Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance

The report will set out the views of the Marple and Werneth area committees to the proposed changes to the Committee names.

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

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the discussions by the Marple and Werneth area committees in relation to proposals to change the area committees’ names to better reflect the communities they served.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the ambivalence of the comments made by the area committees and highlighted the suggestion made by the Marple Area Committee to undertake public consultation on the proposal.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Constitutional Review of Area Committees and the possible change of area committee names:-

·         the comments of the Marple and Werneth area committees be noted;

·         the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to make arrangements to consult the public within the Marple and Werneth area committee areas on the possible change to the names to ‘Marple and High Lane Area Committee’ and the ‘Bredbury, Romiley and Woodley Area Committee’ respectively.

(Executive Decision Record and report enclosed)

The Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 4 April 2017 considered the call-in of decision ED1899 “Constitutional Review – Area Committees” and referred the decision back to the Executive to reconsider its final recommendation.

The Executive is asked to reconsider its previous decision in relation to its recommendation to the Council Meeting that the name of the Marple Area Committee be changed to the ‘Marple and High Lane Area Committee’ and the Werneth Area Committee be changed to the ‘Bredbury, Romiley and Woodley Area Committee’.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

A report of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance was submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to reconsider its previous decision (ED1899) in relation to its recommendation to the Council Meeting that the name of the Marple Area Committee be changed to the ‘Marple and High Lane Area Committee’ and the Werneth Area Committee be changed to the ‘Bredbury, Romiley and Woodley Area Committee’.

RESOLVED – That the referral from the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee be noted, and not withstanding that the view of the Executive is that the original decision was correct, that affected Area Committees be consulted on the proposed changes to their names.

(Executive Decision Record and report enclosed)

To consider the call-in of executive decision ED1899

This decision has been called in by Councillors Malcolm Allan, Christine Corris and Lisa Smart. The call in deadline was 4pm on 21 March 2017

Reference ED1899 - "Constitutional Review - Area Committees"

The Scrutiny Committee was informed that the Executive Decision ED1899 referring to decisions taken at the Executive on 14 March 2017 in relation to the Constitutional review of Area Committee  had been ‘called in’ by Councillors Malcolm Allan, Christine Corris and Lisa Smart.

Councillors Smart, Corris and Allan outlined the reasons why they had called the decision in. They explained that they were concerned that the decision in relation to the proposed changes to the names of the Werneth and Marple Area Committees had not followed the usual practice of consultation with affected area committees prior to a decision being made.

Councillors Malcolm Allan, Christine Corris and Lisa Smart answered Councillors questions in respect to why they had called the decision in for scrutiny.

The Executive Councillor for Reform & Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) responded and stated that he was happy for the Executive to reconsider its previous decision.

It was then

RESOLVED (five for, three against, one abstention) – That the Executive be requested to reconsider its previous decision in relation to the proposed changes to the names of the Werneth and Marple Area Committees and  the Werneth and Marple Area Committees be consulted on the proposal prior to a final decision being made.

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

The report sets out proposals to amend the Council’s Constitution and Scheme of Delegation primarily in relation to the functions of Area Committees, but also connected to the role of the Town Centre and Planning & Highways Regulation committees. The proposals have been considered by the Constitution Working Party; Corporate, Resource Management & Governance; and appropriate area committees.

The Executive is requested to

(1) recommend to the Council Meeting that:-

·         the Town Centre Committee be abolished and the planning decision making

·         procedures set out in paragraph 3.1.3 of the report be adopted.

·         the definition of strategic planning applications be altered to include Environmental Impact Assessment applications, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

·         the Ward Flexibility Fund be delegated to Area Committees, as out in paragraph 3.4 of the report

·         the Ward and Joint Committees requested by Ward Councillors, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report, be established by the Council Meeting.

·         the proposals relating to Area Committees acting as ‘Trustees’ in relation to the disposal of Charitable land, as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report and Appendix 3, be approved.

·         the proposals relating to Commuted Sums, as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report, be approved.

·         the miscellaneous Drafting Matters, as set out in paragraph 4 of the report, with the exception of those relating to property matters, be approved.

·         the revised delegations to Area Committees, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved but that he issue be reconsidered in twelve months’ time in the light of health and social care integration.

(2)  consider the issue of the Cheadle Hulme North Ward and the Cheadle Hulme South Ward being in two different Area Committees in the light of the consideration of this issue by the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South and Cheadle area committees.

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

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider proposed changes to the Council Constitution in respect of area committees. The proposed changes had been subject to consultation with area committee chairs, scrutiny committees and the Constitution Working Party.

An extract of the Minutes of the Cheadle Area Committee held on 7 March and Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee held on 8 March 2017 was circulated in specific reference to possible changes of area committee composition relating to the Cheadle Hulme North and South wards.

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) reported that he had received representations from the Leader of the Conservative Group relating to the names of certain area committees and suggesting that these be altered to provide greater clarity of their geographical remit.

RESOLVED – (1) That in relation to the Constitutional review of Area Committees, the following be approved or recommended to the Council Meeting for approval as appropriate:-

·           abolish the Town Centre Committee and adopt the planning decision making procedures set out in paragraph 3.1.3 of the report;

·           alter the definition of strategic planning applications to include Environmental Impact Assessment applications, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report;

·           delegate the Ward Flexibility Fund be delegated to Area Committees, as out in paragraph 3.4 of the report;

·           that Ward and Joint Committees requested by Ward Councillors, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report, be established by the Council Meeting;

·           the proposals relating to Area Committees acting as ‘Trustees’ in relation to the disposal of Charitable land, as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report and Appendix 3;

·           the proposals relating to Commuted Sums, as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report, be approved;

·           the miscellaneous Drafting Matters, as set out in paragraph 4 of the report, with the exception of those relating to property matters;

·           the revised delegations to Area Committees, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, but that the issue be reconsidered in twelve months’ time in the light of health and social care integration.

(2) That in relation to the Cheadle Hulme North Ward and the Cheadle Hulme South Ward being in two different area committees the Executive is of the view that the Council Meeting establish a joint ward committee to address the concerns of ward councillors.

(3) That the Council Meeting be recommended to change the name of the Marple Area Committee to the ‘Marple and High Lane Area Committee’ and the Werneth Area Committee to the ‘Bredbury, Romiley and Woodley Area Committee’.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer

The Labour Group has suggested that proposals be developed to ensure (i) the work of Area Committees better reflects the changing and increasing role of Councillors and, in particular, moves towards place-based working and (ii) that all Area Committees have similar powers, including responsibility for town centre planning returning to the Central Stockport Area Committee.

The Liberal Democrat Group has asked for a review of the Area Committee boundaries, in particular (but not limited to) revisiting the split of Cheadle Hulme across two Area Committees.

In addition, the Monitoring Officer has reviewed the existing Area Committee Functions and Schedule 1 to the report sets out some suggested amendments to the duties and responsibilities which better reflect the current position.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the proposed revised delegation to Area Committees set out at Appendix 1 and proposals contained in this report.

Officer Contact: Craig Ainsworth on 0161 474 3204 or email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a series of constitutional issues as they affected the current role and composition of the Council’s Area Committees.

It was reported that the Constitution Working Party at its meeting on 8 February 2017 had:

·         supported the proposals relating to Planning including the abolition of the Town Centre, as set out in paragraph 3.1 of the report, and Strategic Planning Applications, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report,

·         with regard to the issues affecting Area Committee boundaries, as set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report requested that a report be submitted to the next meetings of the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee and the Cheadle Area Committee.

·         recommended that the term ‘Area Flexibility Budget’ be renamed ‘Ward Flexibility Budget’ and that the proposal to delegate the budget to the Area Committees rather than by making a recommendation to the Democratic Services Manager, as set out I n paragraph 3.4 of the report, be supported.

·         supported he following proposals:

·         those relating to ward and joint committee, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

·         those relating to Charitable Land as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report and Appendix 3.

·         those relating to Commuted Sums, as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the reported.

·         the miscellaneous Drafting Matters, as set out in paragraph 4.2, with the exception of those relating to property matters

·         the revised delegations to Area Committees, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be supported, but that the issue be reconsidered in twelve months’ time particularly in relation to the affect of Greater Manchester devolution on local communities.

It was reported that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee had considered the report at its meeting held on 16 February and recommended that the Town Centre Committee be abolished.

The Executive Councillor for Reform & Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members of the Scrutiny Committee made comments in relation to the merits of having the Cheadle Hulme North and Cheadle Hulme South Wards in the same Area Committee.

·         It was noted that the issues affecting Area Committee boundaries, as set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report would be considered at the next meetings of the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee and the Cheadle Area Committee.

·         A member suggested that there was merit in having a committee for the town centre.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations of the Constitution Working Party be supported.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer

The Labour Group has suggested that proposals be developed to ensure (i) the work of Area Committees better reflects the changing and increasing role of Councillors and, in particular, moves towards place-based working and (ii) that all Area Committees have similar powers, including responsibility for town centre planning returning to the Central Stockport Area Committee.

The Liberal Democrat Group has asked for a review of the Area Committee boundaries, in particular (but not limited to) revisiting the split of Cheadle Hulme across two Area Committees.

In addition, the Monitoring Officer has reviewed the existing Area Committee Functions and Schedule 1 to the report sets out some suggested amendments to the duties and responsibilities which better reflect the current position.

The Working Party is invited to comment on the proposed revised delegation to Area Committees set out at Appendix 1 and  proposals contained in this report.

Officer Contact: Craig Ainsworth on 0161 474 3204 or email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a series of constitutional issues as they affected the current role and composition of the Council’s Area Committees.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Working Party recommends that:-

·         the Town Centre Committee be abolished and the planning decision making procedures set out in paragraph 3.1.3 of the report be adopted.

·         the definition of strategic planning applications be altered to include Environmental Impact Assessment applications, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

·         the Ward Flexibility Fund be delegated to Area Committees, as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

·         the Ward and Joint Committees requested by Ward Councillors be delegated to Area Committees. as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

• the proposals relating to Area Committees acting as ‘Trustees’ in relation to the disposal of Charitable land, as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report and Appendix 3, be approved.
• the proposals relating to Commuted Sums, as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report, be approved.
• the miscellaneous drafting matters, as set out in paragraph 4 of the report, with the exception of those relating to property matters, be approved.
• the revised delegations to Area Committees, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved, but that the issue be reconsidered in twelve months’ time in the light of health and social care integration.

(2) That, with regard to the issues affecting Area Committee boundaries as set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report, a report be submitted to the next meetings of the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee and the Cheadle Area Committee seeking Members’ views.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer

The Labour Group has suggested that proposals be developed to ensure (i) the work of Area Committees better reflects the changing and increasing role of Councillors and, in particular, moves towards place-based working and (ii) that all Area Committees have similar powers, including responsibility for town centre planning returning to the Central Stockport Area Committee.

The Liberal Democrat Group has asked for a review of the Area Committee boundaries, in particular (but not limited to) revisiting the split of Cheadle Hulme across two Area Committees.

In addition, the Monitoring Officer has reviewed the existing Area Committee Functions and Schedule 1 to the report sets out some suggested amendments to the duties and responsibilities which better reflect the current position.

The Area Committee in invited to comment on the report, prior to its consideration by the Constitution Working Party at its meeting to be held on 8 February 2017.

Officer Contact: Craig Ainsworth on 0161 474 3204 or email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Monitoring Officer (copies of which had been circulated) which proposed a number of changes to the Constitution that affected Area Committees and had been submitted to the Area Committee prior to being considered by the Constitution Working Party at its meeting to be held on 8 February 2017.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Support was given to the abolition of the Town Centre Committee and responsibility for Town Centre planning returning to the Central Stockport Area Committee.

·         The Area Committee did not feel that the number and composition of the Area Committees should be altered, and did not support the creation of an Area Committee specifically for the Cheadle Hulme North and Cheadle Hulme South Wards.

·         The Area Committee felt that Ward Flexibility Funding should be determined by the relevant Ward Councillors to decide, not the full Area Committee. The decisions made were subsequently reported in the progress report on Area Committee Decisions which was submitted to each meeting of the Area Committee.

·         A number of Wards in the borough had far greater uncommitted funds than those in the Central Stockport area. A Member felt that the allocation of Ward Flexibility funding should be examined so that those Wards which contained Government priority areas were allocated greater funds.

RESOLVED – That the comments of the Area Committee be forwarded to the Constitution Working Party for consideration.