Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 February 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

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)

No public questions were submitted.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of some or all of the following agenda items:

all of which contain information “not for publication” by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local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.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority) as defined in Category 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local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would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendices of the following items should the content of these appendices need to be discussed:-

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

In August 2009 the ten Greater Manchester Authorities agreed to produce a joint Development Plan Document (DPD) covering minerals (the Minerals Plan). Since then the document has undergone a series of consultations in order to identify sites for extraction along with depots for transport and storage, areas for the safeguarding of minerals, and to develop a suite of minerals planning policies.

The Minerals Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State in November 2011. The examination into the soundness of the Submitted Minerals Plan commenced at the Pre-Hearing Meeting on 6th December 2011, with hearing sessions over two days during February 2012 and an additional morning on 21st November 2012.

The Inspector’s Report confirms the soundness of the Submission Plan and the Plan can now be adopted by each of the ten Greater Manchester Local Planning Authorities.

The Executive is invited to recommend that the Council Meeting approve the Adoption of Joint Minerals Development Plan Document and subsequent changes to Stockport’s Local Development Framework (LDF) Proposals Map.

Officer contact: Richard Wood, 0161 474 4386, Richard.wood@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the outcome of the examination by the Planning Inspector of the soundness of the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Development Plan Document. The Inspector found that the Plan was sound and could now be adopted by each authority.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to appreove the adoption of the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Development Plan Document and subsequent changes to Stockport’s Local Development Framework Proposals Map.

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

(Note: this report contains information ‘not for publication’ in its appendices and these have been circulated to executive councillors only)

This report provides an update on progress in the delivery of the Brinnington Regeneration Plan and reports on the outcome of a recent tendering process to identify a developer partner to take forward new housing development in Brinnington. The report also outlines the proposed community consultation which forms part of these regeneration proposals.

The Executive is recommended to:

•      note the progress on the delivery of the Brinnington Regeneration plan

•      approve the appointment of Countryside Properties as preferred developer, and to request that work is now undertaken to enter into a development agreement with Countryside Properties to deliver the new housing proposals

•      note the proposals for relocating Castle Hill School, Brinnington to existing and enhanced facilities at the former Offerton School site and to agree to receive a further report detailing the outcome of the public consultation at a future meeting.

•      approve the strategy and associated funding structure for developing a new leisure facility at Brinnington Park, and closing the existing facilities at the Lapwing Centre

•      note the proposed consultation that will be undertaken on the proposal to re-locate Castle Hill School; on the proposal to develop a new sports facility in Brinnington; and on the proposals to develop new housing in Brinnington, as outlined in this report.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@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 an update on proposals for the delivery of the Brinnington Regeneration Plan, including the outcome of the tendering process for a delivery partner for the provision of new housing developments in Brinnington.

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

RESOLVED - That

·         progress on the delivery of the Brinnington Regeneration Plan be noted;

·         the appointment of Countryside Properties as preferred developer be approved, and work now be undertaken to enter into a development agreement with Countryside Properties to deliver the new housing proposals;

·         the proposals for relocating Castle Hill School, Brinnington to existing and enhanced facilities at the former Offerton School site be noted and that a further report detailing the outcome of the public consultation be submitted to a future meeting;

·         the strategy and associated funding structure for developing a new leisure facility at Brinnington Park, and closing the existing facilities at the Lapwing Centre be approved;

·         the proposed consultation that will be undertaken on the proposal to re-locate Castle Hill School; on the proposal to develop a new sports facility in Brinnington; and on the proposals to develop new housing in Brinnington, as outlined in this report be noted.

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

(Note: this report contains information ‘not for publication’ in its appendices and these have been circulated to executive councillors only)

This report sets out the current financial position to enable the delivery of the Covent Garden scheme and includes the current known estimated value of the investment which will take place, the funding which the scheme has already attracted and the funding needed to enable the final delivery of the project. The report includes a request for corporate resources from the Council as part of the wider funding package – this is set in the context of future revenue funding resources that the Council could receive from New Homes Bonus and increased Council Tax receipts as a result of the development.

The report outlines the delivery strategy for the total scheme and seeks approval to negotiate the acquisition and CPO of properties and land within the Covent Garden Village Master Plan area. This includes properties and land required to facilitate the implementation of the second phase of the development and the associated infrastructure and access road construction.

The report also outlines the strategy for the identification of a preferred developer partner to bring forward future phases of the master plan.

The Executive is recommended to:

•      Note the progress on the delivery of Covent Garden;

•      Approve the use of Council resources as set out in the Financial Strategy;

•      Approve the implementation of a compulsory purchase process to secure the necessary land ownerships to implement the Masterplan;

•      Request that work commences to identify a preferred developer, utilising the DPP process to deliver phases 3 and 4 of the Master Plan.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@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 an update on the delivery of the Covent Garden regeneration objectives, including the current financial position and a delivery strategy for the total scheme. The report detailed measures needed to progress the scheme, including the allocation of funding and the acquisition and compulsory purchases of properties within the Covent Garden Village Master Plan area.

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

RESOLVED – That

·         progress with the delivery of the Covent Garden Master Plan be noted;

·         the use of Council resources as set out in the Financial Strategy be approved;

·         the implementation of a compulsory purchases process to secure the necessary land ownerships to implement the Master Plan be approved;

·         the Service Director (Place Development) be requested to commence work to identify a preferred developer for the scheme, utilising the DPP process to deliver phases 3 and 4 of the Master Plan.

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

This report provides information on the initial outcomes of the first phase of the consultation on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road which took place between October 2012 and January 2013. The results of the consultation are being used to inform the development of an emerging preferred option for the scheme which will be subject to further consultation. The report also describes the process for finalising the option for the scheme which will be used as the basis for the second phase of consultation later this year.

The Executive Members are recommended to:

•      Note the high level of support for the scheme and request that officers continue to progress the development of the scheme to a preferred scheme for the second phase of consultation;

•      Approve the process for reviewing the comments received as part of the consultation process;

•      Agree to use the publics preferred options at junction locations 1, 2, 3, 5, 6;

•      Support that further work is undertaken to define the preferred option at junction location 4;

•      Agree to delegate the approval of the preferred scheme for the second phase of consultation including the option at location 4 to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration);

•      Request officers continue to work with key stakeholders to address their concerns where practicable; and

•      Agree that the approval the synopsis of comments and their detailed responses is delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) and that the finalised version is published on the website.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 3451, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the outcomes of the first phase of consultation on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Scheme which took place between October 2012 and January 2013. There had been approximately 9000 responses to the consultation, representing a response rate of approximately 10%. The report also identified the emerging preferred options for the scheme which would be the subject of a further phase of consultation and a subsequent planning application.

Executive councillors welcomed the response rate for this type of consultation and noted the range of mechanisms that members of the public had used to submit their views.

RESOLVED – That

·         the high level of support for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme be noted and that officers be requested to continue to progress the development of the scheme to a preferred scheme for the second phase of consultation;

·         the process for reviewing the comments received as part of the consultation process as detailed in the report be approved;

·         the use the public’s preferred options at junction locations 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 be approved;

·         further work be undertaken to define the preferred option at junction location 4;

·         approval of the preferred scheme for the second phase of consultation including the option at location 4 be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration);

·         officers be requested to continue to work with key stakeholders to address their concerns where practicable; and

·         approval of the synopsis of comments and their detailed responses be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) and that the finalised version be published on the website.

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

This report provides an update on the various work streams required to support the development of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme. These work streams are the development of a lead management approach using: section 8 powers of the Highways Act 1980, the development of a procurement strategy, the development of an approach to requests for compensation in advance of the scheme and the potential for early purchase of land required for the scheme.

The Executive is requested to

·         approve the Draft Section 8 Agreement in Appendix 1 and that the authority to enter into the Section 8 Agreement be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) to finalise the terms with Cheshire East Council and Manchester City Council;

·         approve the Procurement Strategy – appendix 2 and the approval process for appointing a contractor which includes delegating approval of the short list of potential contractors to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) following the PQQ process and requesting Executive approval of the proposed contractor following the ITT process;

·         approve the proposed Land Acquisition Strategy and compensation approach; and

·         agree to delegate to the Project Director of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer the ability to approve the purchase of plots of land required for the scheme subject to the cost being accommodated within the overall budget allocation for land acquisition.

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

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a report on the various work streams required to support the development of the A6 to Manchester Relief Road Scheme, including the various powers to be used and steps in the process for the completion of the scheme.

RESOLVED – That

·         the A6 to Manchester Relief Road Scheme Draft Section 8 Agreement at Appendix 1 be approved and that the authority to enter into the Section 8 Agreement be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) to finalise the terms with Cheshire East Council and Manchester City Council;

·         the A6 to Manchester Relief Road Scheme Procurement Strategy at Appendix 2 be approved and that the process for appointing a contractor be approved, including delegating approval of the short list of potential contractors to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) following the PQQ process and requesting Executive approval of the proposed contractor following the ITT process;

·         the proposed Land Acquisition Strategy and compensation approach set out in the report be approved; and

·         authority be delegated to the Project Director of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer the ability to approve the purchase of plots of land required for the scheme subject to the cost being accommodated within the overall budget allocation for land acquisition.

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

(Note: this report contains information ‘not for publication’ in its appendices and these have been circulated to executive councillors only)

The report outlines a proposed strategy for encouraging the development of creative industries and specialist retail in Stockport, focussed primarily on the Market Place, explaining the anticipated outcomes of the strategy and the importance of the acquisition of property in order to meet its objectives.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Endorse the strategy to encourage the development of creative industries and specialist retail in Stockport Market Place.

·         Support the utilisation of Adult Social Care Capital Resources in conjunction with grant funding to authorise the acquisition of a property on the Market Place in order to maximise the opportunity of this strategy.

·         Support the use of Adult Social Care Capital Resources as match funding for a bid to the Heritage Enterprise Programme, and any other relevant funding sources, for funding to deliver the strategy.

·         Authorise the Service Director (Place Development) and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) and Executive Councillor (Governance and Corporate Services) to offer the listed potential occupiers of property in the Market Place the opportunity to lease the ground floor units at less than market value.

·         Authorise the Service Director (Adult Social Care) to allocate Capital Resources to support the strategy.

·         Approve reallocation of unallocated PIF capital funding to carry out priority works to 18-19 and 25 Market Place (Merchants House).

Officer contact: Nicola Turner/Henrietta Achampong, 0161 218 1635/474 4406, nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk / Henrietta.achampong@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 proposed strategy for encouraging the development of creative industries and specialist retail in Stockport, focussed primarily on the Market Place. The report also set out the anticipated outcomes and identified property acquisitions necessary to meet the strategic objectives.

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

RESOLVED – That

·                   the strategy to encourage the development of creative industries and specialist retail in Stockport Market Place be endorsed;

·                   the utilisation of Adult Social Care Capital Resources in conjunction with grant funding to authorise the acquisition of a property on the Market Place in order to maximise the opportunity of this strategy be supported;

·                   the use of Adult Social Care Capital Resources as match funding for a bid to the Heritage Enterprise Programme, and any other relevant funding sources, for funding to deliver the strategy be supported;

·                   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 offer the listed potential occupiers of property in the Market Place the opportunity to lease the ground floor units at less than market value;

·                   the Service Director (Adult Social Care) be authorised to allocate Capital Resources to support the strategy;

·                   the allocation of unallocated PIF capital funding to carry out priority works to 18-19 and 25 Market Place (Merchants House) be approved.

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

(Note: this report will contain information ‘not for publication’ in its appendix and will be circulated to executive councillors only)

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@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 proposed revisions to the Development Agreement between the Council and THi Riverside Limited (with GB Buildings Solutions as the guarantor) to facilitate the delivery of a revised development at the site of the former Dialstone Centre and Blackstone Fields which would meet Council and community objectives in these locations.

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

RESOLVED – That

·         progress to date and the detailed work involved in bringing forward revised proposals for the former Dialstone Centre and Blackstone Fields redevelopment be noted;

·         approval be given to the principles outlined within the proposals submitted by THi Riverside/ GB Buildings Solutions and the Service Director (Place Development) and Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be authorised to produce and enter into a revised Development Agreement for the former Dialstone Centre and Blackstone Fields sites;

·         provision be included in the Council’s Capital Programme to meet the additional net costs associated with delivery of the revised proposals, currently estimated at £0.750m.

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

(Note: this report contains information ‘not for publication’ in its appendix and has been circulated to executive councillors only)

Following the marketing of the site of the former Fir Tree Primary School (now

demolished), authority is sought to proceed with the disposal of land for proposed residential development. Residential redevelopment has been stated as the preferred use within the Council’s planning brief relating to this site. The disposal of the site will be subject to the grant of the required planning permission.

The Executive is recommended to approve to proceed with the disposal of the site to Stockport Homes working in partnership with Seddon Developments for residential development as outlined in the report and set out in the Confidential Appendix.

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

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree to dispose of the site of the former Fir Tree Primary School, Reddish for residential development (subject to planning permission). The proposed development of the site would meet the Council’s planning brief as well as the wider strategic objectives of the Council in terms of housing provision.

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

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to proceed to dispose of the site of the former Fir Tree Primary School, Reddish to Stockport Homes working in partnership with Seddon Developments for residential development as outlined in the report.

(2) That in view of the Council’s commitment to delivering increased housing provision in Stockport across a range of tenures and with a number of partners, the Service Director (Place Development) be requested to prepare, in conjunction with Adults & Communities Scrutiny Committee and relevant partners, a Housing Delivery Plan, to be fully integrated with the Council’s Housing Strategy; existing planning policy and emerging Allocations Plan; setting out where new housing building can be accelerated; likely resource implications; and the role of the Council in facilitating this, to be submitted to the Executive for approval. 

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

The report seeks approval for the implementation of improvement works to Bruntwood Park operational depot and the necessary funding required to complete the project.

The Executive is asked to approve the works to be undertaken at Bruntwood Park Depot, and that the remaining capital receipt is released to fund relevant works and that additional funding requirement from Public Realm and Property Reserves be utilised for the purpose of Bruntwood Park Depot.

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 approve improvement works to Bruntwood Park Operational Depot and the allocation of the necessary funding required to complete the project. The proposal followed on from the decisions made by the Executive in relation to the disposal of the former Torkington Park Depot and the proposal to make Bruntwood Park Depot an operational hub for Public Realm/ Solutions SK activity in the West of the borough

RESOLVED – That

·         the proposed improvement works at Bruntwood Park depot be approved;

·         in line with the decision of the Executive in January 2012 in relation to the disposal of the former Torkington Depot, the remaining capital receipt from the sale of that facility be released to fund relevant works and that the additional funding requirement from Public Realm and Property Reserves be utilised for the works at Bruntwood Park Depot.

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

This report is a response to the recent Scrutiny review undertaken by the Corporate Resource Management and Governance Committee to consider how best use can be made of the Council’s new Local Information System. The report provides responses to each of the recommendations together with timescales for completion of the various actions.

The Executive is asked to accept the recommendations and planned actions outlined in the report.

Officer contact: Andrea Stewart /  Rob Smallbone, 0161 474 3243/ 218 1844, andrea.j.stewart@stockport.gov.uk / rob.smallbone@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 draft response to recommendations following the Scrutiny Review undertaken by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee entitled ‘Making the Best use of the Council’s new Local Information System’.

RESOLVED – (1) That the response to the ‘Making the Best use of the Council’s new Local Information System’ Scrutiny Review be approved.

(2) That gratitude and appreciation be recorded for the work undertaken by members of the scrutiny review panel and the supporting staff involved in conducting the review.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) and the Leader of Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

This report sets out a proposal to implement a Local Authority Mortgage (Guarantee) Scheme. The proposed Stockport scheme would have the following attributes:

•      The maximum limit for the total indemnity to be offered under the scheme is £3m;

•      The maximum loan size would be £142,500;

•      The scheme would be available to first time buyers only;

•      Properties must be within Stockport and will be defined by individual qualifying postcodes supplied to the lender; and,

•      The scheme would not be available to ‘right to buy’, ‘buy to let’ applicants or new build properties.

The Executive is recommended to:

•      adopt the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme in accordance with the outline provided;

•      set the maximum limit for the total indemnity to be offered under the scheme is £3m;

•      agree that the qualifying post codes will include all post codes within the Local Authority area and that qualifying post codes will be provided to the lender (s) in a schedule to the indemnity deed; and

•      agree that the Local Authority should indemnify the Monitoring Officer in respect of any personal liability he may incur by providing the assurance that the Council has followed the correct process in making a decision to enter into the Scheme and the lender will be provided with a ‘reduced scope opinion letter’ to evidence that assurance.

•      Agree that the maximum loan size be £142,500.

Officer contact: Paul Lawrence, 0161 474 4515, paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) and the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to approve the introduction of a Local Authority Mortgage (Guarantee) Scheme to assist first time buyers purchasing properties within Stockport, subject to specific requirements and exceptions. It was emphasised that the scheme was designed to support those who were seeking sustainable mortgages.

RESOLVED – That

·         the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme be adopted in accordance with the outline provided in the report;

·         that a maximum limit for the total indemnity to be offered under the scheme be set at £3m;

·         that the qualifying postcodes include all those within the Local Authority area and that these will be provided to the lender(s) in a schedule to the indemnity deed;

·         approval be given to the Local Authority indemnifying the Monitoring Officer in respect of any personal liability he may incur by providing the assurance that the Council has followed the correct process in making a decision to enter into the Scheme and the lender will be provided with a ‘reduced scope opinion letter’ to evidence that assurance; and

·         agreement be given to the maximum loan size being £142,500.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillor (Health & Wellbeing) and the Leader of Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

The Council and NHS Stockport have agreed in principle to continue with current integrated commissioning arrangements which are currently governed through a Section 75 Agreement.  The current s75 pooled budget agreement is due to expire at the end of March 2013, as the transition from Primary Care Trust (PCT) to Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) takes effect. This report briefly outlines arrangements agreed by both parties to consolidate this transition with a renewed s75 agreement to March 2014.

The Executive is recommended to:-

•           Approve the arrangements outlined in this report for entering into a new s75 (pooled budget) agreement between the Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group from April 2013 to March 2014.

•           Approve the updated Terms of Reference for the Health and Wellbeing Board which oversees the s75 agreement.

Officer contact: Sarah Newsam, 07891 949204, sarah.newsam@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillor (Health & Wellbeing) and the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to approve a revised agreement under Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006 between the Council and the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group for the pooling of budgets for certain health and social care activities. The previous agreement with the Primary Care Trust (PCT) expired upon the disestablishment of PCTs on 31 March 2013.

RESOLVED – That

·         the arrangements outlined in the report for entering into a new Section 75 (pooled budget) arrangement between the Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group from April 2013 to March 2014 be approved;

·         the updated Terms of Reference for the Health & Wellbeing Integrated Commissioning Board which oversees the agreement be approved;

·         the comprehensive review of the pooled budgets and opportunities for further integrated commissioning (including increasing the range and level of budgets being pooled) taking place during 2013/14 be noted;

·         encouragement be given to moving from aligned budgets to pooled budgets, as far as possible.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) and the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

On 23 November 2009 the Executive agreed the provision of an aggregate loan facility of £15.035m to Stockport Homes over three years for the provision of affordable homes development. This report provides an update on the use of the loan facility to develop affordable homes during the period and seeks the extension of the agreement for a further three years.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         extend the aggregate loan facility of £15.035m to Stockport Homes for a further three years;

·         delegate authority for preparation and agreement of individual loan agreements on a scheme by scheme basis to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform and Finance).

Officer contact: Paul Lawrence, 0161 474 4515, paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) and the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to approve the extension of the agreement between the Council and Stockport Homes for a further three years for the provision of a loan facility to allow Stockport Homes to deliver affordable homes developments. The report also outlined the use of the existing facility, approved by the Executive in November 2009.

RESOLVED – That

·         agreement be given to extend the aggregate loan facility of £15.035m to Stockport Homes for a further three years to enable the delivery of affordable homes developments;

·         that authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) for the preparation and agreement of individual loan agreements on a scheme by scheme basis.

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

The report set out a proposed Tree Management Policy for Stockport that will ensure a standardised approach to management of the Council’s tree stock, excluding trees managed by Stockport Homes, and also those private trees that are subject to protection.

The Executive is recommended to approve the Tree Management policy, as set out in Appendix One.

Officer contact: Megan Black, 0161 218 1410, megan.black@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 approve a Tree Management Policy to ensure a standardised approach to the management of the Council’s tree stock.

RESOLVED – That the Tree Management Policy, as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report, be approved.

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

On 16 March 2011 the Secretary of State published the Armed Forces Covenant, setting out the moral obligation between the Nation, Government and the Armed Forces and the general principles that should govern their relationship. The Community Covenant was launched as a key element of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Community Covenant aims to complement the Armed Forces Covenant at a local level. It is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a local civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community and aims to:

• Encourage local communities and local authorities to support the local Armed Forces Community in their area; promote understanding and awareness of issues affecting veterans and serving personnel; and ensure that the Armed Forces are aware of the support available to them;

• Recognise ways in which the Armed Forces can support the wider community.

Stockport Council is already committed to supporting the Armed Forces. A Council motion in November 2009 confirmed support for the Armed Forces, stating ‘that Stockport Council should, and can, go further in showing our appreciation to the large numbers of local men and women currently serving in our armed forces.’ In addition the Council and many of its public and voluntary sector partners support the national Heroes Welcome Scheme and offer a range of services for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The Covenant does not intend to replace the current work being carried out by the Council and other public service providers, charities and individuals, but rather formalise a commitment and build on existing sources of support.

The attached draft Covenant Agreement has been jointly drafted and approved by Borough’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer and Regional Headquarters.

The Executive is recommended to:-

·         approve the Covenant Agreement recommend that it be submitted to the

Council Meeting for noting / endorsement;

·         agree that governance of the Covenant Agreement be assigned to the Supporting Communities Portfolio; and

·         agree that a communications plan be developed to support the adoption of the Covenant.

Officer contact: Gaynor Alexander, 0161 474 3186, Gaynor.alexander@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to approve an Armed Forces Community Covenant, a local statement of mutual support between the local civilian community and its local Armed Forces community. The Covenant would supplement and formalise the commitment the Council had already made to support veterans and service personnel.

RESOLVED – That

·         the Armed Forces Community Covenant Agreement be approved and that it be submitted to the Council Meeting for endorsement;

·         the governance of the Covenant Agreement be delegated to the Supporting Communities Portfolio;

·         that a communications plan be developed to support the adoption of the Covenant Agreement.

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

This report details the recommendations of the Constitution Working Party, which were endorsed by the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee, in relation to various changes to the Constitution which have been identified following changes to legislation, regulations and statutory guidance, and Council decisions which impact on the Constitution. Some changes are put forward to clarify matters that have

caused confusion; others arise from textual errors and omissions that have been identified. Various miscellaneous typographical corrections have been made and titles changed, and sections renumbered, as appropriate. A schedule has been prepared identifying these changes (Appendix A).

In addition, the opportunity has been taken to revise the Contract Procedure Rules which have not been reviewed since 2005/06. A copy of the proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules are set out in Appendix B.

The Executive is invited to recommend:-

·         That the proposed amendments to the Constitution, including those of the

·         Constitution Working Party be endorsed and recommended to the Council Meeting for adoption.

·         That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any future minor typographical corrections, title changes and renumbering of sections in the Constitution, subject to any such changes being reported on a regular basis to members of the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee and Executive Councillors.

·         That the proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules, including those of the Constitution Working Party, be endorsed and recommended to the Council Meeting for adoption.

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 amendments to the Council’s Constitution, including revisions to the Contract Procedure Rules.

Executive councillors discussed tensions between a desire to favour local firms in tendering processes and the potential savings achieved through joint commissioning with other local authorities or public sector bodies.

RESOLVED – That

·         the proposed amendments to the Constitution as detailed in the schedule attached to the report, and  those recommended by the Constitution Working Party, be endorsed and recommended to the Council Meeting for adoption;

·         the Council Meeting be recommended to authorise the Monitoring Officer to make any future minor typographical corrections, title changes and renumbering of sections of the Constitution, subject to any such changes being reported on a regular basis to members of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee and executive councillors;

·         the proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules, including those recommended by the Constitution Working Party, be endorsed and recommended to the Council Meeting for adoption.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Executive Decisions

Copies of the extracts from the Minutes of the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee held on 21 March 2013 in so far as they related to items under consideration by the Executive had been circulated to executive councillors for information. Consideration was given to the comments/ recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee as part of consideration of the items to which they related.