendy Meikle) and Lifelong Learning & Achievement (Councillor Shan Alexander) attended the meeting and answered Councillors questions in relation to the report.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Concerns were raised about the overrunning of work at the new Castle Hill School site and the monitoring of the contract. In response it was stated that health and safety concerns arose that prevented the completion of the site on time, and contractors provided additional people were on site to complete the work. However, the school had now opened and was a fantastic environment. Tribute was paid to the commitment of staff to ensure the school was opened when it did.

·         In relation to universal free school meals it was stated that further work was needed to ensure compliance by schools in the voluntary aided sector.

·         A query was asked about whether the relationship between the Council and convertor academies might impact on the fulfilment of statutory duties under The Children and Families Act 2014. In response it was stated that the Council was fulfilling its duties, but that the Council was always seeking to improve its engagement with schools.

·         In response to a question about raising the education participation age, it was stated that the service was working hard to ensure destination data was available, and that there was a challenge around those on C/D GCSE boarder line. Local colleges were working to provide alternatives for young people who may have missed their target grades. It was hoped to have more accurate data in the coming months.

·         Further information was sought on the Fostering to Adopt placements. It was stated that the greater flexibility these placements provided had led to adoptions.

·         It was queried whether the MASH would be responding to children running away from care. In response it was stated that great efforts were being made in this area, but that due to the guidelines that needed to be worked to, often young people were reported as missing when they were late to return to their care setting.

·         In relation to a query about figures on childhood obesity it was stated that nationally there remained a challenge to address, but that it was anticipated that locally there would be a slowing or stopping of the increase in childhood obesity.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for People be requested to provide additional information on the on the financial impact of preparing for universal free school meals on the Voluntary Aided School Sector.

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

The report provided the Scrutiny Committee with an update on progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the first quarter of 2014/15.

The Scrutiny Committee also considered the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) report for the same quarter highlighting a number of the Council’s significant achievements and significant AGMA and Combined Authority activity.

The Executive at its meeting on 12 August 2014 agreed that:

·         progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report be noted;

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.4 of the report be approved;

·         the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2014/15 as set out in section 2.3 of the report be noted;

·         the current position on the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 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 position on earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report be noted;

·         the forecast position for the 2014/15 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted;

·         the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5 of the report be approved;

·         the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.3 of the report be approved; and

·         the treasury review and activity during the first quarter as set out in section 4 of the report be noted.

Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

(a)       Consider the First Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report, 

(b)       Review the progress against priorities, performance, budgets and savings targets for 2014/15;

(c)       Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

(d)       Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer contact: Christine Buxton, Peter Owston, 0161 474 4124 / 0161 474 3274, Christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk / peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with an update on progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the first quarter of 2014/15.

The Scrutiny Committee also considered the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) report for the same quarter highlighting a number of the Council’s significant achievements and significant AGMA and Combined Authority activity.

It was reported that the Executive at its meeting on 12 August 2014 had agreed that:

·         progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report be noted;

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.4 of the report be approved;

·         the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2014/15 as set out in section 2.3 of the report be noted;

·         the current position on the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 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 position on earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report be noted;

·         the forecast position for the 2014/15 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted;

·         the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5 of the report be approved;

·         the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.3 of the report be approved; and

·         the treasury review and activity during the first quarter as set out in section 4 of the report be noted

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) and the Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The collection rate for Council Tax and Business Rates remained high (approx. 96%) and the number of business remained approximately the same as in the previous year.

·         It was noted that Adult Care Services and Primary School capacity had been identified as a demographic pressures on the budget.

·         Whether the strategy to borrow short-term cash from the money market and from other local authorities allowed the Council to meet the Investing in Stockport and regeneration commitments.

·         The Council had a largely ageing staff profile and there was a risk that knowledge and experience would be lost.

·         Additional capacity had been provided across Corporate and Support Services through creating more flexible roles along with a Graduate Scheme and the recruitment of Apprentices.

·         It was noted that there had been a reduction in performance in relation to the payment of invoices within ten days from 85% to 63% although this had now improved and the payment of invoices within 30 days had remained at 95%.

RESOLVED – (1) That the reports be noted.

(2) That a briefing paper be circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy in relation to borrowing and in particular funding the Investing in Stockport and regeneration commitments.

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

The report sets Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Adult Care Services Portfolio and the housing element of the Communities and Sustainability Portfolio for the first quarter of 2013/14. This provides a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities and budgets during the first quarter of 2014/15, and includes early forecast performance and financial data for the Portfolio. The reports also include a progress report and updated risk assessment of the portfolio savings programme.

Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

(a)       Consider the First Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report, 

(b)       Review the progress against priorities, performance, budgets and savings targets for 2014/15;

(c)       Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

(d)       Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer contacts:

Gaynor Alexander on 0161 474 3186, gaynor.alexander@stockport.gov.uk

Simon Finch on 0161 474 4019, simon.finch@stockport.gov.uk

Joseph Conmee on 0161 474 5396, joseph.conmee@stockport.gov.uk

Michael Cullen on 0161 474 463, michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

Representatives of the Corporate Director for People and Place Management and Regeneration submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the delivery of portfolio priorities, budgets and capital programmes for the Adult Care Services Portfolio and the housing element of the Economic Development and Regeneration Portfolio during the first quarter of 2014/15.

The Executive Councillors (Adult Care Services) and (Economic Development and Regeneration) attended the meeting to answer questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

Adult Care Services

·         It was queried why there had been a reduction in the target set for this year in the number of adults with a learning disability in paid employment and why this target was not projected to be met.  In response, it was stated that the target had been set in acknowledgement of the changing job market and that in terms of the Council’s comparators, Stockport compared favourably.

·         It was explained that the use of comparators varied between geographical comparators and comparable authorities dependent on the target and this difference was often the result of external agencies, such as NHS England, dictating the use of specific comparator sets.

·         It was noted that the £400,000 allocation in the capital programme for the development of creative industries in the town centre had now been returned to the unallocated provision, and that this budget would be continue to be closely monitored.

Economic Development and Regeneration

·         Discussions were ongoing with landowners adjacent to the proposed Phase 3 and 4 of the Covent Garden Village to enlarge the package of land available for development.

·         The contraction in the number of homes available at social rent in Stockport was a cause of concern.

·         The Council’s strategy was to develop communities with a mix of tenures.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be requested to submit a report to the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to affordable housing with specific reference to the number that had been built, were under development or proposed.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report sets Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Health and Wellbeing Portfolio for the first quarter of 2013/14. This provides a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities and budgets during the first quarter of 2014/15, and includes early forecast performance and financial data for the Portfolio. The reports also include a progress report and updated risk assessment of the portfolio savings programme. 

Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

a)      Consider the First Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report,  

b)      Review the progress against priorities, performance, budgets and savings targets for 2014/15;

c)      Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

d)      Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer contact: Gaynor Alexander, 0161 474 3186, gaynor.alexander@stockport.gov.uk/ Simon Finch, 0161 474 4019, simon.finch@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the delivery of portfolio priorities, budgets and capital programmes for the Health & Wellbeing Portfolio during the first quarter of 2014/15.

The Executive Councillor (Health & Wellbeing) attended the meeting to answer questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         A range of groups and stakeholder in Stockport had been contacted seeking their input into the development of the new Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. HealthWatch Stockport would be leading on the public engagement process.

·         Work was ongoing to finalise the Better Care Fund proposals prior to submission to NHS England in mid-September.

·         Concern was expressed about the delays in developing the Marple & Werneth integrated health and social care hub. In response it was stated that while progress had been slower than hoped for, the process had provided valuable learning for the development of the remaining locality hubs and had highlighted the need for robust project planning and professional development. It was emphasised that the work was achieving genuine integration rather than simply co-location of services.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This item consists of two reports. The First Update Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the first quarter of 2014/15, based on the Council Plan 2013/15 and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013/17. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which are published as background papers to this report (http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=21973).  These will be published ahead of the Executive meeting and considered in detail at the next cycle of Scrutiny Committees.

The Leader’s Report highlights a number of the Council’s significant achievements over the last quarter, along with providing an update on key decisions at GM level.

The Executive is asked to:

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

b)   approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.4;

c)    note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2014/15 as set out in section 2.3;

d)   note the current position on the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4;

e)    note the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8;

f)     note the position on earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9;

g)   note the forecast position for the 2014/15 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1;

h)   approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5;

i)     approve the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.3;

j)     note the treasury review and activity during the first quarter as set out in section 4;

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

Officer contact: Christine Buxton, Peter Owston; 0161 474 4124/ 3274; Christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk / peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive Meeting with an update on progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the first quarter of 2014/15.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a ‘Leader’s Report’ for the same quarter (copies of which had been circulated) highlighting a number of the Council’s significant achievements and significant AGMA and Combined Authority activity.

Executive councillors highlighted key issues and achievements within their portfolios.

RESOLVED – That

·         progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report be noted;

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.4 of the report be approved;

·         the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2014/15 as set out in section 2.3 of the report be noted;

·         the current position on the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 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 position on earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report be noted;

·         the forecast position for the 2014/15 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted;

·         the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5 of the report be approved;

·         the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.3 of the report be approved; and

·         the treasury review and activity during the first quarter as set out in section 4 of the report be noted.