Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 December 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider a report of the Director for Children’s Services and the Borough Treasurer.

The report outlines the Education Funding Settlement for 2019/2020.

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

Officer Contact: Peter Hughes on Tel: 0161 474 3947 or email: peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Children’s Services and the Borough Treasurer submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on the education funding settlement for 2019/2020.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Councillors discussed the nursery school supplementary grant funding which was proposed to be allocated directly to nursery settings.

·         The funding for primary school places and provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Members for Children & Family Services and for Education

The Cabinet has developed a four year medium term strategy based around five cross-cutting themes. These frame the choices the Council need to make about its budget both next year and in future years, the five themes are:

·           Getting the most out of our spending;

·           Improving Customer Experience;

·           Making sure we have the right property in the right places;

·           Sharing services with other organisations;

·           An organisation fit for the future.

A suite of proposals have been developed by Cabinet which forms the first phase of this programme for 19/20. Scrutiny has since received a series of updates on the development of these proposals. This report forms the latest update and in line with the update provided to committees in November, particular includes consideration of proposals for 2019/20, prior to Cabinet decision-making in February.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment upon the proposals appended to this report.

Officer contact: Holly Rae, 0161 474 3014, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Members for Children & Families and Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the development of the budget choices for 2019/2020 for comment prior to consideration by the Cabinet.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A number of members reiterated their concerns in respect to the removal of the faith element for the provision of school bus passes even as part of a planned phased approach. It was suggested that alternatives be explored for what amounted to a relatively small saving.

·         The funding associated with the transfer of anti-social behaviour responsibilities to Stockport Homes Ltd.

·         Councillors requested further detailed information in respect to the Stockport Local Assistance Scheme.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services.

The report provides for comment Third Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Children & Families and Education Portfolios are presented for consideration by the Committee. These reports are shorter, and more data-driven, providing highlights and exceptions reflecting progress in delivering the portfolio priorities and budgets since the Mid-Year Report. They include forecast performance and financial data for the Portfolios, where new data is available, along with an update on the portfolio savings programmes.

With a reduced level of detail being provided within the reports, councillors are asked where possible to direct any questions or requests for further information in advance of the meeting via Democratic Services to enable the timely provision of additional information.

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

Officer Contact: Thomas Plant on Tel: 0161 218 1358 or email: thomas.plant@stockport.gov.uk

The Director for Children’s Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing for comment the third update Portfolio Performance and Resources Report.

The Cabinet Members for Children & Families and Education attended the meeting and answered questions in relation to the report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Education.

The report provides information relating to the recent position relating to elective home education, including recent operational changes and national developments. 

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

Officer Contact: Alan Beswick on Tel: 0161 474 3918 or email: alan.beswick@stockport.gov.uk

The Director for Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the recent position relating to elective home education, including recent operational changes and national developments.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A number of Councillors thanked officers for such a comprehensive, informative report.

·         The Committee discussed how home schooled children are tracked, their attainment levels and how examinations are arranged.

·         The work undertaken with School Governing Bodies in respect to this issue.

·         The Committee requested that an update be provided to a future meeting following the adoption of any new legislation.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report presents The Active Communities Strategy (ACS) which had recently been developed to promote physical activity in Stockport. There are a number of supporting plans to the ACS. This report also presents the recently revised Walking and Cycling Plan.

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

Officer Contact: Donna Sager on Tel: 0161 474 3928 or email: donna.sager@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing for comment the consultation document on the active community strategy consultation which included the walking and cycling strategy.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Councillors requested further information in respect to the cycling and walking investment strategy.

·         It was noted that whilst Stockport had some of the highest levels of physical activity in GreaterManchester, the focus of the strategy was on how to particularly focus on thoseresidents who are currently inactive, developing programmes and opportunities that would increase their participation in physical activity.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report sets out planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items that fall within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

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

Officer Contact: Stephen Fox on Tel: 0161 474 3206 or email: stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee next meeting and relevant Forward Plan items.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.