Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 February 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

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.

Two questions had been submitted by members of the public who were not present at the meeting. It was stated that, in accordance with the Code of Practice, a written response would be provided.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items:

·         Item 20 ‘Stockport Business Incubator’ which contains information “not for publication by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local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.

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

·         Item 18 ‘Housing Benefit Overpayments, Non-Domestic Rates and Sundry Debt Write Off Over £10,000’ which contains information “not for publication” in its appendix by virtue of Category 1 'information relating to an individual' and Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

(Note: it had not been possible to provide 28 days’ notice of the intention to consider exempt information contained in this report. The Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee has given his consent to this requirement to be waived on the grounds that consideration of the report could not reasonably be deferred because the write-offs needed to be agreed before the end of the current financial year in order for them to be properly accounted for in the 2012/13 Accounts)

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication as defined in Category 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), 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 following items:-

·         ‘Housing Benefit Overpayments, Non-Domestic Rates and Sundry Debt Write Off Over £10,000’ which contains information “not for publication” in its appendix by virtue of Category 1 'information relating to an individual' and Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ (see Minute 18 below).

·         ‘Stockport Business Incubator’ 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)’ (see Minute 19 below).

To consider a report of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee

The report is the final report of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee’s review into making access to information about the Council, about services, about local environments and about Stockport as easy as possible to as many people as possible.

The Executive is invited to receive the report and agree that a formal response be submitted to the next Executive Meeting.

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

The Lead Councillor (Councillor Philip Harding) of the Scrutiny Review “Making the Best Use of the Local Information System (LIS)” attended the meeting to present the final report of the Review (copies of which had been circulated).

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to provide a response to the “Making the Best Use of the Local Information System (LIS)” Scrutiny Review for consideration by the Executive Meeting.

(2) That gratitude be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the “Making the Best Use of the Local Information System (LIS)” Scrutiny Review Panel and others involved in the review.

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

This report provides an update on progress in delivering the Council’s priorities and budget at the third quarter of 2012/13, including full-year financial and performance forecasts. It is supported by ten Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports, which are published as background papers and will be considered by the next cycle of Scrutiny Committee meetings.

The revenue budget is forecasting an increased surplus of £5.110m, with five portfolios contributing to a cash-limits surplus of over £2m while reduced capital financing costs are contributing to a non-cash limit surplus of over £3m.

Three quarters of priority measures are forecast to improve or maintain performance this year, with 72% forecast to meet or exceed targets.

More detailed Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports for the third quarter are available as background papers, accessible on the Council’s website at http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=12791

The Executive is asked to;

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

b)      Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2 of the report.

c)      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.

d)      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.

e)      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 2.9.6 in relation to transfers to the MTFS Reserve, the Solutions SK Trading Reserve and General Fund Balances. 

f)       Note the forecast outturn for the 2012/13 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report.

g)      Approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in paragraph 3.1.4

h)      Approve the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4.

i)       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.j.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) providing the Executive Meeting with an update on progress in delivering the Council’s priorities and budget at the third quarter of 2012/13, including full-year financial and performance forecasts

The revenue budget was forecasting an increased surplus of £5.110m, with five portfolios contributing to a cash-limits surplus of over £2m while reduced capital financing costs were contributing to a non-cash limit surplus of over £3m.

Three quarters of priority measures were forecast to improve or maintain performance this year, with 72% forecast to meet or exceed targets.

RESOLVED – That

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

·           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 2.9.6 in relation to transfers to the MTFS Reserve, the Solutions SK Trading Reserve and General Fund Balances 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 3.1.4 be approved; and

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

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

The report provides an overview of complaints received in the 3rd 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:

a)      Review performance information contained in this report, and

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

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

The Executive Councillor (Governance and Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an overview of complaints received in the third quarter of 2013/14, including comparisons with previous quarters and the lessons learnt from these complaints.

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

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

The report details performance and activity of the Council's Treasury Management function for the third quarter of 2012/13, outlining how the economy has changed during the year and how the Treasury Management function has responded to this.

Investment performance has been sustained throughout the third quarter of the financial year and the Council continues to make a respectable investment return despite prevailing low interest rates.

The Executive is invited to receive this report in line with best practice guidelines.

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 performance in the third quarter of 2012/13 in relation to the Treasury Management function.

RESOLVED – That, in line with best practice guidelines the report be received and performance in respect of the Treasury Management function be noted.

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

The Council Meeting approved the Council’s existing Medium Term Financial Strategy on 24 February 2011. The purpose of this report is to review and update the existing strategy in support of the 2013/17 Medium Term Financial Plan and, in particular, the 2013/14 budget setting process.

A review of the existing strategy is timely given the major developments that have occurred within the local government finance arena including the introduction of a new finance regime and retained business rates.

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting adopts the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy.

Officer contact: Andy Moran, 0161 474 4086, Andrew.moran@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 a reviewed and updated Medium Term Financial Strategy in support of the 2013/17 Medium Term Financial Plan and, in particular, the 2013/14 budget setting process. A review of the existing strategy was considered timely given the major developments that have occurred within the local government finance arena including the introduction of a new finance regime and retained business rates.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy.

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

Following the announcement of the 2013/14 final local government finance settlement and 2014/15 revised provisional settlement on 4 February 2013, this report updates the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2013/14 to 2016/17 taking as its starting point the position set out in the previous report considered by the Executive at its meeting on 7 January 2013.

The report will inform the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2013/14, an updated Medium Term Financial Plan through to 2014/15 and a longer term forecast moving into the next Comprehensive Spending Review period up to 2016/17.

At this stage the best estimate of the reductions necessary to bring forecast spending down to match likely resource levels suggests that, in addition to the package of savings approved in December, further budget reductions of around £4.716m are required for 2013/14 and that the cumulative on-going savings requirement to 2014/15 will amount to some £14.598m.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Note the details of the 2013/14 final local government finance settlement and 2014/15 provisional settlement, in particular, the authority’s Start-Up Funding Allocation and Business Rates Baseline figures;

·         Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2013/14 to 2016/17, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council;

·         Approve the indicative budget adjustments as set out at paragraph 6.3;

·         Bring forward proposals to either allocate or earmark previously unknown / uncommitted resources in relation to:

·         NHS funding to support social care and benefit health;

·         Public Health Grant;

·         New Homes Bonus.

·         Note the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2013/14 of £4.716m and £14.598m for 2014/15 and the ‘post CSR’ forecasts to 2016/17.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive Meeting on the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2013/14 to 2016/17 taking as its starting point the position set out in the previous report considered by the Executive at its meeting on 7 January 2013. The report had been revised following the announcement of the 2013/14 final local government finance settlement and 2014/15 revised provisional settlement on 4 February 2013.

The information contained in the report had informed the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2013/14, an updated Medium Term Financial Plan through to 2014/15 and a longer term forecast moving into the next Comprehensive Spending Review period up to 2016/17. At this stage the best estimate of the reductions necessary to bring forecast spending down to match likely resource levels suggests that, in addition to the package of savings approved in December 2012, further budget reductions of approximately £4.716m were required for 2013/14 and that the cumulative on-going savings requirement to 2014/15 would amount to approximately £14.598m.

RESOLVED – That

·           the details of the 2013/14 final local government finance settlement and 2014/15 provisional settlement, in particular, the authority’s Start-Up Funding Allocation and Business Rates Baseline figures be noted;

·           the financial forecasts for 2013/14 to 2016/17, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council be noted;

·           the indicative budget adjustments as set out at paragraph 6.3 be approved;

·           proposals to either allocate or earmark previously unknown / uncommitted resources be brought forward in relation to:

·         NHS funding to support social care and benefit health;

·         Public Health Grant;

·         New Homes Bonus; and

·           the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2013/14 of £4.716m and £14.598m for 2014/15 and the ‘post CSR’ forecasts to 2016/17 be noted.

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

The proposals set out in this report take as their starting point the updated forecasts and indicative spending plans contained in the report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services (‘Medium Term Financial Plan – Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2013/14 to 2016/17) which is included elsewhere on the agenda. The proposals represent the second phase of the programme to address the need to make significant budget reductions over the next two years and beyond, building on the measures agreed by the Executive in December.

The Corporate Director’s report includes financial forecasts for the next four years, including sensitivity analyses, and identifies remaining savings requirements based on a number of factors and assumptions. The forecasts suggest that reductions of around of around £4.716m are required for 2013/14 and that the cumulative on-going savings requirement to 2014/15 will amount to some £14.598m

In response to the forecasts contained in that report the Executive (in conjunction with the Wider Leadership Team) has developed revised spending plans and has drawn up further savings proposals for the next two years which total £11.984m. At this stage it is anticipated that £4.473m worth of these savings will be delivered during 2013/14, following a period of consultation. Together with the utilisation of New Homes Bonus resources the successful implementation of the proposed measures would enable a balanced budget to be set for 2013/14 and would reduce the estimated savings requirement for 2014/15 to around £2.6m.

In respect of the additional savings proposals set out in section five of the report and summarised at Appendix Three, the Executive is recommended to:

·         agree the savings proposals for consultation;

·         ask the Chief Executive and Corporate / Service Directors, in consultation with the relevant executive councillors, to undertake the appropriate consultation exercises and to develop implementation plans, including impact and risk assessments, to facilitate the delivery of the proposals set out in this report;

·         agree that the proposals be re-submitted for the Executive’s approval at its meeting in July, together with the outcomes of the consultation exercises;

·         report to all scrutiny committees in the next cycle outlining the savings proposals relating to the specific scrutiny committee’s remit.

The Executive is also recommended to:

·         approve the proposed treatment of NHS Funding for Social Care, Public Health Grant and New Homes Bonus as set out in paragraphs 4.15 to 4.23;

·         approve amendments to the schedule of Fees and Charges for 2013/14 as set out in Annex One

In respect of the Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Plan, the Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting:

·         agrees the Budget for 2013/14 set out in Appendix Five;

·         Notes and comments upon the financial forecasts for 2014/15 to 2016/17 (Appendix Six), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the continuing financial challenges facing the Council;

·         passes the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 2.5% for Council services as illustrated at Appendix Eleven;

·         approves the 2013/14 to 2015/16 capital programme and the funding arrangements set out at Appendix Nine;

·         approves the prudential indicators set out in Appendix Ten;

·         approves the work being carried out on the development of capital projects to enable the Executive to be able to review revise and extend its capital programme during 2013/14;

·         notes the risk assessment of the budget at Appendix Seven and the report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates included at Appendix Eight.

Officer contact: Steve Houston/ Andy Moran, 0161 474 4000/ 4086 steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk / Andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out proposals that would form the second phase of the programme to address the need to make significant budget reductions over the next two years and beyond, building on the measures agreed by the Executive in December 2012. The proposals took as their starting point the updated forecasts and indicative spending plans contained in the report of the ‘Medium Term Financial Plan – Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2013/14 to 2016/17’. The forecasts suggested reductions of approximately £4.716m were required for 2013/14 and that the cumulative on-going savings requirement to 2014/15 would amount to £14.598m

Further savings proposals had been developed for the next two years totaling £11.984m. It was anticipated that £4.473m worth of these savings would be delivered during 2013/14, following a period of consultation. Together with the utilisation of New Homes Bonus resources the successful implementation of the proposed measures would enable a balanced budget to be set for 2013/14 and would reduce the estimated savings requirement for 2014/15 to around £2.6m.

RESOLVED – (1) That, in respect of the additional savings proposals set out in section five of the report and summarised at Appendix Three

·         the savings proposals be agreed for consultation;

·         the Chief Executive and Corporate / Service Directors, in consultation with the relevant executive councillors, be requested to undertake the appropriate consultation exercises and to develop implementation plans, including impact and risk assessments, to facilitate the delivery of the proposals set out in this report;

·         the proposals be re-submitted for the Executive’s approval at its meeting in July, together with the outcomes of the consultation exercises;

·         all scrutiny committees receive a report in the next cycle outlining the savings proposals relating to the specific scrutiny committee’s remit.

(2) That approval be given to:

·         the proposed treatment of NHS Funding for Social Care, Public Health Grant and New Homes Bonus as set out in paragraphs 4.15 to 4.23;

·         the amendments to the schedule of Fees and Charges for 2013/14 as set out in Annex One

(3) That, in respect of the Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Plan, the Council Meeting be recommended to:

·         agree the Budget for 2013/14 set out in Appendix Five;

·         note and comment upon the financial forecasts for 2014/15 to 2016/17 (Appendix Six), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the continuing financial challenges facing the Council;

·         pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 2.5% for Council services as illustrated at Appendix Eleven;

·         approve the 2013/14 to 2015/16 capital programme and the funding arrangements set out at Appendix Nine;

·         approve the prudential indicators set out in Appendix Ten;

·         approve the work being carried out on the development of capital projects to enable the Executive to be able to review revise and extend its capital programme during 2013/14;

·         note the risk assessment of the budget at Appendix Seven and the report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates included at Appendix Eight.

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

This comprehensive report proposes the 2013/14 Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators which are constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Code.

The first part of the report details the Council’s Capital expenditure plans which are a key driver to the long-term borrowing aspect of treasury management activity and strategy; these are reflected in a number of prudential and treasury indicators. The report goes on to show how capital is charged to revenue in the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy and the fundamentals of the Council’s investment policy and strategies for 2013/14.

The report provides an economic commentary and interest rate forecast, detailing likely scenarios for the economy and financial markets in 2013/14.  The critical objective of the Annual Investment Strategy for 2013/14 is to deliver a clear and explanatory investment strategy to Members, but also provides the treasury function with sufficient options to be able to operate in normal circumstances. This will allow some flexibility to be available should the investment markets become more difficult.

The Executive is invited to recommend to Council the approval of

•           The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2013/14;

•           The Capital Expenditure forecasts and CFR projections;

•           The Treasury Management Strategy 2013/14;

•           The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and limits 2013/14-2015/16;

•           The Annual Investment Strategy 2013/14.

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 2013/14 Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators which had been constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Code.

RESOLVED – That, in respect of the Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:

•           The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2013/14;

•           The Capital Expenditure forecasts and CFR projections;

•           The Treasury Management Strategy 2013/14;

•           The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and limits 2013/14-2015/16;

•           The Annual Investment Strategy 2013/14.

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

The Health and Social Care Act, passed in March 2012, provided a critical step in the transition towards the establishment of a new public health system, founded upon improving health in the local community through joint programmes driven by leadership from local government. The new system, which is due to be fully implemented in April 2013, will see responsibility for public health transfer from the NHS to Stockport Council. As such Stockport Council will take the lead for improving health, co-ordinating local efforts to protect the public’s health and ensuring health services promote population health.

The report details the operational activities that have taken place to secure the successful transition of this responsibility including the TUPE arrangements for NHS Public Health staff and the transfer of Public Health contracts.  

The Executive is recommended to:

•        Agree to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE)  transfers between the PCT and Council and note the results of the various consultation exercises

•        Agree that the acceptance of the Contracts Transfer Scheme, which will take place at the end of March 2013 is delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant Executive Councillors.

•        Agree that any public health contracts that are not covered by the Transfer Scheme and which are of a value in excess of the Council’s contracting and tendering procedures and delegation will be subject to an Urgent Decision. 

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

The Executive Councillor (Health & Wellbeing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the proposals for the transfer of responsibility for public health from the NHS to the Council, in line with the Health & Social Care Act 2012. From 1 April 2013 the Council would take the lead for improving health, co-ordinating local efforts to protect the public’s health and ensuring health services promote population health. The report details the operational activities that have taken place to secure the successful transition of this responsibility including the TUPE arrangements for NHS Public Health staff and the transfer of Public Health.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following in relation to the transfer of responsibility for public health from the NHS to Stockport Council:-

·                the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE)  transfers between the PCT and Council and the results of the various consultation exercises be noted;

·                the acceptance of the Contracts Transfer Scheme, which will take place at the end of March 2013, be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant executive councillors;

·                any public health contracts that are not covered by the Transfer Scheme and which were of a value in excess of the Council’s contracting and tendering procedures and delegation be subject to an Urgent Decision.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration)

This report provides an update on the progress of the first phase of the consultation on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme and the proposed next stages in the development of the scheme.

The Executive is recommended to approve:

·         that a report is prepared on the first phase of the consultation process and a proposed preferred scheme is prepared for consideration by Scrutiny and the Executive in spring 2013 and that work commences on developing the second phase of public consultation for the preferred scheme and 

·         that work continues on developing the draft documents to accompany the proposed planning application for the scheme.

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

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive Meeting on the progress of the first phase of the consultation on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme and the proposed next stages in the development of the scheme.

RESOLVED – That, in respect of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road

·         a report be prepared on the first phase of the consultation process and a proposed preferred scheme be prepared for consideration by relevant scrutiny committees and the Executive in spring 2013 and that work commences on developing the second phase of public consultation for the preferred scheme; and

·         work continue on developing the draft documents to accompany the proposed planning application for the scheme.

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

The Local Government Finance Act 1988 requires the Council to maintain a Discretionary Rate Relief Scheme to award up to 100% Business Rates Relief to certain organisations which operate within set criteria which are detailed in this report.

This report sets out the details of the scheme, the current cost to the Council, and the criteria by which the Council will be guided when deciding whether or not to award Discretionary Rate Relief.  

The Executive is asked to approve

·         The criteria at Appendix 1to be retained and the existing scheme of 20% ‘Top-Up’ continue for CASC organisations.

·         For Not for Profit Organisations - that any organisation which fulfills the criteria at Appendix 2 should receive a 50% Discretionary Rate Relief.

·         For Village Shops - that they become part of any future Local Discount Scheme

·         That consideration be given to, where possible, converting appropriate future  awards made through the Main Grant Scheme into local Business Rates discount either as a stand-alone discount or as a top-up to an existing discount , such as the mandatory discount for charities; and.   

·         That consideration be given to a local discount scheme being developed

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 44 5107, alison.blount@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 agree a Rate Relief Scheme to provide Business Rates Relief to certain organisations. The report sets out the details of the scheme, the current cost to the Council, and the criteria by which the Council will be guided when deciding whether or not to award Discretionary Rate Relief. 

RESOLVED – That, in respect of the Non Domestic Rate Discretionary Relief Scheme,

·         the criteria detailed at Appendix 1 be retained and the existing scheme of 20% ‘Top-Up’ continue for CASC organisations;

·         Not for Profit Organisations (organisations which fulfill the criteria at Appendix 2) receive a 50% Discretionary Rate Relief;

·         Village Shops become part of any future Local Discount Scheme

·         consideration be given to, where possible, converting appropriate future  awards made through the Main Grant Scheme into local Business Rates discount either as a stand-alone discount or as a top-up to an existing discount , such as the mandatory discount for charities; and 

·         consideration be given to a local discount scheme being developed.

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

The Executive is recommended to

(i)            extend all previously agreed nominations and appointments up to 11 June 2013 to ensure the Council has representations on outside bodies;

(ii)          nominate Councillor Patrick McAuley  to the Stockport District Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@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 a replacement appointment to the Stockport District Citizens’ Advice Bureau and to extend all previously agreed nominations and appointments.

RESOLVED – (1) That all previously agreed nomination and appointments to outside bodies for 2012/13 be extended until the Executive Meeting on 11 June 2013 to ensure the Council has representations on these bodies.

(2) That Councillor Patrick McAuley be nominated to replace Councillor Sue Ingham on the Stockport District Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

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

The report provides details of outstanding debts with a value of over £10K which the recovery team considers to be irrecoverable.

The Executive is asked to approve:-

•        The write off of three Housing Benefit overpayments with a total value of £57,901.11

•        The write off of one sundry debt value £10,612.50

•        The write off of six non-domestic rates debts total value £114,295.82

(NOTE: the appendix contains information ‘not for publication’ that has been circulated to executive councillors only)

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

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider writing-off outstanding debts to the Council with a value of over £10K which were considered to be irrecoverable.

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

RESOLVED – That the following debts be written off as irrecoverable:-

·         Housing Benefit overpayment of £14,043.27 as the debtor has absconded and cannot be traced;

·         Housing Benefit overpayment of £18,695.00 as the debtor has absconded and in addition the paperwork necessary for further County Court action is no longer available due to the passage of time;

·         Housing Benefit overpayment of £25,162.84 as the company has been dissolved;

·         outstanding sundry debt of £10,612.50 as the liable organisation no longer exists;

·         Non Domestic Rates debt of £25,134.45 as the debtor has absconded and cannot be traced;

·         Non Domestic Rates debt of £15,988.41 as the debtor has absconded and cannot be traced;

·         Non Domestic Rates of £29,455.24 as the debtor has absconded and cannot be traced;

·         Non Domestic Rates of £33,228.39 as the debtor has absconded and cannot be traced;

·         Non Domestic Rates of £10,489.33 as the debtor has absconded and cannot be traced; and

·         Non Domestic Rates of £12,334.13 as the debtor has absconded and cannot be traced.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration)

This report updates the Executive on proposals for Stockport Business Incubator, including an application for £0.4m of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding to support investment in enhanced business incubator services, with a view to attracting and growing high growth new and existing small businesses.

(Note: the report contains information 'not for publication' and has been circulated to executive councillors only)

The Executive is recommended to approve, subject to securing ERDF funding, the appointment of the organisation identified in the report as the new incubation service provider at Stockport Business Incubator, delivering management and business incubation services to tenants of Stockport Business Incubator.

Officer contact: Sharon Mayo, 0161 474 3733, Sharon.mayo@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider proposals for the future management of the Stockport Business Incubator.

RESOLVED – That approval be given, subject to securing European Regional Development Funding, to the appointment of the organisation identified in the report as the new incubator services provider to deliver management and business incubation services to tenants of the at Stockport Business Incubator.