Issue - meetings

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

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

A member of the Executive will be in attendance at the meeting to present the proposals and respond to councillors’ questions.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

 2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

Officer contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor for Education (Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick) attended the meeting to present the Executive’s proposed approach to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was commented that the proposed changes to residual waste collections would not necessarily produce any cost savings.

·         Focus should be given to understanding why waste recycling rates within Stockport had reduced.

·         It was commented that the proposed replacement of existing residual waste bins with new 180 litre versions was costly and wasteful.

RESOLVED – (1) That the comments of the Area Committee be forwarded to the Executive for their consideration.

(2) That Councillor Fitzpatrick be thanked for his attendance.

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

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

A member of the Executive will attend the meeting to present the proposals and to respond to questions.

Officer Contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach to addressing the financial challenges in the 2017/2018 budget, the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers attached to the report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

A member of the Executive will attend the meeting to present the proposals and to respond to questions.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing Councillors and members of the public with the opportunity to comment on proposals to address the financial challenges in 2017/2018 the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers.

Councillor David Sedgewick (Executive Councillor, Reform & Governance) attended the meeting on behalf of the Executive and answered questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to the report.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The aim of all policy and decision making was to ensure that those most at risk of being left behind receive the services they need to fulfil their potential and play an active role in local life

·         The Council had to make total savings of £60m by 2020, in addition to the £65m that had been saved in the period 2010-2015. The Executive was proposing to implement a two year budget initially which incorporated a 3.99% rise in Council Tax – 2% of which was ring fenced for Adult Social Care.

·         Maximising Income was at the core of the ambition to protect local services.

·         The proposal to increase the black bin size to accommodate resident’s non-recyclable waste and moving to a three week bin collection was on the whole not supported.

·         It was suggested that increasing the size of the black bin whilst trying to increase recycling rates was sending a confusing message. Rather than spend money purchasing new bins, it was suggested that additional investment be made to educate the public both in respect to the importance of recycling but the considerable budget savings that Councils are able to make as recycling rates increase.

·         It was suggested that those areas in the borough with the lowest recycling rates be targeted with an educational campaign

·         The possibility of Stockport Council terminating the contract with the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority was discussed as an option with a view to enabling residents to recycle more products that were not covered under the contract.

·         The impact of Business rates being retained by the Council and the importance of the Council collecting both the Business Rates and Council Tax. Council Officers were making every effort to increase collection rates. On the whole the proposals in relation to the Council Tax Discount Scheme were supported.

·         There was unanimous agreement that Area Committee should be heavily involved in the decision making for the Stockport Community Investment Fund.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments be referred to the Executive for consideration.

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

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

A member of the Executive will attend the meeting to present the proposals and to respond to questions.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) (Councillor Alex Ganotis) attended the meeting to present the Executive’s proposals to address the financial challenges for 2017/18 and beyond, the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers. The Executive wished to engage with councillors and with residents and seek views on the proposals before any final decisions were taken.

Comments were made/ issues raised in relation to the following proposals:-

Three-weekly black-bin collections

·         Concerns had been raised by residents about the proposed changes to black bin collections, particularly for residents who had medical needs and products that could not be recycled. It was suggested that other local authorities who had moved to a three-weekly collection had seen an increase in fly-tipping and rat populations.

·         Residents had suggested that the frequency of recycling bin collections should be decreased, rather than the black bin.

·         Concerns were expressed about the potential savings to be accrued from the proposals, and whether any possible increase in recycling rates from domestic collections would be offset by increased enforcement costs, increased use of refuse ‘tips’ as well as by the likely increases in recycling in other boroughs that would reduce the Council’s savings through the waste levy. Evidence from elsewhere suggested that any increase in recycling rates as a result of the changes would soon fall back again.

·         Could more be done to burn waste or use for green energy to avoid landfill charges?

·         Clarification was sought that there were no proposals to introduce ‘chips’ into bins to monitor usage.

·         It was important to understand the psychological barriers to recycling.

·         If the aim of the changes was to increase recycling, the black bins should not be replaced by bigger bins but the current size should be retained.

·         People would find ways to circumvent the changes, including using the local tip. Any improvements would only be temporary. Greater emphasis needed to be given to education and informing the public.

In response, the Leader of the Council acknowledged the challenges that the change would have on some residents who had particular needs but he stated that the Council would retain an Exceptions Policy that would take account of these. The Leader also stressed the importance of increasing recycling rates to reduce the overall cost of waste collection. Changing the frequency of recyclable collections would not make savings. Fly-tipping enforcement would be reviewed in any case, and the Council was undertaking a study of recycling habits to understand how to maximise the effectiveness of the collection service. The burning of waste was a matter for the GMWDA and could not be addressed by the Council in isolation. Assurance was given that there were no plans to introduce ‘chips’ to bins.

Council Tax Discount Scheme

·         Concerns were expressed about whether the proposed changes would simply lead to less honesty from property owners seeking to avoid charges for empty properties. In response, the risk was acknowledged but the need to address housing demand in Stockport was a further imperative to incentivise bring homes back to the market. Assurances were given that the scheme would retain exemptions for special circumstances.

Digital by Design

·         The skill base of officers being developed as part of this work could be further used in providing consultancy to other local authorities or local businesses.

·         It was important to remember that the most vulnerable in the community would be most in need and least able to engage with the Council digitally.

·         Investment in the programme should allow for increased capacity at the Council’s call-centre to aid those who were not able to use internet-based services, but this needed time to adjust before changes were made to call-centre capacity.

·         It was the previous Executive that had begun this programme.

In response, the Leader of the Council accepted that there would be residents who were unable to engage digitally and provision would be made  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

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

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

A member of the Executive will attend the meeting to present the proposals and to respond to questions.

Officer Contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing councillors and members of the public with the opportunity to comment on proposals to address the financial challenges in 2017/2018, the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers.

 Councillor Tom McGee (Executive Councillor, Health) attended the meeting on behalf of the Executive and answered questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to the report.

The following comments were made/issues raised with regard to the proposal to adjust the current system for black bin (residual waste) collections:-

•           The waste providers needed to be tackled, including the waste produced by retailers and the waste resulting from packaging.

•           Having larger bins and a less frequent collection would not reduce the amount of residual waste. Residents could still ask for two black bins if they demonstrated need.

•           Educating people about the Council’s recycling system was still very important. Work could be undertaken in connection with educating children in schools.

•           The arrangements for special collections would continue.

•           The Executive had and would be considering other options with regard to the Council’s waste collection system.

•           The issue was raised whether there was any possibility that the Council could put pressure on manufacturers with regard to products that could not be recycled.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

A member of the Executive will be in attendance at the meeting to present the proposals and respond to councillors’ questions.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

 2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

Officer contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to present the Executive’s proposed approach to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the cost of replacing the existing 140 litre black bins with 180 litre versions.

·         It was commented that the proposed replacement bins would include an RFID chip, the stated purpose of which was to allow the Council repatriate lost bins.  However, it was suggested that the chips could potentially be used to monitor the amount of waste being thrown away by residents and to charge residents accordingly.

·         The assumptions in the business case in relation to residual waste collections could be undermined by an increase in the cost of the waste disposal levy as a result of increases in the recycling rate in other Greater Manchester authorities. 

·         The proposed changes to the Council Tax Discount Scheme were welcomed insofar as it would encourage owners to bring empty properties back into use.

RESOLVED – (1) That the comments of the Area Committee be forwarded to the Executive for their consideration.

(2) That Councillor McGee be thanked for his attendance.

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

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

A member of the Executive will attend the meeting to present the proposals and to respond to questions.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach to addressing the financial challenges in the 2017/2018 budget, the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers attached to the report.

Councillor Alex Ganotis explained the rationale for the Executive proposing a 2 year budget and the need for the Council to take action to ensure that it is self-sufficient by 2020 as there will no longer be any grant from Central Government. He encouraged residents to respond to the consultation drawing attention to the Business Cases outlined in the report and the Working Papers.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

In August the Executive outlined how it will address the severe financial challenges faced by Stockport because of central Government cuts and significant local cost pressures, and set out a framework of principles that would shape engagement with residents and businesses In October the Executive received an updated Medium-Term Financial position and, in response, set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18; a series of working papers explaining initiatives that will shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium-term, and confirmed an intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the medium-term, by reference to the published background papers and 2017/18 business cases that fall within the remit of each scrutiny committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and appendices.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing how the Executive would address the financial challenges faced by Stockport because of Central Government cuts and significant local cost pressures, and setting out a framework of principles that would shape engagement with residents and businesses.

The report set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18; a series of working papers explaining initiatives that would shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium-term, and confirmed an intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Housing) (Councillor Sheila Bailey) and Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration) (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised with regard to the proposal to adjust black bin (residual waste) collections:-

•           The feedback received by Officers from Rochdale, Salford and Bury Councils after they had moved the number of black bin collections from every two weeks to every three weeks had been positive. A Member felt that using these Councils as a comparator was ineffective as Stockport Council had significantly higher recycling rates and it would better for Stockport Council to compare itself with local authorities which had a similar demographic profile.

•           It was estimated that the team of advisers to manage the transition and provide information and guidance to householders would cost approximately £200,000. The cost of replacing the current black bins with the new black bins would be approximately £4/5 million. The existing black bins would be collected and recycled.

•           The proposal would lead to no net saving in the revenue cash limit budget.

•           In order to reach the previous recycling levels reached in Stockport, the opportunity should be taken to re-educate people on the current recycling system as the level of education had not been maintained since the system was originally introduced.

•           A large proportion of local people already took surplus residual waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centres.

•           The Scrutiny Committee was generally not in favour of the proposal to adjust the current system for black bin (residual waste) collections.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

In August the Executive outlined how it will address the severe financial challenges faced by Stockport because of central Government cuts and significant local cost pressures, and set out a framework of principles that would shape engagement with residents and businesses In October the Executive received an updated Medium-Term Financial position and, in response, set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18; a series of working papers explaining initiatives that will shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium-term, and confirmed an intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the medium-term, by reference to the published background papers and 2017/18 business cases that fall within the remit of each scrutiny committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and appendices.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out for comment a series of working papers explaining initiatives that will shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium term. The report set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/2018 and confirmed the intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/2018.

The Executive Councillors (Children & Families) and (Education) attended the meeting and answered questions in relation to the reports.

The following comments were made/questions raised:-

Digital By Design

·         Councillors welcomed the efforts being made in respect to this project.

·         It was suggested that, in light of the presentation earlier in the agenda, user testing should be targeted at young people and that there was a specific opportunity to meet the ambition of young people to be engage with the Council.

·         It was suggested investment in appropriate and up to date technologies was required to ensure that the project was successful. Hardware and Software must be appropriate and that they should be costed in to the project.

·         The principles of ‘change management’ were integral to the project and needed to be applied accordingly.

Working With Communities

·         It was suggested that rather than create an "expert panel" to determine funding applications for the Community Investment Fund, rather Area Committees were better placed to give consideration to applications as local Councillors better knew their communities and groups who may apply for funding. Councillors requested that this be given consideration as part of any Business Case.

Joined Up Local Services

·         Councillors welcomed the proposals detailed in the paper but requested that more detailed information be submitted outlining both investment costs and prospective savings

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and comments referred to the Executive.

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

In August the Executive outlined how it will address the severe financial challenges faced by Stockport because of central Government cuts and significant local cost pressures, and set out a framework of principles that would shape engagement with residents and businesses In October the Executive received an updated Medium-Term Financial position and, in response, set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18; a series of working papers explaining initiatives that will shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium-term, and confirmed an intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the medium-term, by reference to the published background papers and 2017/18 business cases that fall within the remit of each scrutiny committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and appendices.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated)  providing an opportunity for the Scrutiny Committee to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the medium-term, by reference to the published background papers and 2017/18 business cases that fall within the remit of each Scrutiny Committee.

In August the Executive outlined how it would address the severe financial challenges faced by Stockport because of central Government cuts and significant local cost pressures, and set out a framework of principles that would shape engagement with residents and businesses In October the Executive  had received an updated Medium-Term Financial position and, in response, set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18; a series of working papers explaining initiatives that would shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium-term, and confirmed an intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Alexander Ganotis) and the Executive Councillor for Reform & Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was noted that the Executive Leader had attended staff briefings in relation to the Executive Savings Proposals and the Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) had attended a number of meetings with staff and encouraged them to respond to the consultation in relation to overtime and staff travel proposals.

·         It was acknowledged that the Working Paper in relation to “Working with Communities” was light on detail  in relation to the establishment of a “Stockport Community Investment Fund” but it was proposed the fund would provide financial support to communities to deliver council priorities based on measurable outcomes and by early intervention, the council would benefit from future savings.

·         It was acknowledged that as part of the need to reduce overtime it maybe that staffing in some areas needed to be addressed.

·         The work being undertaken to develop proposals in relation to increasing income generation were noted and that a more detailed explanation of how this would be achieved would be included in the next Working Paper.

·         Work was underway to develop models which would more accurately forecast the net financial uplift to Council Tax and Business rates as a consequence of the Regeneration Programme in the Town Centre.

RESOLVED – That the report and appendices be noted.

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

In August the Executive outlined how it will address the severe financial challenges faced by Stockport because of central Government cuts and significant local cost pressures, and set out a framework of principles that would shape engagement with residents and businesses In October the Executive received an updated Medium-Term Financial position and, in response, set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18; a series of working papers explaining initiatives that will shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium-term, and confirmed an intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the medium-term, by reference to the published background papers and 2017/18 business cases that fall within the remit of each scrutiny committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and appendices.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing how the Executive would address the financial challenges faced by Stockport because of central Government cuts and significant local cost pressures, and setting out a framework of principles that would shape engagement with residents and businesses. 

The report set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18; a series of working papers explaining initiatives that will shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium-term, and confirmed an intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

The Executive Councillors for Adult Social Care (Councillor Wendy Wild) and Communities & Housing (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

It was requested that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to the 14 week intensive ‘joined-up local services’ early adopter approach used in Brinnington.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

In August the Executive outlined how it will address the severe financial challenges faced by Stockport because of central Government cuts and significant local cost pressures, and set out a framework of principles that would shape engagement with residents and businesses In October the Executive received an updated Medium-Term Financial position and, in response, set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18; a series of working papers explaining initiatives that will shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium-term, and confirmed an intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the medium-term, by reference to the published background papers and 2017/18 business cases that fall within the remit of each scrutiny committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and appendices.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report of the Leader of the Council (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to comment on a series of working papers explaining initiatives that will shape a future reform programme and address wider challenges over the medium term. The report set out business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/2018. and confirmed the intention to raise Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/2018, including the 2% social care levy.

The Executive Councillors (Health) (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following general comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Executive had stated its intention to increase Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/2018, including the 2% social care levy and had agreed to enter into a four year budget settlement with the Department for Communities and Local Government in order to provide the Council with greater certainty as it moved toward self-reliance.

·         The Council’s Audit Committee had upgraded the risk of the main investment and reform programmes, and Audit officers would prioritise these programmes as a result.

In relation to the Stockport Together Draft Business Case, and given the financial challenges facing partners in the health service, the risk of not achieving the savings was questioned. In response it was acknowledged that this would be a challenging target, particularly given the difficulties in achieving previous savings in this area and the need for rapid change, which the NHS was not known for. It was stated that not guarantee could be given that these savings could be made, but budgets would be subject to close monitoring to identify early any issues.

In relation to the Digital by Design (DbD) Working Paper, the following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Further detail was requested in relation to staffing reductions referenced in the Business Case. In response it was stated that there were no details available at this stage as to the impact on staff, but it was envisaged that should reductions be needed this could be achieved through redeployment etc., before redundancy was considered.

·         It was important that DbD achieved maximum impact in allowing residents genuine interaction with the Council via digital means, and the services had to be usable. Residents needed confidence that using digital reported etc., would be acted upon. If the services were designed properly, it would free up time for staff to deliver the services and in turn reduce time dealing with complaints.

·         There needed to be recognition that for some residents digital would not be appropriate, and that often those people most in need of contacting the Council would be least likely to be able to use the website.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Medium Term Financial Plan Update provides two reports.  The first report outlines the outcomes of the summer review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and the revised 2017/18 to 2020/21 budget saving requirement as a result.  The report also sets out the Council’s draft efficiency plan which needs to be submitted to the Department for Communities and Local Government by 14 October 2016 as the Council’s acceptance of the Government’s offer of a four year settlement.  The report also includes the reserve policy following consideration at Scrutiny Committee.

The second report is the Executive response to the updated MTFP position and accompanying it are a series of working papers that explain the initiatives the Executive is bringing forward to shape or reform programmes and address wider challenges over the medium term and business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18.

In relation to the first report, the Executive is recommended to:

·         Note the outcomes of the MTFP Summer Review and the revisions to assumptions and MTFP forecasts detailed in Appendix 1.

·         Note the revised MTFP saving requirements following revisions to assumptions and MTFP forecasts detailed in Appendix 1.

·         Approve the adjustments to the MTFP set out in the report and the revised saving requirements.

·         Comment on the draft Efficiency Plan included in Appendix 2 which will be submitted to DCLG on 14 October 2016 as the Council’s acceptance of the four year funding settlement.

·         Note the revisions to the Reserves Policy following review at the Council’s Scrutiny Committees.

·         Approve the adoption of the Reserve Policy and subsequent realignment of reserves detailed in Appendix 3 and 4.

In relation to the second report the Executive is recommended to:-

·         Agree for planning purposes a proposed recommendation to increase Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18.

·         Delegate the finalising and submission of the Council’s Efficiency plan to the Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Leader and the Executive Councillor (Reform and Governance).

·         Discuss and note the progress in developing programmes for radical reform described in the working papers and agree.

·         Discuss the Executive Proposals set out in draft business cases; ask that these be considered at relevant Scrutiny Committees; and agree to begin public and workforce consultation as set out in this report.

Officer contact: Michael Cullen, 0161 474 4631, michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance and Devolution) submitted two report (copies of which had been circulated), the first outlining the outcome of the summer review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and the revised 2017/18 to 2020/21 budget saving requirement as a result; setting out the Council’s draft efficiency plan to be submitted to the Department for Communities and Local Government by 14 October 2016 as the Council’s acceptance of the Government’s offer of a four year settlement, and the proposed Reserve Policy following consideration at scrutiny committees. The second report set out the Executive’s response to the updated MTFP position and a series of working papers explaining the initiatives the Executive was bringing forward to shape or reform programmes and address wider challenges over the medium term; and business cases for proposed changes to address the spending reduction requirement for 2017/18.

The Leader of the Council emphasised the significant financial challenge facing the Council, and the need to transform services to allow the Council to become financially self-sufficient. The completion of the MTFP Summer Review had resulted in the projected saving requirement being revised downward due to more favourable conditions.

The Leader highlighted the specific proposals to meet the savings requirements for this upcoming financial year and outline proposals for the following year were set out in the agenda, and these had been developed in line with the principals agreed at the last meeting and to avoid the need to discontinue services but instead redesign services to improve efficiency.

The Leader further emphasised the consultation that would be undertaken on these proposals, and encouraged the public and stakeholders to get involved.

The Leader of the Council clarified that while the report had been based on a working assumption of a Council Tax rise of 3.99% rise, this did not necessarily mean that this would be proposed to the Council Meeting in February.

In relation to the proposed Reserves Policy the Leader emphasised that in agreeing to the Policy the Executive would not be committing any individual level of reserves but rather to the framework for how to justify those levels. The Leader further stated that he believed the current level of Reserves would provide the Council with the resilience to address the financial challenges and transform services.

RESOLVED – (1) That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update:

·         the outcomes of the MTFP Summer Review and the revisions to assumptions and MTFP forecasts detailed in Appendix 1 of the report be noted;

·         the revised MTFP saving requirements following revisions to assumptions and MTFP forecasts detailed in Appendix 1 of the report be noted;

·         the adjustments to the MTFP set out in the report and the revised saving requirements be approved;

·         the revisions to the Reserves Policy following review at the Council’s scrutiny committees be noted;

·         the Reserve Policy and subsequent realignment of reserves detailed in Appendix 3 and 4 be adopted, subject to the inclusion under para 3.2 ‘Infrastructure Investment Reserve’ of the sentence ‘and for additional infrastructure, where necessary, to protect existing council assets,’ after the word ‘maintenance’.

(2) That in relation to the MTFP – Executive Response and Proposals:-

·         for planning purposes a proposed recommendation to increase Council Tax by 3.99% in 2017/18 be agreed;

·         the finalising and submission of the Council’s Efficiency plan be delegated to the Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) and the Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance);

·         progress in developing programmes for radical reform described in the working papers be noted and agreed;

·         the Executive Proposals set out in draft business cases be agreed for public and workforce consultation as detailed in the report, and that these be referred to the relevant scrutiny committees for consideration.