Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 October 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 October 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

(NOTE: The Leader of the Council was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 to allow the Executive to consider promptly the recommendations of the Council Meeting held on 6 November 2012)

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which were circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider recommendations made by the extraordinary Council Meeting on 6 November 2012 in relation to the future governance arrangements of the Contributors Committee of Solutions SK.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the future governance arrangements of the Solutions SK Contributors Committee, the following be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with all political Group Leaders:-

·         determination of the size of the Contributors Committee;

·         appointment of councillors to the reconfigured Contributors Committee;

·         the taking of all necessary legal action to implement this decision.

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

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 can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

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

Five questions were submitted.

The first question asked whether councillors from all political groups would be appointed to the Executive and all other committees, as well as the Contributors Committee.

In response, the Leader of the Council replied that the previous item considered by the Executive Meeting had covered the proposals to include all political groups on the Contributors Committee, but that the composition of other committees was for the most part determined by legislation and regulations. She further stated that at the start of the municipal year no other political group on the Council had expressed an interest in taking up positions on the Executive.

The second question asked whether the Council would be willing to meet the cost of an additional class at St Paul’s CofE Primary School to ensure that the Governors’ wish of not having mixed age teaching could be met, should the proposed expansion from September 2014 be agreed.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) replied that the proposed new Local Funding Formula would be based on the numbers on roll as at the January school census, although if the numbers on roll at the start of September was in excess of 2% of the numbers budgeted for, the Local Authority would provide additional funding. It was also stated that the pupil premium would have increased by September 2014.

The third question asked how confident the Council were in the projection of the increase in the number of pupils in the Brinnington area when deciding whether to increase the capacity at St Paul’s CofE Primary School.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) replied that the proposed increase at St Paul’s CofE Primary School was in response to projections based on birth rates which indicated an increased demand for places across Stockport but for Brinnington in particular, but this proposal also reflected the popularity of St Paul’s CofEPrimary School itself.

Question four asked what steps had been taken by the Executive Councillor to determine why there had been an increase of 5% in the amount of residual waste collected by the Council in comparison to the same period in the previous year.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Public Realm) replied that the Council carefully monitored all the waste streams which was why the increase had first been identified. He further stated that efforts to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and the minimisation of residual waste with the public would continue and that the proposals in the report ‘Waste Strategy – Improving Performance’ to be considered later in the meeting (see Minute 13 below) sought to address the increase in residual waste.

The Executive Councillor (Sustainable Future) further replied that previous performance in Stockport had been particular impressive and so the current increase in residual waste was concerning and the reasons were being investigated.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items that contain information “not for publication” by virtue of the appropriate category set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

·         Agenda item 8 (Town Centre Regeneration - Bridgefield Project (Acquisition of properties on Princes Street, Stockport, improvement of Merseyway Car Park and Bridgefield Redevelopment)) which contains information “not for publication” by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’

·         Agenda item 9 (Covent Garden) which contains information “not for publication” by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’

No representations to the notice have been received.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), (category 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972) the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the appendices to the following items, only in the event that the content of these appendices needing to be discussed:-

·         Agenda item 8, ‘Town Centre Regeneration – Bridgefield Project (acquisition of properties on Princes Street, Stockport, improvement of Merseyway car park and Bridgefield redevelopment’ (see Minute 9 below)

·         Agenda item 9, ‘Covent Garden’ (see Minute 10 below)

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

The report details a proposal for the future accommodation plans for the Coroner’s Service, against a background of increasing workload for the Service in response to recent legislative changes. The report sets out the capital funding requirements and proposals to facilitate the Service remaining at Mount Tabor on a permanent basis.

The Executive Meeting is recommended to agree to Mount Tabor being refurbished to enable the long term location of the Coroner Service.

Officer contact: Murray Carr; 0161 474 3649, murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a proposal for accommodation for the Coroner’s Service, including the associated capital funding to facilitate the required improvements to Mount Tabor.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the refurbishment of Mount Tabor, including the capital funding required, to enable the long-term location of the Coroner’s Service.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

The report details a proposal for the relocation of Pure Innovations from their temporary accommodation base on Bird Hall Lane to Vernon Park Museum. The report sets out the capital funding requirements and other measures necessary to facilitate the relocation. Planning permission would also be required for any significant modifications to the building.

The Executive is recommended to approve the allocation of funding to enable the capital works to be undertaken at Vernon Park Museum to accommodate Pure Innovations within the building.

Officer contact: Murray Carr, 0161 474 3649, murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a proposal for accommodation for Pure Innovation Services, including the associated capital funding to facilitate the required improvements to Vernon Park Museum, following the need to relocate Pure Innovations from the Millbrook Centre.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the allocation of capital funding to enable the relocation of Pure Innovation Services to Vernon Park Museum.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Governance & Corporate Services)

(Note: this report includes information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within its appendices that has been circulated to executive councillors only)

The Council is committed to the regeneration of Stockport town centre. The downturn in the economy since 2008 has made this a challenging task. Two projects central to town centre regeneration are car parking provision, and the redevelopment of the Bridgefield area. This report details actions taken so far and proposed next steps in respect of the Bridgefield regeneration scheme and the improvement of the Merseyway car park.

The Executive is recommended to:

Ÿ  agree to acquire the freehold of properties fronting Prince’s Street belonging to UK Asset Recovery as follows:

38-40 Prince’s Street

76-80 Prince’s Street

87-91 Prince’s Street (and 1 Arden Walk)

97-99 Prince’s Street

103-105 Prince’s Street

111 Prince’s Street

113 Prince’s Street;    

Ÿ  authorise the improvements to the Merseyway car park and the necessary additional prudential borrowing as indicated within confidential appendix 2

Ÿ  authorise the Service Director (Place Development) and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Governance & Corporate Services) to settle the final terms of the agreement with UK Asset Recovery, subject to a positive outcome to the final valuation and any outstanding due diligence. 

Ÿ  seek expressions of interest for the disposal of the Bridgefield site on the basis of redevelopment;

Ÿ  agree the budget allocation for further work required on the Bridgefield scheme to negotiate with occupiers and tenants and to bring the scheme forward to the construction phase;

Ÿ  in connection with the Bridgefield scheme, authorise the Service Director (Place Development) and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services  in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) and Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services):

-          To negotiate terms with potential and existing tenants and occupiers

-          To negotiate terms with potential funders

-          To bring a further report to the Executive reporting on the outcomes of market testing and for approval for any further property acquisitions or compulsory purchase orders in respect of any property interests needed for the scheme as a result.

Office contact: Barry Khan/  Paul Lawrence, 0161 474 3202/ 218 1940, barry.khan@stockport.gov.uk / paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Governance & Corporate Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider progress with the redevelopment of the Bridgefield area of the Town Centre, proposed next steps for this scheme and for improvements to the Merseyway Car Park.

In response to the recommendation of the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee on 18 October 2012, the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) stated that accepting the proposal would not accord with the decision-making process as set out in the Constitution, but that the Executive remained committed to ensuring the involvement of all political groups in appropriate consultation prior to any decisions being taken on strategic projects in the Town Centre.

(NOTE: the report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within its appendices that had been circulated to executive councillors only).

RESOLVED – That

(i)            approval be given to acquire the freehold of the following properties fronting Prince’s Street belonging to UK Asset Recovery:

·      38-40 Prince’s Street;

·      76-80 Prince’s Street;

·      87-91 Prince’s Street (and 1 Arden Walk);

·      97-99 Prince’s Street;

·      103-105 Prince’s Street;

·      111 Prince’s Street; and

·      113 Prince’s Street;

(ii)          the Service Director (Place Development) and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Governance & Corporate Services) be authorised to settle the final terms of the agreement with UK Asset Recovery, subject to a positive outcome to the final valuation and any outstanding due diligence.

(iii)         authorisation be given to the improvements to the Merseyway car park and the necessary additional prudential borrowing as indicated in confidential appendix 2;

(iv)         agreement be given to seek expressions of interest for the disposal of the Bridgefield site on the basis of redevelopment;

(v)          the budget allocation for further work required on the Bridgefield scheme to negotiate with occupiers and tenants and to bring the scheme forward to the construction phase as detailed in the report be agreed;

(vi)         in connection with the Bridgefield scheme,  the Service Director (Place Development) and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Governance & Corporate Services) be authorised to:

·         negotiate terms with potential and existing tenants and occupiers;

·         negotiate terms with potential funders;

·         promote a compulsory purchase order in respect of any property interests needed for the scheme that cannot be acquired by private treaty;

·         take such further action as is necessary to bring the scheme forward to the construction phase; and

·         submit a further report to the Executive upon conclusion of those negotiations.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Governance & Corporate Services)

On 19 June 2012 the Executive approved the purchase of properties within Covent Garden which were on key sites within the area for development and to enable the Council to have greater control over the site. This report seeks approval to purchase further properties on the open market as part of the scheme development strategy and to seek to negotiate and acquire the remaining properties required to implement the vision for the area within agreed financial parameters.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         note the contents of this report

·         approve the purchase of 47 Covent Garden

·         request the Service Director (Place Development) to seek to negotiate for the remaining units within the Covent Garden flats and 78 Lower Hillgate in accordance with the details outlined in Confidential Appendix 2.

Office contact: Barry Khan/  Paul Lawrence, 0161 474 3202/ 218 1940, barry.khan@stockport.gov.uk / paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Governance & Corporate Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a proposal to purchase further properties on the open market as part of the scheme development strategy for the Covent Garden area scheme and to seek to negotiate and acquire the remaining properties required to implement the vision for the area within the agreed financial parameters.

(NOTE: the report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within its appendices that had been circulated to executive councillors only).

RESOLVED – That, in order to further the redevelopment of the Covent Garden area:-

·         approval be given to the purchase of 47 Covent Garden;

·         the Service Director (Place Development) be authorised to seek to negotiate for the remaining units within the Covent Garden flats and 78 Lower Hillgate in accordance with the detail outlined in Confidential Appendix 2.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement)

The Schools Funding Reforms to be implemented from April 2013 as governed by the Department for Education (DfE) and Schools Finance Regulations 2013 are a fundamental overhaul of the schools funding system and require all local authorities to determine the delegated budget resources allocated to individual schools on a new simplified funding formula basis.

This report update the Executive on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on school funding reforms and the details the recommendations made by the Schools Forum on the proposed local formula to be used to determine individual budgets for Stockport schools effective 2013/14.

The Executive is asked to:

·         approve the proposed amendments to the Early Years Single Funding Formula as set out in Section 5.7vi of the report; and

·         approve the Schools Forum recommendation as set out in Section 5.5.5 / 5.7 of the report in relation to the new mainstream school formula.

Officer contact: Steve Houston/ Simon Finch, 0161 474 4000/ 4019, steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk / simon.finch@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a proposal for a local School Funding Formula to be introduced for 2013/14 in line with the requirements of the Department for Education. The proposal had been subject to consultation with schools in Stockport and the Schools Forum had made a recommendation to the Executive following consideration of these responses.

RESOLVED – That the proposed local Schools Funding Formula be agreed, in accordance with the recommendation of the Schools Forum, including the proposed amendments to the Early Years Single Funding Formula as set out in (vi) below:-

(i)        That the overall quantum level of funding is protected by sector for 2013/14 only and the position is considered again when Department for Education confirm the 2014/15 funding arrangements.

(ii)       Capping should be applied to schools that gain funding through the introduction of a new local formula, in order to ensure affordability, and started at a rate of 1% per pupil, but flexed to the affordable level.

(iii)      The basic entitlement for secondary schools and specifically the rates for KS3 and KS4 should maintain the 2012/13 age weighted pupil weighting, i.e. 1:1.23 as this accurately reflects the cost differences on providing the education offer.

(iv)      Retained Schools Budget funding to be delegated to schools from April 2013 shall be distributed on a per pupil basis through the basic entitlement factor.

(v)       The proxy to distribute low cost high incidence Special Educational Need funding for the primary sector shall be 73 points on the early year’s foundation stage profile.

(vi)      The Early Years Single Funding Formula

-           base rates will be streamlined into a maximum of two per sector;

-           supplement for quality be removed

-           administrative arrangements simplified in relation to calculation of the indicative budget and tailored to each sectors requirements; and

-           the termly payments applied shall be of equal value

(vii)    The local formula should be constructed based on the following parameters:

(Nb: The above figures are based on the 2012/13 quantum funding levels and will be subject to change when the final Dedicated School Grant allocation for 2013/14 is confirmed based on the October 2012 pupil count.

All the above figures do not include any additional delegation items as new delegated funds are excluded from the Minimum Funding Guarantee calculation and as such the final basic entitlement figure will be increased.)

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement)

The report details work undertaken so far to respond to the surge in demand for primary school places experienced in Stockport. Work is well underway to address the issue and a number of schools for which permanent expansions are proposed must be determined under the School Organisation Regulations. Statutory consultation has therefore been undertaken to seek the views of the parties affected by the proposals. Full details are contained in the report and appendices.

The Executive is requested to:

1.      Consider the outcomes of the consultation exercise.

2.      Approve the publication of statutory notices for the proposed expansion of the following schools:

From September 2013

·         Bradshaw Hall Primary School to 2 forms of entry

·         Broadstone Hall Primary School to 2.5 forms of entry

·         Cheadle Heath Primary School to 2 forms of entry

·         Hazel Grove Primary School to 2 forms of entry

·         Norris Bank Primary School to 2 forms of entry

From September 2014

·         St Paul’s CE Primary School to 2 forms of entry

3.      Approve delegation of the final decisions to the Corporate Director, Services to People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) subject to there being no significant objections during the representation period following publication of the statutory proposals.

Officer contact: Stephen Bell, 0161 474 3846, Stephen.bell@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider proposals for the expansion of a number of primary schools in Stockport in order to meet the continuing demand for places in the borough. The report detailed responses received to consultation exercises undertaken at the schools being proposed for expansion.

RESOLVED – That

(i)        the responses to the consultation exercise on primary school expansion be noted and approval be given to the publication of the statutory notices for the proposed expansion of the following primary schools:-

From September 2013

·                Bradshaw Hall Primary School to 2 forms of entry

·                Broadstone Hall Primary School to 2.5 forms of entry

·                Cheadle Heath Primary School to 2 forms of entry

·                Hazel Grove Primary School to 2 forms of entry

·                Norris Bank Primary School to 2 forms of entry

From September 2014

·         St Paul’s CofE Primary School to 2 forms of entry

(ii)       the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) be authorised to make the final decisions on expansion, subject to there being no significant objections received during the representation period following publication of the statutory notices.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Public Realm)

This report provides the Executive with an understanding of what further improvements the Council can make to its waste strategy to ensure that we maintain and improve our performance and financial advantage.

The Executive is asked to:

·         approve strengthening and reinforcing the ‘Right Thing, Right Bin’ communication programme that supports the promotion of changing resident’s recycling behaviour;

·         approve replacing the white sack with a weighted sack for the storage / collection of pulpables;

·         determine the methodology for recovering unauthorised black bins;

·         approve the methodology for reducing excess waste at properties that are not suitable for wheeled containers;

·         approve the introduction of dry recycling services to rural properties;

·         approve the amendment to section 16 of the Recycling & Refuse Collections policy as set out at paragraph 5.5, and

·         determine the new level of fines for Section 46, as set out at paragraph 6.5.

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

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Public Realm) and (Sustainable Future) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider proposed amendments to the Waste Strategy to ensure that the Council can maintain its performance in relation to increasing recycling and reducing residual waste.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to

·         strengthening and reinforcing the ‘Right Thing, Right Bin’ communication programme to supports the promotion of changing resident’s recycling behaviour;

·         the replacement of the white sack with a weighted sack for the storage / collection of pulpables;

·         the methodology set out in Option B (Give option to authorise containers) for recovering unauthorised black bins;

·         the methodology as detailed in the report for reducing excess waste at properties that were not suitable for wheeled containers;

·         the introduction of dry recycling services to rural properties;

·         the amendment to section 16 of the Recycling & Refuse Collections policy in relation to missed collections as set out at paragraph 5.5 of the report;

·         the new level of fines for Section 46 offences, as set out at paragraph 6.5 of the report.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities)

The purpose of Youth Justice Plan is to provide an update on the work of Youth Offending Services as monitored through the Youth Offending Services Partnership Board, which in turn reports to the Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP) and the Children’s Trust Board.

The Executive is requested to endorse and recommend the Youth Justice Plan for adoption by the Council Meeting.

Officer contact: Barry O’Hagan, 0161 476 2876, barry.ohagan@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an update on the work of the Youth Offending Services and the revised Youth Justice Plan.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the updated Youth Justice Plan.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

This report provides a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priorities and budgets during the first half of 2012/13, and includes financial and performance forecasts for the full year. It is supported by ten Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs).

The revenue budget is forecasting a surplus of £3.709m, with five portfolios contributing to a cash limits surplus of £1.2m while reduced capital financing costs and a formula grant refund are contributing to a non-cash limit surplus of some £2.5m.

Three quarters of priority measures are forecast to improve or maintain performance this year, with 71% forecast to meet or exceed targets. Benchmarking information shows that Stockport continues to perform well compared to its peers, although maintaining high levels of performance will be a continuing challenge, and a performance on a number of measures is forecast to fall this year.

Portfolio Reports will be considered by the next cycle of Scrutiny Committees, and are published alongside the Corporate Report in order to provide supporting information. These can be found at http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=11490

The Executive is asked to:

·         review progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget forecasts contained within the report;

·         approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2 of the report;

·         note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2012/13 as set out in sections 2.3, 2.5 and 2.6 of the report;

·         note the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report;

·         note and approve the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report including the recommendations set out at paragraph 2.9.3 in relation to the Insurance Reserve, 2.9.5 in relation to the Bridgefield Project and at paragraph 2.9.7 in relation to the Solutions SK Limited Trading Reserve;

·         note the forecast outturn for the 2012/13 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report

·         approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in paragraph 3.1.5 of the report;

·         approve the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4 of the report;

·         identify key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast issues or risks.

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

A joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the mid-year position in delivering the Council’s priorities, revenue budget and capital programme for 2012/13 and highlighting progress on implementing key strategic projects and managing corporate risks.

The forecast at midyear was a surplus of £3.709m on the revenue budget. Performance against priority measures was forecast to improve or maintain performance over the year. Benchmarking information indicated Stockport was performing well in comparison to its peers.

RESOLVED – That

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2 of the report be approved;

·         the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2012/13 as set out in sections 2.3, 2.5 and 2.6 of the report be noted;

·         the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report be noted;

·         the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report including the recommendations set out at paragraph 2.9.3 in relation to the Insurance Reserve, 2.9.5 in relation to the Bridgefield Project and at paragraph 2.9.7 in relation to the Solutions SK Limited Trading Reserve be noted and approved;

·         the forecast outturn for the 2012/13 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted;

·         the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in paragraph 3.1.5 of the report be approved; and

·         the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4 of the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Support Services)

This report provides an overview of complaints received in the 2nd quarter of 2012/13. The report covers the following complaints procedures:

·         Corporate Complaints.

·         Adult Social Care Complaints.

·         Children’s Social Care Complaints.

·         Stockport Homes’ complaints

·         Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) complaints.

The report also outlines lessons learnt as a result of complaints.

The Executive is asked to:

·         review performance information contained in this report, and

·         comment on the performance measures reported and suggest any additional information that might be collected in future.

Anwar Majothi, 0161 474 3182, anwar.majothi@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an overview of complaints received in the second quarter of the 2012/13, including comparisons with previous quarters and the lessons learnt from these complaints.

RESOLVED – That performance in relation to complaints received in the second quarter of 2012/13 be noted.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

This report provides the Executive with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2012/13 approved by Council on 23 February 2012 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

The report provides an economic update for the first six months of 2012/13 and details how this impacts upon the interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.  An overview is provided of more recent forecasts and developments in the financial markets and how these are affecting the Councils investment portfolio and borrowing strategies for the current financial year.   A review is provided of the Council’s capital expenditure prudential indicators and compliance with Treasury and Prudential Limits for 2012/13.

There are no key changes required to the treasury management and capital strategies for 2012/13, which continue to be relevant and effective.

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting receive this report in line with best practice guidelines and note the treasury activity for the first half of the financial year.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the mid-year performance of the Treasury Management function for the first quarter of 2012/13

RESOLVED – That mid-year performance of the Treasury Management function in 2012/13 be noted and the Council Meeting be recommended to receive the report in line with best practice guidelines.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services)

This report summarises the recommendations of the Constitution Working Party and the comments of the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee in relation to changes required to the Constitution in relation to (a) review of the pre-election Period (also known as political Purdah, and (b) Obstructions Policy for the Highway – Appeals Process.

The Executive is invited to recommend that the Council Meeting adopt the amendments to the Constitution as detailed in the report and appendices.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth, 0161 474 3204, craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution relating to the pre-election period and the appeals process for decisions arising from the Obstructions on the Highway Policy.

RESOLVE – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the amendments to the Constitution in relation to the pre-election period and the appeals process for decisions arising from the Obstructions on the Highway Policy as detailed in the report and appendices.