Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 October 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 October 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

On 24 October 2013, the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, nominated Councillor Chris Gordon to AGMA as a substitute member of the North West Regional Flood and Costal Committee. The reason for urgency was that the Committee was due to meet on 25 October 2013 and had the action not been taken AGMA would not have been appropriately represented at the meeting.

On 24 October 2013, the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, nominated Councillor Chris Gordon to AGMA as a substitute member of the North West Regional Flood and Costal Committee. The reason for urgency was that the Committee was due to meet on 25 October 2013 and had the action not been taken AGMA would not have been appropriately represented at the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the action be noted.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contains information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendices to the following items, should the content of these appendices need to be discussed:-

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.

One question had been submitted by a member of the public who was not present at the meeting. In accordance with the Code of Practice a written response would be provided.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability)

(Note: this report contains information ‘not for publication’ contained in its appendix that has been circulated to executive councillors only)

The purpose of this report is to request the Executive’s consideration of the proposal received from Stockport Homes (SHL) to seek a loan of £9.2m from the Council to support the acquisition and redevelopment costs of a new headquarters. 

It is recommended that

a)    The Executive considers the proposal received from Stockport Homes (SHL) to seek a loan of £9.2m from the Council to support the acquisition and redevelopment costs of a new headquarters; and,

b)    If agreed, delegate the drafting and agreement of the terms of the loan to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services).

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

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a request from Stockport Homes to seek a loan of £9.2m from the Council to support the costs of the acquisition and redevelopment of a site for a new headquarters. A business case to support the proposals had also been submitted (the exempt appendix to the report).

(Note: the report included information ‘not for publication’ that was included in the appendix that was circulated to executive councillors only)

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) stated that despite suggestions in the media, the proposal would not affect the resources available to support tenants nor the provision of additional social housing in Stockport, and the cost of the loan would be offset by the savings in rent by Stockport Homes. The final detail of the agreement would be delegated to officers, but the agreement would ensure that the interests of the Council and residents would be protected.

RESOLVED – That the proposal from Stockport Homes for a loan of £9.2m from the Council to support the acquisition and redevelopment costs of new headquarters be supported, and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services), be authorised to draft and agree the terms of the loan.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer and Community Services).

The purpose of this report is to headline achievements against last year’s Youth Justice Plan and to outline the priorities for the coming year. The work of the Youth Offending Service and this plan is monitored through the Youth Offending Services Partnership Board, which in turn reports to the Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP) and the Children’s Trust Board.

The Executive is invited to recommend that the Council Meeting receive the report and adopt the Plan.

Officer contact: Jacqui Belfield-Smith, 0161 476 2876,

jacqui.belfield-smith@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive Meeting on the achievements against last year’s Youth Justice Plan and outlining priorities for the Youth Offending Service for the coming year.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to receive the report and adopt the Youth Justice Plan.

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

The report sets out the results of the consultation on proposed changes to the Council’s Residential Parking Policy. The policy was developed following the internal audit report and a consultation on the existing policy and its implementation. This report proposes an improved residents' parking policy, with better consistency, more enforcement and the cost of a parking permit reflecting the cost of the schemes.  It allows local members to look at how best to use residents parking in their areas to get the maximum benefit for all.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Note the results of the public consultation.

·         Agree to implement Residential Parking Policy, as set out in Appendix 7 as the default arrangement for all properties in the Borough.

·         Agree to use the decision criteria outlined in sections 4 and 5 of the policy to determine the suitability for Residential Parking Schemes.

·         Agree to the proposed charges as outlined in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

Officer contact: Megan Black, 0161 218 1410, megan.black@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 results of a consultation on proposed changes to the Council’s Residential Parking Policy to improve its consistency, ensure more enforcement and ensure the costs of the permit better reflected the costs of the schemes.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) stated that following consideration of the proposals by the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee he had sought further clarification on the likely impact of any changes to the scheme on the most deprived communities in Stockport. He was satisfied that as there were almost no schemes in these communities, the proposed changes would in fact mean that the least well-off residents in the borough would not have to subsidise permit parking schemes in more affluent areas.

The Leader of the Council also stated that charges to the scheme reflected the cost of its implementation and would not be used to generate surplus income for the Council.

RESOLVED – That

·                the results of the public consultation on the proposed changes to the Residential Parking Policy be noted;

·                the implementation of the Residential Parking Policy, as set out in Appendix 7, be agreed as the default arrangement for all properties in the Borough;

·                the use the decision criteria outlined in sections 4 and 5 of the policy to determine the suitability for Residential Parking Schemes be agreed; and

·                the proposed charges as outlined in paragraph 6.1 of the report be agreed.

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

The report provides an update on Greater Manchester’s revised approach to delivering the GM Broadband Programme, with a particular focus on the roll-out of broadband infrastructure across Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan and the requirement to approve match funds in order to secure ERDF and BDUK investment.

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

The Executive is asked to:

·          Approve that Stockport Council will be the Lead Authority for this project as identified in this report.

·          Agree to fund £312,500 as an equal contribution to the Match Funding, subject to the other 7 AGMA authorities agreeing to contribute identical amounts and subject to obtaining external funding.

·          To delegate to the Council Solicitor the ability to enter into any relevant legal agreements and make any necessary decisions to implement the scheme as identified in the report.

Officer contact: Barry Khan, 0161 474 3202, barry.khan@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 revised approach in Greater Manchester to delivering the GM Broadband Programme, with a particular focus on the roll-out of superfast broadband infrastructure, and informing them of the requirements for the Council to approve match funding with other GM authorities to secure the European Regional Development Fund and Broadband Delivery UK investment.

(Note: the report included information ‘not for publication’ that was included in the appendix that was circulated to executive councillors only)

RESOLVED – That approval be given to

·               Stockport Council being the Lead Authority for the broadband infrastructure project as identified in the report;

·               the provision of £312,500 as an equal contribution to the Match Funding of the project, subject to the other 7 AGMA authorities agreeing to contribute identical amounts and subject to obtaining external funding;

·               the delegation to the Council Solicitor the ability to enter into any relevant legal agreements and make any necessary decisions to implement the scheme as identified in the report.

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

The purpose of this report is to ask the Executive to confirm a Compulsory Purchase Order on land required to implement 22 dwelling houses and an associate access road at Plot 4, Hopes Carr, Stockport as part of the delivery of the Covent Garden Village Master Plan.

It is recommended that, pursuant to Section 14A, Acquisition of Land Act 1981, the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport (Hopes Carr, Stockport) (Phase 4 Development Scheme) Compulsory Purchase Order 2013 the Executive confirm the Order without modification.

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

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to confirm a Compulsory Purchase Order on land known as Plot 4 at Hopes Carr required as part of the delivery of the Covent Garden Village Master Plan. The decision on the Order had been referred back to the Council for determination by the Secretary of State as there were no objections to the Order.

RESOLVED – That pursuant to Section 14A of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981, the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport (Hopes Carr, Stockport) (Phase 4 Development Scheme) Compulsory Purchase Order 2013 be confirmed without modification.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services)

This item consists of two mid-year reports. The first of these is the Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR), which provides an overview of progress towards delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during 2013/14, based on the Council Plan 2013/15 and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013/17. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs), which are circulated as background papers to this report, and will be considered in detail at the next cycle of Scrutiny Committees.

The mid-year report provides a more comprehensive picture, and includes performance and budget forecasts for the full year. It also includes a progress report and risk assessment of the portfolio savings programmes. 

Virements are proposed from the non-cash limits to Portfolio budgets to cover the 1% pay award and adjustments for inflation, whilst budgets have been re-assigned to the Corporate, Customer and Community Portfolio as part of the CSS redesign. Budget pressures remain in a number of areas, with deficits forecast in Adult Care Services, Economic Development & Regeneration and Children & Young People. These are partially offset by surpluses in 3 Portfolios.  

The second report is the Leader’s Report, which outlines progress on the Council’s strategic priorities, and highlights some of the significant challenges that continue to be faced.

The Executive is asked to:

a)        Review progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget out-turns contained within the report;

b)        Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3;

c)        Note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast positions for 2013/14 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6;

d)        Note the review and risk assessment of the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 and Appendix 5;

e)        Note the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8;

f)          Approve the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 and note the resulting reserves and balances positions;

g)        Note the latest position for the 2013/14 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1;

h)        Approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5;

i)          Approve the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4;

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

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

Officer contact: Christine Buxton/ Peter Owston, 0161 474 4124/ 3274, christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk / peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive Meeting with an update on progressing in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budgeting at mid-year of 2013/14.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted her second ‘Leader’s Report’ (copies of which had been circulated) providing a strategic overview of Council activity as well as highlighting significant AGMA and Combined Authority activity.

RESOLVED – That

·         the Corporate Performance and Resources Report Mid-Year 2013/14 and Mid-Year Report of the Leader of the Council (2013/14) be noted;

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3 of the report be approved;

·         the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast positions for 2013/14 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6 of the report be noted;

·         the review and risk assessment of the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 and Appendix 5 of the report be noted;

·         the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast 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 be approved and the resulting reserves and balances positions be noted;

·         the latest position for the 2013/14 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted;

·         the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5 of the report 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 (Corporate, Customer & Community Services)

This report provides the Executive with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2013/14 approved by Council on 5 March 2013 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

The report provides an economic update for the first six months of 2013/14 and details how this impacts upon the interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.  An overview is provided of more recent forecasts and developments in the financial markets and how these are affecting the Councils investment portfolio and borrowing strategies for the current financial year.   A review is provided of the Council’s capital expenditure prudential indicators and compliance with Treasury and Prudential Limits for 2013/14.

There are no key changes required to the treasury management and capital strategies for 2013/14, which continue to be relevant and effective.

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

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

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive Meeting with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2013/14 agreed by the Council Meeting in March 2013, providing an economic update on the first six months of the year and the impact of this on interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to receive this report in line with best practice guidelines and note the treasury activity for the first half of the current financial year.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services)

The report provides an overview of complaints received in the 2^nd quarter of 2013/14.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 (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive Meeting with an overview of complaints received in the second quarter of 2013/14 and outlining the lessons learnt as a result of these complaints.

RESOLVED – That performance in relation to complaints received in the second quarter of 2013/14 be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer and Community Services)

As part of the budget savings programme for 2013/14 to 2014/15 the Executive has previously agreed that the Council should seek to improve its procurement arrangements by collaborating with other AGMA authorities to achieve savings and greater value for money. At its meeting on 13 August 2013 the Executive considered the progress being made and endorsed the move to the next stage of the process, that of consulting on a proposal to establish a shared procurement service with Trafford and Rochdale Councils.

The Executive is asked to:

·         approve the proposal to create a shared procurement service with Trafford and Rochdale Councils as set out in the report;

·         agree the creation of a Joint Executive Committee consisting of the appropriate Executive Councillors from Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale;

·         appoint the Deputy Leader of the Council (and Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services) to the Joint Executive Committee;

·         delegate the development of the following documents to support the joint delivery of services to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council (and Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services):

o   Terms of Reference and governance arrangements of a Joint Executive Committee

o   Amendments to the Council’s constitution

o   Delegation scheme for officers

o   Composition of the Joint Executive Committee

o   Service Level Agreements between the three authorities

o   Financial and administrative arrangements

o   A Memorandum of Understanding to support the approach to partnership working.

Officer contact: Christine Buxton, 0161 474 4124 christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider proposals to establish a Strategic Procurement Unit in collaboration with Rochdale and Trafford Councils to achieve savings and greater value for money.

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) reported that Unison had provided feedback on the proposals following the conclusion of the formal consultation period (a copy of which had been circulated to executive councillors). In light of the issues raised, it was proposed to amend the recommendation to the Executive to delegate approval of the proposals following consideration of the consultation response.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) be authorised to:

·         approve the proposal to create a shared procurement service with Trafford and Rochdale Councils;

·         agree the creation of a Joint Executive Committee consisting of the appropriate Executive Councillors for Stockport, Rochdale and Trafford;

·         request officers to develop the following documents to support the joint delivery of services;

-       Terms of Reference and governance arrangements of a Joint Executive Committee

-       Amendments to the Council’s constitution

-       Delegation scheme for officers

-       Composition of the Joint Executive Committee

-       Service Level Agreements between the three authorities

-       Financial and administrative arrangements

-       A Memorandum of Understanding to support the approach to partnership working.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services)

Following a review of a number of the Council’s partner organisations, the Council Meeting in May 2013 decided not to appoint representatives to those bodies. Instead the Council meeting created an inclusive cross party Committee to look at monitoring the performance of these organisations.  This report sets out the arrangements for this Committee when considering the performance of Stockport Homes. This is based on the model adopted in relation to Solutions SK the creation of the “Contributors Committee”

The Executive is asked to note this report and to formally establish the Stockport Homes Member Committee to carry out the functions of the Council as the sole member of the Company as identified in the table in paragraph 2.5 of the report.

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

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider arrangements for a cross-party Committee to monitor the performance of Stockport Homes as part of the Council’s new approach to governance of associated bodies. The model proposed was similar to that adopted for the Contributors Committee. It was emphasised that these arrangements would not replace the role of scrutiny.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and approval be given to establish the Stockport Homes Member Committee to carry out the functions of the Council as the sole member of the Company of Stockport Homes Limited as identified in the table at paragraph 2.5 of the report.

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

The report seeks Executive commitment to support the Bramall Hall and Park project during project delivery phase (2014/15 to 2016/17) and for a sustained period (2017/18 to 2023/24) after the completion of the project.  A commitment of support would not place any additional revenue budget requirements on the Council, but would mean allocating an annual cash limited budget for Bramall Hall for a ten year period.  The value of this would be £0.155m in years 1-3 (2014/15 to 2016/17) and £0.116m in years 4-10 (2017/18 to 2023/24).

The Executive is recommended to commit to support the Bramall Hall and Park project and to maintaining sufficient allowances within budgets to deliver enhanced learning and engagement activities following completion of the project.

Officer contact: Peter Ashworth, 07891 949473, peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to support the improvements to infrastructure and visitor and educational facilities at Bramall Hall and Park as part of a project part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The HLF grant was conditional on the Council committing to deliver enhanced learning and engagement opportunity following the completion of the project.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to commit the Council to support the Bramall Hall and Park project and to maintaining sufficient allowances within budgets to deliver enhanced learning and engagement activities following completion of the project.

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

The report sets out a proposed Business Programme for the municipal years 2014/15 & 2015/16. The draft Programme includes the changes previously suggested to the Council Meeting as a consequence of the local elections being held on 22 May 2014.

The Executive is requested to recommend approval of the Business Programme to the Council Meeting on 28 November 2013.

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

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider revisions to the programme of meetings for the municipal years of 2014/15 and 2015/16 resulting from changes to the arrangements for local elections in 2014.

Further minor amendments to the programme contained in the report were proposed to rectify drafting errors in the document.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the Business Programme for 2014/15 and 2015/16 as detailed in the report, subject the following corrections:-

·         Licensing, Environment & Safety Committee to take place on Wednesday, 3 September 2014 (not 2 September as stated in the report);

·         Planning & Highways Regulation Committee to take place on Thursday, 4 September 2014 (not 3 September as stated in the report), and

·         the inclusion of a Council Meeting on Thursday, 23 October 2014 with Group Meetings taking place during the week commencing Monday, 20 October 2014.

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

The report sets out the decision notices published on 2 October 2013 from the most recent meetings of the AGMA Executive Board and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on 27 September and 25 October 2013.

The Executive is invited to note the decisions.

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) informing the Executive of the decisions taken by the AGMA Executive Board and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meetings held on 27 September and 29 October 2013.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.