Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report presents the draft 2018/19 Agreement for the Reform and Governance Portfolio for consideration and comment by the Committee.

Policy priorities for 2018/19 were set out within the Council Plan, which was adopted at the Budget Council Meeting in February. This incorporates the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet.

These priorities are articulated within the Portfolio Agreements, which form the basis for regular in-year reporting. Portfolio and Corporate Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs and CPRRs) will assess progress against key objectives, priorities, outcomes and budgets, enabling Scrutiny Committees to hold the Cabinet to account and for the Cabinet to identify current and future risks to delivery.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to review and comment on the draft Portfolio Agreement.

Officer contact: Peter Owston / Susan Wood, 0161 474 3274 / 218 1032, peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk / susan.wood@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the draft 2018/19 Agreement for the Portfolio for consideration by the Scrutiny Committee. The agreement articulated the policy priorities for 2018/19 that were set out within the adopted Council Plan, incorporating the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet. The priorities within the Portfolio Agreements would form the basis for regular in-year reporting through the Portfolio and Corporate Performance and Resource Reports, enabling the Scrutiny Committee to hold the Cabinet to account.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         In relation to the narrative for target R&G.03, clarification was sought on whether the proposal was to reduce the target because of under-performance. In response it was stated that because of positive performance the tolerance for ‘amber’ performance had been reduced to stretch the target.

·         Clarification was sought on likely future staff reductions. In response it was stated that there was a residual reduction planned as part of ongoing Corporate and Support Services reform. It was not possible to comment on whether any further reductions may be needed in the future.

·         Further information was requested in relation to plans to regenerate the Hillgate area of the Town Centre. In response it was reported that the Council had a £7m investment programme for the Markets and Underbanks area, supplemented by funding from the Heritage Lottery fund. The challenge for the Council was that many of the properties in the area were in private ownership, thereby limiting the Council’s ability to make improvements. The Council would continue to seek to make the most of the resources it had available.

·         There was often a barrier to engaging with communities by the use of Council jargon. More needs to be done to tailor communications to the audience.

·         Clarification was sought on the levels of outstanding Council Tax. In response it was clarified that the references in the report related to in-year collection rates. It was emphasised that the Council did not cease attempting to collect outstanding Council Tax. The Council had been very successful at collection and the vast majority of residents did pay.

·         Assurance was sought that the Council had sufficient capacity to assess Business Rates liability. In response it was stated that the Council worked hard in this respect but that there would always be room for improvement.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Borough Treasurer be requested to submit a report to a future meeting on Business Rates assessment and recovery.