Issue - meetings

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

The report sets out the proposed Asset Management Plan (AMP) Capital Programme for the period 2019/20 to 2022/23. The AMP capital programme is used to carry out upgrade work and improvements to operational buildings within the Council’s corporate estate. Corporate funding is approved for the Asset Management Programme as the capital financing costs of these works cannot be met from within the Single Property Budget cash limits.

The Cabinet is invited to:

•     approve the implementation of the updated Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2019/20 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for up to 2023, as set out in the report;

•     approve the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2019/20 to 2022/2023; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group (ESG);

•     note that the CRMG Scrutiny Committee receives update reports on progress every six months.

•     authorise the Deputy Chief Executive to award construction contracts as required to deliver the works programme.

Officer contact: Charlotte Cordingley, 0161 474 4240, charlotte.cordingley@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the proposed Asset Management Plan (AMP) Capital Programme for the period 2019/20 to 2022/23. The AMP capital programme was used to prioritise upgrade work and improvements to buildings within the Council’s operational estate.

Cabinet members commented on the additional work needed to develop the AMP in light of the collapse of Carillion and commended officers for their efforts.

Cabinet members also commented on the improvements completed at Grand Central that now meant that all facilities were open for users. It was also commented that there had been positive reviews of the facilities naming it one of the best attractions in the North West for families.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Asset Management Plan Capital programme:

·         the implementation of the updated Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2019/20 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for future years up to 2023 as set out in the report be approved;

·         the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2019/2020 be approved, with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group (ESG);

·         the intention for the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee to receive an update on progress every six months be noted;

·         the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to award construction contracts as required to deliver the works programme.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out progress with delivering the 2018/19 Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme, details the programme of work for inclusion in the 2019/20 financial year and provides an indicative programme up to 2022/23. The AMP capital programme is used to carry out upgrade work and improvements to operational buildings within the Council’s corporate estate.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and recommend its approval to the Cabinet Meeting.

Officer contact: Charlotte Cordingley, 0161 474 4240, charlotte.cordingley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider an update on the delivery of the 2018/19 Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme, details the programme of work for inclusion in the 2019/20 financial year and providing an indicative programme up to 2022/23.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance (Councillor Elise Wilson) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         An update was requested in relation to the development of property services. In response it was stated that since the Cabinet had agreed to the new service structure and a number of staff appointments had been made. The Council remained on track to begin the procurement for new Facilities and Asset Management contracts. It was acknowledged that progress with the delivery of the AMP had slipped due to the collapse of Carillion, but there had been progress in catching up and there had been no critical project delays.

·         Clarification was sought on the nature of the proposed investment in Life Leisure facilities. In response it was stated that some of the significant resource requirement was rephrasing of the 2017/18 programme due to slippage caused by the need to short windows in which to carry out work in order to keep facilities open during peak demand. Councillors requested further information on the distribution of the investment.

·         Concern was expressed about the 2020/21 programme forecast spend on leisure and heritage being zero and clarification sought about whether this should read ‘to be confirmed’. In response it was stated that the due to the significant usage of the Council’s heritage and leisure assets, particularly in the Town Centre, the next phase of the Medium Term Financial Plan would include a review of that provision including the developing strategic business cases for investment. It was therefore likely that there would be investment in 2020/21 and the report would be amended to reflect that.

·         Clarification was sought on whether efforts were being made to ensure TLC was able to tender for work. In response it was stated that officers continued to work with TLC and where they were able to deliver work and demonstrate value for money they would be given work.

·         Councillors suggested that more detail should be provided in relation to the larger investment proposals.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to provide further members with further details in relation to Life Leisure investment.