Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 August 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 15 August 2017 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Cabinet.

No urgent decisions were reported.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Cabinet Members on any matters within the powers and duties of the Cabinet, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting on the card provided.  These are available at the meeting. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

Members of the public were invited to submit question to the Cabinet on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Five questions were submitted.

(1)  The first question asserted that many residents in Offerton had only recently become aware of proposals for a dual carriageway bypass and that these people were shocked that the issue had progressed without the Council providing more information, suggesting that this demonstrated a lack of respect toward residents. The Cabinet was asked when the public would be given an opportunity to tell councillors how bad they felt a road would be for Offerton.

In response, the Leader of the Council clarified that the Council was not proposing any road scheme, but was examining whether a bypass between the A6 and M60 was justified. This would then form part of an outline Business Case, the outcome of which may be to start further investigations into the feasibility of such a proposal. Only after that further work was complete, and if funding was available, would the Council make a decision on whether or not to proceed to a planning application. These proposals would be subject to consultation, and the planning application would be subject to specific consultation.

The Leader confirmed that it was the anticipated that an outline Business Case would be considered at the next Cabinet Meeting in November, but that no final decisions would be taken on the proposal at this stage, not least because no funding was available. The Leader further acknowledged the concerns and objections to the possibility of the scheme from those in area, and stated that the public would be fully involved should the Council decide to proceed with the scheme.

Furthermore, the Leader stated that possibility of a bypass in this location was already in the public domain and had been so for many years, having been discussed for 70 years, and most recently as part of the recommendations from the South East Manchester Multi-Modal Study in 2001.

(2)  The second question expressed concern that the A6-M60 Bypass Business Case would not be given sufficient time for proper examination prior to a decision being taken by the Cabinet. It was asked what opportunity there would be for the Council and its members to receive and consider comments and submissions on the Business Case, whether from transport experts or people in Offerton and elsewhere along the route who would be most directly affected.

The Leader of the Council reiterated that the Council was currently at the stage of developing a strategic outline business case that would not contain detailed proposals for a scheme, nor would it contain sufficient information to decide to proceed with a scheme. In the event that the Cabinet was to agree to move forward with a scheme, that would be subject to public consultation. The Leader confirmed that the Cabinet had not yet seen the outline business case.

(3)  The third question asked the Cabinet not to build the A6-M60 bypass next to the questioner’s school.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration explained that the Cabinet made a number of important decisions, and that for those most important of these would be subject to public consultation. As part of the decision making process evidence was needed to inform that decision, and the information that would be in outline Business Case would not say whether the road scheme would be a good or bad idea.

The Cabinet Member further responded that the road scheme had been proposed for 70 years, but that the Council needed to be clear that this remained the right solution. The business case would provide lots of evidence both for and against the scheme, and it would be at that point that the Cabinet would decide whether or not to proceed with further investigation. If it chose to, there would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Policy & Devolution and the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

In response to the Summer Review of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) the Cabinet, in August, provided an update on our Inclusive Growth and Reform Programme, and also set out proposals to reduce spending by £4.15m in 2018/19.  Both reports are enclosed in the Annex for completeness and ease of reference. 

This report provides a further update on progress and sets out additional spending reduction proposals.  The report also sets out the role that increased local taxation will need to play to balance the Council’s budget next year which is in Government policy.

Cabinet is recommended to:

·           Discuss the progress outlined within this report;

·           Consider the recommendation relating to Council Tax and the Social Care precept outlined in section 2;

·           Note the commitment to return with further proposals relating to Adult Social Care in section 3

·           Consider the proposals presented in section 3 and in annex 4.

Officer contact: Holly Rae / Jonathan Davies, 0161 474 3014 / 218 1025, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk / jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Cabinet’s Inclusive Growth and Reform Programme, including details of proposals for additional spending reductions and proposals for a Council Tax increase needed to set a balanced budget.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the significance of the financial challenges facing the Council due to changes in funding it received and that these were outside of the Council’s control. He also highlighted that although there was no requirement to do so, the Cabinet had already given an indication of the Council Tax rise it was proposing in order to set a balanced budget for 2018/19. 

The Leader also emphasised that the proposed reforms of services were designed to minimise the impact on front line services and protect the most vulnerable members of the community.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services highlighted the significant increases in demand on child protection and safeguarding services as a driver for proposals to accelerate the integration of services through Stockport Family that would allow the Council and its partners to better support vulnerable children, young people and their families in the context of tightening finances.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Inclusive Growth and Reform Programme Update

·         the progress as outlined within the report be noted;

·         that the recommendation relating to Council Tax and the Social Care precept outlined in section 2 of the report be noted;

·         that the commitment to submit further proposals relating to Adult Social Care in section 3 of the report be noted;

·         that the budget proposals presented in section 3 and annex 4 of the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Councillor for Reform & Governance.

A central commitment in the Council’s Growth and Reform Framework is to foster growth in our communities as well as our economy, recognising the critical value that resilient and connected communities have in enabling local people and business to be successful and to grow.

Within the Cabinet’s response to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) pressures (presented by Cabinet on 15 August), an updated Working with Communities (WwC) working paper was presented which reiterated the Cabinet’s ambition and progress in working to achieve this. This was followed by a discussion at CRMG scrutiny in September which introduced an investment model which seeks to enable the growth of social movements and resilience within our communities.

This report presented to Cabinet is the latest in this series of updates and outlines a proposal to proceed with a ‘beta’ phase of a new Community Investment Fund. This beta phase would inform the decision to proceed with the delivery of a 2 year pilot commencing in 2018.

Cabinet is recommended to:

•        comment upon the proposals outlined within this report, including:

- The approach, ethos and principles of the Community Investment Model;

- The associated funding considerations and next steps;

•        commit existing resources to the Beta phase and development of the model; and

•        agree in principle, subject to the outcome of the Beta phase, to receive (in early 2018) a reserve request to fund the two-year pilot proposed above and within the accompanying presentation.

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

A joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on progress with the Working with Communities work stream and setting out a proposal to undertake a ‘beta’ phase of a new Community Investment Fund as a prelude to a possible 2 year pilot starting in 2018.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance emphasised that this proposal furthered the Cabinet’s stated ambition of working better with the community, and its commitment to early interventions to reduce more costly later demands on services. It was also emphasised that the proposals would not make an immediate impact on the Council’s savings requirements, although longer term the investments from the fund would realise a return. It was further acknowledged that the details of the governance of the fund would also need further consideration.

RESOLVED – That progress with the Working with Communities Programme be noted and

·         the proposals outlined within this report be endorsed, including:

-       the approach, ethos and principles of the Community Investment Model;

-       the associated funding considerations and next steps;

·         existing resources be committed to the Beta phase and development of the model; and

·         agreement in principle be given, subject to the outcome of the Beta phase, to receive (in early 2018) a reserve request to fund the two-year pilot proposed above and within the accompanying presentation.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing and for Economy & Regeneration.

This report provides an update on both the strategic framework underpinning the Council’s approach to cycling and walking, and the various programmes of work which are currently being delivered to further support cycling and walking across Stockport.

The report presents a proposed approach to develop a new cycling and walking strategy for Stockport, and presents an opportunity for a new bike share scheme.

The Cabinet is recommended to: 

·         Endorse the proposed approach to producing a new Cycling and Walking Strategy for Stockport

·         Delegate responsibility to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing, to approve the draft Cycling and Walking Strategy for use in public consultation.  

·         Endorse the proposed approach to coordinating the public consultation with the statutory consultation on the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) wherever possible.

·         Grant officers approval to further investigate, in partnership with MoBike, the feasibility of extending the Manchester/Salford Pilot scheme into Stockport, and delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing, and Economy & Environment, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with MoBike should the expansion be found to be feasible.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing and for Economy & Regeneration was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider and endorse the approach being taken to encourage walking and cycling, including the development of a new Strategy for Stockport.

Cabinet Members emphasised the interconnectedness of this Strategy with Public Rights of Way.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the proposed Cycling and Walking Strategy for Stockport

·         the proposed approach to producing a new Strategy be endorsed

·         the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing, to approve the draft Cycling and Walking Strategy for use in public consultation;

·         the proposed approach to coordinating the public consultation with the statutory consultation on the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) wherever possible be endorsed;

·         officers be authorised to further investigate, in partnership with MoBike, the feasibility of extending the Manchester/Salford Pilot scheme into Stockport, and authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing, and Economy & Environment, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with MoBike should the expansion be found to be feasible.

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

At the Budget on 8 March 2017 the Chancellor announced three additional Government measures to provide support to businesses following the Business rates Revaluation. These included ‘Supporting small businesses’ (a relief scheme for businesses facing large increases as a result of the loss of small business rate relief or rural rate relief); ‘Business Rates Relief for Pubs’ (a scheme for one year only to provide a £1K discount to qualifying pubs) and ‘Discretionary fund’ (a national fund of £300 million over four years from 2017-18 to support those businesses which face the steepest increase in their business rates as a result of revaluation). This report considers these three measures and proposes a scheme for allocation of the Discretionary fund.

The Cabinet is invited to agree the proposals for allocating the Discretionary Fund as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider changes to the Business Rates Relief arrangements and the allocation of Discretionary Relief Funding in light of recent Government announcements following the business rates re-evaluation.

Cabinet Members emphasised the increasing importance of Business Rates for local authority finances but the need to balance this against the needs of local business, the voluntary and public sector organisations and the need for a healthy economy. It was also stated that unallocated relief funding would be returned to the Treasury so encouraging uptake was emphasised.

RESOLVED – That the proposals for the allocation of the Discretionary Business Rates Relief Funding, as set out in the report, be approved.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Education.

The report sets out a proposal to establish a £25m capital programme to start to address the condition and capacity issues that are facing schools within Stockport.  The report also details that work has commenced on developing an investable proposition for increasing capacity within the Special Education Needs and Disability provision within Stockport.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·         Note the work to date in addressing the school estate capacity and fabric issues;

·         Note the work on an investable proposition for SEND capacity will be brought back to the Cabinet by the year end;

·         Agree the creation of a £25m capital programme for mainstream schools as detailed in the report.

Contact officer: Phil Beswick, Michael Cullen, 0161 474 3832 / 4631, phil.beswick@stockport.gov.uk / michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal to establish a £25m capital programme to begin to address the condition and capacity issues facing schools in Stockport. The report also detailed work that had begun on developing an investable proposition for increasing capacity within Special Education Needs and Disability provision within Stockport.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that this investment would be the largest by the Council in its schools, at no additional cost to the tax payer, but would help address the needs of local maintained schools for additional capacity and for building improvements. By undertaking works on this scale would allow for better value for money.

The Leader of the Council paid tribute to the Cabinet Member and officers for their hard work and creativity in developing this proposal.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the establishment of the Schools Capital Programme:-

•      the work to date in addressing the school estate capacity and fabric issues be noted;

•      the work on an investable proposition for Special Education Needs and Disability capacity being submitted to the Cabinet by the year end be noted;

•      the creation of a £25m capital programme for mainstream schools as detailed in the report be agreed.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Adult Social Care, for Health and for Reform & Governance.

The report introduces the proposed draft Alliance Provider Agreement (APA) between the provider partners of Stockport Together; namely the Council, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Viaduct Health.  The agreement sets out the key draft terms to be agreed including the governance arrangements for the alliance to meet the aims of (a) delivering the new models of care as described in the Stockport Together Business Cases and (b) providing a governance framework for the integrated transitional management team and neighbourhood teams.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·         Agree the Council forming part of the Alliance and being party to the Alliance Provider Agreement; and,

·         Delegate the finalisation, completion and the Council entering into the Alliance Provider Agreement and any ancillary agreements, and (to the extent possible) the creation of governance framework for the integrated transitional management team and neighbourhood teams to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for People in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Adult Social care, Health and Reform and Governance.

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

A joint report of the Cabinet Members for Adult Social Care, for Health and for Reform & Governance was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the draft Alliance Provider Agreement between the four Stockport Together provider partners (the Council, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and the GP consortium Viaduct Health) to set out the governance arrangements that would underpin the arrangements for the delivery of new models of care and the management of integrated neighbourhood teams.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care emphasised that the Alliance Board would have no greater powers and responsibilities than those partners chose to delegate to it.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Alliance Provider Agreement for the Stockport Together Provider partners:

·         agreement be given to the Council forming part of the Alliance and being party to the Alliance Provider Agreement; and,

·         the finalisation, completion and the Council entering into the Alliance Provider Agreement and any ancillary agreements, and (to the extent possible) the creation of governance framework for the integrated transitional management team and neighbourhood teams be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for People in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Adult Social care, Health and Reform & Governance.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Adult Social Care and for Health.

The Stockport Together Progamme Board is proposing a process for the next phase of consultation on the Programme and is seeking agreement from the Council and Clinical Commissioning Group (as commissioners) to proceed.

The Cabinet is recommended to

·         endorse the Stockport Together Stakeholder Consultation Mandate;

·         authorise the Corporate Director for People, working in conjunction with the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group Chief Operating Officer (as programme Senior Responsible Officers), in consultation with appropriate Cabinet Members, to agree the final detail of the consultation on behalf of the respective organisations following approval of the mandates.

Officer contact: Andrew Webb, 0161-474-3808, Andrew.webb@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Adult Social Care and for Health was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the terms of a proposed formal stakeholder consultation by the Stockport Together commissioning partners (the Council and Clinical Commissioning Group) on the substance of the Stockport Together draft Business Cases. The proposals had been developed following advice from the Consultation Institute.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that respondents needed to be clear that the outcome of the consultation would not be ‘no change’ as taking no action to address the funding shortfall in the health and social care economy was not an option. He further emphasised that the proposals had been developed collaboratively by partners involved in the commissioning and delivery of services, and had not been imposed or demanded by others.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the proposed Stockport Together Stakeholder consultation:-

·         the Consultation Mandate be endorsed;

·         the Corporate Director for People, working in conjunction with the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group Chief Operating Officer (as programme Senior Responsible Officers), in consultation with appropriate Cabinet Members, be authorised to agree the final detail of the consultation on behalf of the respective organisations following approval of the mandates.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing

The accompanying report represents the proposed Cabinet response to the former Health &Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee’s review ‘Making the Most of Community Pharmacy’, incorporating the response of the Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group to the recommendations contained in the Scrutiny Committee’s final report.

The Cabinet is asked to approve the proposed response.

Officer contact: Donna Sager, 0161 474 3928, donna.sager@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to agree its response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review ‘Making the most of Community Pharmacy’. The proposed response had been developed in conjunction with the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group.

Cabinet Members commented that although the Scrutiny Review was timely, many of the issues it had explored were outside of the Council and CCG’s control, but could be usefully considered at a Greater Manchester level.

RESOLVED – (1) That the response to the ‘Making the most of Community Pharmacy’ Scrutiny Review Final Report and recommendations be approved.

(2) That the Cabinet’s gratitude and appreciation be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel and the contributions made by others.

(3) That the Chief Executive be requested to share the content of this response with the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Strategic Partnership.

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

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on current work to support the Armed Forces Community that has progressed within the Council. The most recent Scrutiny cycles have all received similar but in-depth updates offering information of current work that has progressed within the Council and these will be amalgamated into a single report and submitted to Cabinet in October 2017 in order to raise awareness of this commitment.

The Cabinet is asked to:-

·         note current work with relation to armed forces activities;

·         continue to offer their support to the Armed Forces community;

·         approve sharing current work that has progressed within the Council with Area Committees.

Officer contact: Nayuri Patel, Sue Williams,  0161 474 3167/ 2175,  nayuri.patel@Stockport.gov.uk / Sue.williams@stockport.gov.uk  (0161 474 2175)

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the current work to support members of the Armed Forces Community, including through the Armed Forces Community Covenant.

The Leader of the Council emphasised the importance the Council placed on its commitments through the Covenant and the need to avoid complacency in the services and support provided. He further emphasised the importance of feedback from area committees to ensure that the Covenant was delivering effectively in communities.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Armed Forces Community Covenant

·           the current work in relation to armed forces activities be noted

·           the Council continue to offer their support to the Armed Forces community;

·           the sharing of current work that has progressed within the Council with Area Committees be agreed.

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

In July 2017, the Cabinet agreed in principal to further investment in the second phase of the Digital by Design programme with the funding provided once detailed Delivery Plans had been development. The proposed work will lead to a range of improvements to the way in which services are supported and delivered, and will reform working practices to facilitate recurrent annual reductions in revenue spending of £1.5m in Corporate and Support Services (CSS) and a further £0.6m in Children’s Services.

This report provides the detailed delivery plans for the elements of phase ii relating to Corporate and Support Services (CSS), including Revenues & Benefits, Libraries and Events and Registrars.

The Cabinet is invited to agree the funding to the Digital by Design Phase II programme on the basis of the detailed delivery plans set out in the report.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the detailed delivery plans for the implementation of Phase II of the Digital by Design Programme, approval of which had previously been agreed by the Cabinet in July 2017, including funding arrangements.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that while there was significant investment being allocated for this Programme it was on the expectation of at least 2-for-1 return on that investment and that indications were that this would be the case.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the funding of the Digital by Design Phase II programme on the basis of the detailed delivery plans set out in report.

On:-

(a)  Matters (if any) referred to the Cabinet Meeting

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were none to consider.