Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 3 October 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Executive Councillors on any matters within the powers and duties of the Executive, 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 and at local libraries and information centres. You may also submit your question by email to democratic.services@stockport.gov.uk).

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Executive Meeting on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One question was asked about the appropriateness of charging for replacement household refuse and recycling bins, the numbers stolen within the last 12 months and the types of bins stolen, and confirming whether a bin would be replaced free of charge if a resident had reported it to the Police as having been stolen.

The Executive Councillor (Environment) replied that the cost to residents of replacement recycling bins had been reduced from £37 to £10 which was a significant achievement in light of budget pressures. She clarified that the information asked for in relation to stolen bins was not available in the form requested but undertook to discuss the matter further with the questioner if he wished. It was confirmed that for the first instance of a bin theft that had been reported to the Police the bin would be replaced free of charge, but the replacement of any further stolen bins would be at the discretion of the Head of Service.   

One further question had been received prior to the meeting from a questioner who was not present at the meeting and in accordance with the procedure for asking questions it was stated that a written response would be provided.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Adults & Health)

The report will detail the findings from a recent review of carers’ services undertaken by the Carers Partnership Board, and sets out proposals for the future commissioning of adult carers services from 2012/13.

The proposals in the report will include the setting up of a Carers Centre model for Stockport. The Centre will co-ordinate the statutory assessment processes as well as voluntary sector support services designed to help carers in their caring role and prevent carer breakdown. The report will also propose that other specialist carers services, designed around the health condition of the person being cared for, should be re-commissioned via the Council’s Main Grant Scheme for 2012/13.

Officer contact: Julie Farley, Julie Farley, 07875 990110, Julie.farley@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Adults & Health) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to approve proposals to change the way carers services were commissioned from 2012-13, through (i) the development of a Carers Centre Partnership bringing together universal carers services provided by the Council and the voluntary sector, and (ii) the commissioning of specialist carers services through the Council’s Main Grants Scheme to ensure a more strategic approach.

RESOLVED – That the following be approved:-

(i)                 the proposals detailed in Section 5 of the report to develop a Carers Centre model in Stockport;

(ii)               the delegation of powers to the Executive Councillor (Adults & Health) in conjunction with the Corporate Director for People to agree the final contractual arrangements for the Carers Centre;

(iii)             the proposal to invite grant applications through the Main Grant Scheme to deliver specialist carers services, and

(iv)             the proposed savings of £83,000 for the 2012/13 financial year.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Communities)

The Empty Property Strategy provides strategic guidance on the Council’s approach to empty, private housing within the Borough. The Strategy provides an overview of the current situation regarding empty property, the previous action which has been taken and a detailed action plan summarising the actions which the Council will take now and in the future in order to minimise the number of empty properties within the Borough. The Strategy distinguishes between short term empty properties associated with the normal functioning of the housing market and more problematic, long term, empty properties which are the main focus of the Strategy.

The Empty Property Strategy 2011-14 replaces the previous Strategy produced in 2003 and compliments the over-arching Housing Strategy, A Good Place To Live, 2010-15.

That the Executive approve the Empty Property Strategy 2011-14

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the Empty Property Strategy for 2011-14, that would sit within the over-arching Housing Strategy, and detailing what action would be taken to minimise the number of empty properties in the borough.

RESOLVED – That the Empty Property Strategy 2011-14 be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People)                                                                                                        

The report will set out a proposal for a Section 75 NHS Act 2006 Partnership Agreement which will facilitate integrated provision of drug and alcohol services to young people up to the age of 25. This will be achieved through the transfer of NHS PCT staff to Stockport Council and the delegation of the health function and integrated management for the MOSIAC service. The Service will remain jointly commissioned by NHS Stockport and the Council but as a result of the new S75 the Council will become the provider incorporating the health elements previously delivered by Community Health Stockport staff as part of the partnership.

Officer contact: Marie Corran, 07800 618819, marie.corran@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree a proposal to enter into a Section 75 NHS Act 2006 Partnership Agreement for integrated provision of drug and alcohol services to young people up to the age of 25, through the transfer of NHS Stockport staff and the delegation of the health function and integrated management for the MOSAIC service to the Council.

The Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) reported that the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee had endorsed the proposals.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to

(i)           the Council becoming the provider of Drug and Alcohol Misuse Services to children, young people and their families up to the age of 25;

(ii)         the Council accepting both delegated health function and integrated management responsibilities for the service;

(iii)       the Council accepting the transfer of NHS Stockport staff to the MOSAIC Service, and

(iv)       the delegation of the authority to agree any amendments to subsequent drafts of the agreement and schedules prior to the anticipated transfer in March 2012 to the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Children and Young People).

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Environment)

The report details the findings of a review of the charges made by the Council for the replacement of refuse and recycling bins.

The Executive is recommended to amend the fees and charges schedule for 2011/12 as approved on 14 February 2011 as follows:

·               reduce the cost of the 1^st replacement recycling containers (of each type to a property) to£10, then reverting to the current rate listed for any subsequent replacements.

·               reduce the cost of the 1^st replacement non-recycling containers to £35, then reverting to the current rate listed for any subsequent replacements.

·               Introduce a charge for those households requiring all bins at the start of occupation to £50.

·               make the 1^st replacement internal caddy free of charge.

Office contact: Megan Black, 0161 218 1410, megan.black@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Environment) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a review of the charges made by the Council for the replacement of refuse and recycling bins and setting out proposals for amendments to these charges.

RESOLVED – That the Fees and Charges Schedule for 2011/12 previously approved on 14 February 2011 be amended as follows:

·               reduce the cost of the first replacement recycling containers (of each type to a property) to £10, then reverting to the current rate listed for any subsequent replacements;

·               reduce the cost of the first replacement non-recycling containers to £35, then reverting to the current rate listed for any subsequent replacements;

·               introduce a charge for those households requiring all bins at the start of occupation to £50, and

·               make the first replacement internal caddy free of charge.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Regeneration)

The report outlines the need for resources to enable the delivery of priority regeneration projects highlighted in the Stockport Town Centre Development Prospectus and to support the Woodford Development Project as the largest development opportunity in the borough.

The Executive is recommended to approve the allocation of £0.491m from surplus General Fund Balances to enable the delivery of the key projects outlined in the report.

Officer contact: Paul Lawrence, 0161 218 1940, paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree to allocate resources to support the delivery of priority regeneration projects within the Stockport Town Centre Development Prospectus and to support the Woodford Development Project.

RESOLVED – That the approval be given to the allocation of £0.491m from surplus General Fund Balances to enable the delivery of key regeneration projects as detailed in the report.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Transportation)

The report seeks authority for the establishment of a joint arrangement in connection with the Greater Manchester Road Activity Permit Scheme (GMRAPS) between Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester and the other nine Greater Manchester Authorities and to seek agreement of the delegation to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The Scheme seeks to minimise disruption by managing and co-ordinating road works activities on the highway network more effectively through the operation of a Permit Scheme requiring statutory undertakers, highway and transport authorities to apply for a permit from the Council (Permit Authority) before undertaking work on the highway.

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves the following to allow the scheme to be progressed and implemented:

(i)           agree in principle to the areas of delegation to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in respect of the proposed Greater Manchester Road Activity Permit Scheme as presented in paragraphs 2.2.1 to 2.2.6 above, and delegate authority to the Council Solicitor, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Transportation) to agree the final nature of the delegations and to conclude any further remaining detail.

(ii)         confirm the establishment of a joint arrangement with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee and the other nine district local authorities in Greater Manchester in respect of the proposed Greater Manchester Road Activity Permit Scheme.

(iii)       authorise the Council Solicitor, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Transportation) to make the consequential amendments to the Council’s Constitution upon the progression and implementation of the Scheme. 

Officer Contact: Ian Thompson, 0161 474 8408, ian.thompson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Transportation) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider proposals for a joint arrangement for a Greater Manchester Road Activity Permit Scheme (GMRAPS) between Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester and the other nine Greater Manchester Authorities that would aim to manage and co-ordinate road work activities on the highway network more effectively through the operation of a Permit Scheme.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

(i)           agree in principle to the areas of delegation to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in respect of the proposed Greater Manchester Road Activity Permit Scheme as presented in paragraphs 2.2.1 to 2.2.6 of the report, and delegate authority to the Council Solicitor, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Transportation) to agree the final nature of the delegations and to conclude any further remaining detail;

(ii)         confirm the establishment of a joint arrangement with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee and the other nine district local authorities in Greater Manchester in respect of the proposed Greater Manchester Road Activity Permit Scheme.

(iii)       authorise the Council Solicitor, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Transportation) to make the consequential amendments to the Council’s Constitution upon the progression and implementation of the Scheme.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillors (Regeneration) and (Finance)

The report sets out progress to date on the regeneration projects for the Dialstone Centre, Blackstone Fields and the site of the former Dial Park School and seeks permission to vary the terms of the original Development Agreement to bring them in line with accurate timescales and revised budgets, the latter clearly contained with the overall project budget.

The Executive is recommended to note the progress on the scheme and to approve the delegation to the Corporate Director of Place and Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the relevant Executive Councillors to:

(i)           progress the re-opening of Offerton Social Club as a community facility as identified in the report.

(ii)         allow the extension of the longstop date as identified in the report. 

(iii)       to incur expenditure to progress the scheme subject to ensuring that all costs are within the envelope of affordability from any future estimated capital receipt.

Officer contact: Paul Lawrence/ Barry Khan, 0161 474 3202 paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk / barry.khan@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillors (Regeneration) and (Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Executive Meeting of progress with the regeneration projects at the Dialstone Centre, Blackstone Fields and the former Dial Park School sites and detailing a proposal to vary the terms of the Development Agreement to revise the timescales and budgets for the project, the latter being contained within the overall project budget already agreed.

RESOLVED – That progress with the redevelopment scheme for Dialstone Centre, Blackstone Fields and the former Dial Park School sites be noted and approval be given to the delegation to the Corporate Director of Place and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the relevant Executive Councillors to:

(i)           progress the re-opening of Offerton Social Club as a community facility as detailed in the report;

(ii)         allow the extension of the longstop date as detailed in the report, and

(iii)       incur expenditure to progress the scheme subject to ensuring that all costs be within the envelope of affordability from any future estimated capital receipt.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Customer Focus) and (Finance)

The report combines previous quarterly performance (Balanced Scorecard) and financial monitoring reports (FMRs) to summarise the mid-year position in delivering the Council’s priorities, budget and capital programme for 2011/12.

More detailed Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports are available as background papers, accessible on the Council’s website at http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IssueId=7063&OptionNum=0. These will be updated before being presented to December’s Scrutiny committee cycle.

The report will help to inform the development of the 2012/13 Council Plan and Medium Term Financial Plan, which are currently subject to consultation.

The Executive is asked to:

(i)           Review progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget forecasts contained within the report.

(ii)         Approve the virements and budget adjustments to the Revenue Budget set out in Appendix 3 of the report.

(iii)       Agree the approach to managing revenue surpluses and deficits, and proposed contributions to/from General Fund and HRA earmarked reserves as set out in the report 

(iv)       Approve changes to the Capital Programme as shown in Appendix 4

(v)         Approve the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in Appendix 5

(vi)       Identify key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast issues or risks

Officer contact: Christine Buxton/ Andrea Stewart, 0161 474 4124/ 3243, Christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk / andreaj.stewart@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Finance)

The report informs the Executive on the mid-year performance of the Council's Treasury Management function for 2011/12 and provides an update on developments in the economy during that period.

A mid-year review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy approved by Council on 24 February 2011 has been undertaken. In light of changes to counterparty ratings announced by two of the main rating agencies changes to the Council's creditworthiness policy are proposed. The amendments to the Council’s creditworthiness policy will be incorporated in the Treasury Management Policy Statement and this requires approval by full Council.

The report also outlines the anticipated treasury management implications of the government’s housing self-financing reform proposals.

The Executive is asked to:-

(i)           receive this report in line with best practice guidelines and note the treasury activity for the first half of the financial year;

(ii)         recommend to the Council Meeting that it approve the changes to the investment criteria of Moody’s cited in paragraph 11.13 and 11.15 and of Fitch detailed in paragraph12.6;

(iii)       note the expected impact of the housing reform proposals on the capital and treasury plans.

Officer contact: Lorna Salvage, 0161 474 4026, lorna.salvage@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Executive Meeting of mid-year performance of the Treasury Management function for 2011/12, providing an update on developments in the economy during the period and detailing proposals to make minor revision to the Treasury Management Strategy in light the changing economic circumstances.

RESOLVED – (1) That the treasury activity for the first half of the financial year 2011-12 and the expected impact of the housing reform proposals on the capital and treasury plans be noted.

(2) That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the changes to the investment criteria as detailed in paragraphs 11.13, 11.15 and 12.6 of the report.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Customer Focus)

The  his report is to provide an overview of complaints, as at the 2^nd quarter (July - September) 2011/12.  A total of 177 complaints were raised against the Council in the 2^nd quarter, compared with 181 in the previous quarter. Further information is contained in the report.

The Executive is asked to:

(i)                 Review performance information contained in this report, and

(ii)               Comment on the performance measures reported and suggest any additional information that might be collected in future.

Officer Anwar Majohti, 0161 474 3182 or alternatively email anwar.majohti@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Customer Focus) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive Meeting with an overview of complaints received for the second quarter of 2011-12, including comparisons with previous quarters and lessons learnt from these complaints.

RESOLVED – That second quarter performance in relation to complaints received be noted.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The report details proposals for changes to polling districts and polling stations as a result of the Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations following a review of existing arrangements. The proposals have been subject to consultation, including with the Council’s Area Committees, the comments of which are included in the report.

The Executive is invited to consider the proposals for changes to the polling district and polling station to make a recommendation to the Council Meeting on 17 November.

Officer contact: Steve Callender, 0161 474 3184, steve.callender@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the outcome of a statutory review of polling districts and polling stations following the conclusion of the public consultation period. Proposals for amendments to polling districts and polling locations were detailed in the appendix to the report.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the proposals for changes to polling districts and polling stations as set out in the appendix to the report subject to the use of the New Life Community Church, Marple Road instead of Offerton High School for Polling District UA, and the use of Edgeley Library instead of St Mark’s Church Schoolroom for Polling District SB.