Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 12 November 2012 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:-

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

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 during consideration of the urgent agenda item ‘Manchester Airport Strategic Review’  which contains information “not for publication by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local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).

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest,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consideration of the urgent item entitled ‘Manchester Airport Group Strategic Review’ that contained information ‘not for publication’ (see Minute 12 below)

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

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 Landscape and Forecasts report considered by the Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012.

The report will inform:

·         The deliberations around priorities and outcomes for the update of the Council Plan;

·         The preparation of medium term business plans covering all of the Council’s services;

·         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.

Since the previous report of 20 August 2012, there have been further developments within the local government finance arena including:

·         The forthcoming Local Government Finance Settlement.

·         The Government’s Business Rates Retention Scheme (Business Rates Localisation); and

·         Localised Council Tax Support.

At this stage the best estimate of the reductions necessary to bring forecast spending down to match likely resource levels suggests that savings of around £15.463m are required for 2013/14 and that the cumulative on-going savings requirement to 2014/15 will amount to some £29.079m.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Note the position for 2012/13 previously reported in the half-year Corporate Performance and Resources Report;

·         Note the outlook for local government finance and, in particular, the forecast for the forthcoming finance settlement and the additional risks arising from business rates retention and the localisation of council tax support;

·         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 5.3 and Appendix One;

·         Note the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2013/14 of £15.463m and £29.079m for 2014/15 along with the sensitivity analysis included as Appendix Three;

·         Note the ‘post CSR’ forecasts to 2016/17 along with the sensitivity analysis included at Appendix Four;

·         Request that Executive Councillors and Corporate Directors continue to develop spending plans and savings proposals to meet the increased indicative savings requirement for 2013/14 and to report on progress;

·         Take the steps necessary to agree a final balanced budget proposal for 2013/14 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan to 2014/15 for presentation to the Budget Council meeting on 5 March 2013.

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) updating the Executive Meeting on the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2013/14 to 2016/17, following a number of further developments within the local government finance arena since the previous landscape and finance report was submitted to the Executive in August 2012.

RESOLVED – That

·         the position for 2012/13 previously reported in the half-year Corporate Performance and Resources Report be noted;

·         the outlook for local government finance and, in particular, the forecast for the forthcoming finance settlement and the additional risks arising from business rates retention and the localisation of council tax support 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 5.3 of the report and Appendix One be approved;

·         the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2013/14 of £15.463m and £29.079m for 2014/15 along with the sensitivity analysis included as Appendix Three be noted;

·         the ‘post CSR’ forecasts to 2016/17 along with the sensitivity analysis included at Appendix Four be noted;

·         Executive Councillors and Corporate Directors be requested to continue to develop spending plans and savings proposals to meet the increased indicative savings requirement for 2013/14 and to report on progress; and

·         approval be given to taking the steps necessary to agree a final balanced budget proposal for 2013/14 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan to 2014/15 for presentation to the Budget Council Meeting on 5 March 2013.

The proposals contained in this report take as their starting point the Indicative Budget for 2013/14 set out in the report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services elsewhere on the agenda for this meeting.  Within a range of potential outcomes that report estimates that there will be an on-going savings requirement of £15.463m in 2013/14, rising to £29.079m by 2014/15. The extent of the savings requirement is heavily dependent upon a number of factors which are set out in that report.

This report also relates back to the decision taken by the Executive on 7 September 2012 to make available for consultation a package of savings proposals.

The Executive will endorse the approach taken in compiling the Indicative Budget to arrive at the estimated savings requirement.  In response to the forecasts contained in that report the Executive (in conjunction with Corporate Directors) has developed revised spending plans and is now putting forward savings proposals which total £15.564m. At this stage it is anticipated that £9.894m worth of these savings can be delivered during 2013/14.  The successful implementation of the proposed measures would reduce the indicative savings target for 2013/14 to around £5.569m and would represent significant progress towards the preparation of a balanced budget for 2013/14, based on current estimates.  The Executive will continue to monitor the forecasts prepared by the Corporate Director and will produce a final set of recommendations to achieve a balanced budget by its meeting in February 2013.

The Executive is recommended to:

·           note the results of the various consultation exercises undertaken in relation to the savings proposals put forward in September and the changes that are proposed in response to the consultation;

·           agree the savings proposals for implementation as set out in the report and listed in Appendix Two;

·           agree the recommendations set out in Annex C regarding TUPE transfers between the Council and its associated bodies;

·           ask the Chief Executive and Corporate / Service Directors, in consultation with the relevant Executive Councillors, to implement the delivery of those proposals; and

·           continue with the steps necessary to agree a final balanced budget proposal for 2013/14 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan to 2014/15 for presentation to the Council budget meeting in March 2013

Officer contact: Steve Houston, 0161 474 4000, steve.houston@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 proposals that sought to address some of the savings requirements necessary to achieve a balanced budget for 2013/14. The report detailed responses to consultation with staff, stakeholders and the public on the proposals following the Executive’s decision to proceed to consultation at its meeting on 7 September 2012.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) commended those involved in the consultation for its thoroughness in light of significant non-budget related consultation activity also being undertaken.

The Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) highlighted changes to the proposals arising from the consultation.

RESOLVED – That

·                the results of the various consultation exercises undertaken in relation to the savings proposals put forward in September 2012 and the changes proposed in response to the consultation be noted;

·                the savings proposals for implementation as set out in the report and listed in Appendix Two be agreed;

·                the recommendations set out in Annex C regarding TUPE transfers between the Council and its associated bodies be agreed;

·                the Chief Executive and Corporate / Service Directors, in consultation with the relevant Executive Councillors, be requested to implement the delivery of those proposals; and

·                approval be given to continue with the steps necessary to agree a final balanced budget proposal for 2013/14 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan to 2014/15 for presentation to the Council Budget Meeting in March 2013 continue.

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

In response to the request from the Executive at its meeting on 7 September 2012, this report proposes a local Council Tax Discount Scheme and a local Council Tax Support Scheme.

These schemes are needed because the Council is required to establish a local scheme for these areas. In addition the Council must decide how to address the reduction in funding following the abolition of the Council Tax Benefit and change to the funding arrangements for the new local support schemes.

The schemes have been considered by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee on three occasions as it has been developed. 

The Executive is asked to:-

·                Endorse the proposed Council Tax Discount Scheme and

·                Endorse the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme and

·                Recommend both schemes to the Council Meeting for approval

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 a local Council Tax Discount Scheme and a local Council Tax Support Scheme. The Council was now required to establish a local scheme for these areas but the requirement also meant that the Council would have a reduction in funding following the abolition of the Council Tax Benefit and change to the funding arrangements for the new local support schemes.

An additional document had been submitted (copies of which had been circulated) as Appendix 2 to the report which clarified the position on Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions following publication of additional legislation by the Government subsequent to the publication of the report to the Executive.

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) commended the work of officers involved in preparing the proposals given the frequently changing parameters they were working within.

RESOLVED – That the proposed Council Tax Discount Scheme and the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme be endorsed and that the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the schemes.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Sustainable Future)

The report summarises a proposal to provide a loan to Stockport Hydro from the Council’s Green Regeneration Fund. Stockport Hydro is an Industrial and Provident Society for the benefit of the community (IPS BenCom).  Its scheme at Otterspool Weir is Greater Manchester's first community-owned hydro-electric project.  The generating plant at Otterspool weir is now fully functional and is generating renewable electricity. However because of a number of outstanding financial issues Stockport Hydro has requested financial assistance from Stockport Council in the form of a 10 year loan at 7% interest for up to £45,000 to assist the scheme.

The Executive is requested to approve the loan offer to Stockport Hydro, as described under section 3.0 of the report.

Officer contact: Darren Pegram, 0161 474 3171, Darren.pegram@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Sustainable Future) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a proposal to provide a 10 year loan at 7% interest for up to £45,000 to Stockport Hydro to assist with the community-owned hydro-electric project at Otterspool Weir, to be funded from the Council’s Green Regeneration Fund.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to a 10 year loan at 7% interest for up to £45,000 to Stockport Hydro, as described under section 3.0 of the report.

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

To enable the Executive Meeting to give consideration to the following issues identified by the Constitution Working Party in relation to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules:

·           Public and Member Question Time

·           The ability to question other Council bodies

·           Motions of No Confidence

·           Social media

In addition, the Executive are invited to consider other issues raised by Members in relation to amendments and presentations.

The recommendations of the Constitution Working Party at its meeting held on 28 November 2012 are detailed in the report. These were endorsed by the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on 3 December 2012.

The Executive is invited to recommended that

·           That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the amendments to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules detailed in paragraphs 2.5, 2.10, 6.6 and 7.3 of the report.

·           That the recommendations in paragraphs 3.4 and 4.7 of the report be approved.

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 proposals for amendments to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules.

The recommendations of the Constitution Working Party at its meeting held on 28 November 2012 were detailed in the report. These were endorsed by the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on 3 December 2012.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the following amendments to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules:-

i)       the establishment of a separate procedure for public questions at area committees enabling questions to be submitted immediately prior to the commencement of the meeting;

ii)     in relation to Executive Question Time:-

·           any councillor be permitted to ask up to four questions of an executive councillor, this to include supplementary questions and questions requesting clarification to a previous answer given (the period for each question shall not exceed three minutes);

·           each question to be answered individually by the Executive Councillor;

·           following questions to each executive councillor, councillors to be permitted to make comments on executive business for up to three minutes;

·           the appropriate executive councillors (s) have a right of reply

iii)    any councillor to be permitted to ask up to four questions of the chairs of the scrutiny, ordinary, area and ward committees;

iv)    all amendments to be submitted in writing and a copy provided to the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer before they were debated;

v)     clarification provided in the Rules to make clear that any further amendments moved at the meeting cannot be such as to have substantially the same effect as an amendment previously moved at the same meeting and having already been dispensed with by the Council Meeting;

vi)    presentations, including questions at the Council Meeting to last no longer than 20 minutes.

(2) That the recommendations of the Constitution Working Party for a further review of the governance arrangements in relation to Council companies, associated organisations and outside bodies and the role of members on these bodies (paragraph 3.4 of the report) be endorsed.

(3) That the proposal to develop guidance on the use of Social Media at the Council Meeting and the recommendation of the Constitution Working Party not to include this within the Constitution be endorsed.

The Leader of the Council to report at the meeting.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) invited the Executive Meeting to consider nominations for the Offices of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the Civic Year 2013/14.

RESOLVED – (1) That the intention of the Leader of the Labour Group to submit directly to the Council Meeting the name of the Labour Group nomination for the Office of Mayor be noted.

(2) That the Council Meeting be recommended to invite Councillor Mike Wilson to allow his name to be put forward for appointment to the Office of Deputy Mayor for the Civic Year 2013/14.

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

(NOTE: This item contains information not for publication included in the report and appendices that have been circulated to executive councillors only)

(NOTE: The Leader of the Council (Chair) 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 in order to allow a decision could be taken as to not do so would seriously prejudice the legal or financial position of the Council or the interests of the residents of Stockport.)

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive on progress with the implementation of the Manchester Airport Group’s proposed strategy for growth and seeking approval to take all the necessary steps to implement the Strategic Review.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) reported that the decision on the Strategy would be exempt from call-in but that all Group Leaders had been informed. She further stated that following the implementation of the Strategy a report would be submitted to the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee.

In accordance with Regulation 5(6) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012, the Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee had been informed that this item contained confidential information and would be need to be considered in private, but that it had not been possible to give the requisite 28 clear days’ notice of the intention to hold the meeting in private. The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee had confirmed that he agreed that the making of the decision was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred and consented to waiving of the requirements for notice.

RESOLVED – (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth abstained) (1) That, having considered the recommendations made by the AGMA Executive Board at its meeting on 14 December 2012, the recommendations contained in the Executive report (which was exempt from publication) be approved.

(2) That the decision of the Leader of the Council, Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer to exempt the decision from call in (on the grounds that any delay caused by call-in would delay the successful implementation of the Strategic Review and would seriously prejudice the legal or financial position of the Council or the interests of the residents of Stockport) be endorsed.