Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 12 November 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 Executive.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Executive Councillors on any matters within the powers and duties of the Executive, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting on the card provided.  These are available at the meeting and at local libraries and information centres. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

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

The Chair reported that one question had been submitted by a member of the public who was not present at the meeting. The Chair confirmed that, in accordance with the Code of Practice, a written response would be provided to the questioner.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendices to the following items, should the content of these appendices need to be discussed:-

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

In light of important announcements contained in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 5 December 2013, further consideration of the implications for Stockport and the content of this report are required. Therefore, this report has been marked ‘to follow’.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@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 and agree a scheme of discretionary business rate discounts for 2014/15. The proposed scheme would continue discounts available in the current year and would incorporate changes that had arisen as result of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and the impact on Business Rates Relief. The Scheme also included relief for certain businesses moving into or expanding within the borough, or seeking to make improvements to their premises.

RESOLVED – That, in relation to the Council’s Business Rates Discounts and Exemptions:

(i)            the mandatory reliefs outlined at paragraph 1.3 and awarded under s47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 be adopted;

(ii)          an initial Commercial Properties (Business Rates off-set) scheme be implemented as outlined in section 6 of the report and described in appendix 4;

(iii)         the Local Business Rates Relief Scheme be adopted to include support for 

•      large businesses which were new to the Borough subject to the limiting criteria to be drawn up by the Economic Development team as outlined in section 7 of the report;

•      businesses within the Borough undergoing significant expansion subject to limiting criteria to be drawn up by the Economic Development team as outlined in section 7 of the report;

•      improvements made to existing business in the Borough subject to the limiting criteria outlined at appendix A and limited to a maximum annual budget of £40,000 as outlined in section 6 of the report and described at appendix 4;

•      organisations and initiatives which are considered to be essential for the Council to achieve its priorities as outlined at paragraph 8.2 of the report.   

(iv)         support be given for the principle of converting grants and awards made by the Council into Discretionary rate relief where possible and that officers be asked to prepare a detailed scheme detailing the approach for individual grants and awards as outlined in paragraph 8.1 of the report;

(v)          support be continued for entitlement to reliefs as outlined in the following sections of the report:

•           Community Amateur Sports Clubs (section 4.3.5)

•           Charities (section 4.4.3)

•           Village shops (section 4.5.2)

•           Not for profit organisations (section 4.6.4).

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

To present for consideration proposals on polling arrangements for Stockport as a result of a review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations.

The proposals have also been submitted to area committees during the week commencing 10 December 2013 for further consideration and their views will be submitted to the Executive.

The Executive is requested to consider the proposals made to polling districts and polling places and make recommendations to the Council meeting.

Officer contact: Steve Callender, 0161 474 3184, steve.callender@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 for changes to polling arrangements for Stockport as a result of a review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations.

The Executive Councillor reported that further representations had been received from electors about the configuration of polling districts in the Davenport & Cale Green Ward, requesting that the proposals to merge districts SF and SI be reconsidered as the area created and polling station used would not be accessible for some electors.

An addendum to the report was also submitted (copies of which were circulated) summarising comments from area committees on the final proposal from the round of meetings during the week commencing 10 December 2013. The addendum also set out the response of the Returning Officer to the issues raised.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the changes to Polling Districts and Polling Places as detailed in the report, but that the proposal to combine polling districts SF and SI not be proceeded with.

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

In light of important announcements contained in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 5 December 2013, further consideration of the implications for Stockport and the content of this report are required. Therefore, this report has been marked ‘to follow’.

Officer contact: Andy Moran, 0161 474 4086, andy.moran@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 a forecast for the outturn position of the Council Tax Collection Fund for 2013/14 as well as the Council Tax Base for 2014/15, and presenting a forecast for Business Rates income for 2014/15.

RESOLVED – (1) That

·           a forecast Collection Fund surplus relating to Council Tax Revenues of £1.306m for 2013/14 and a forecast Collection Fund deficit relating to Business Rates of £2.910m be declared;

·           the Council Tax Base for 2014/15 at a Band D equivalent figure of 88,533.7;

·           the forecast for Business Rates Income of £88.209m for 2014/15 be provisionally approved.

(2) That the following decisions be delegated to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services):

·           any decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented at paragraphs 4.9 to 4.13 of the report;

·           the decision as to whether or not to join the Greater Manchester/Cheshire East Business Rates Pool as set out in section 5.

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

The Council established Stockport Homes as Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO) in 2005 to manage the housing stock owned by the Council.  This was a ten year agreement which is due to come to an end in October 2015. The ALMO has delivered its objectives and demonstrated excellence and value for money.  There is now a requirement for the Council to review whether the current arrangement addresses its future objectives. This report sets out the background and key elements of that process.

The Executive Meeting is recommended to

·         carry out an Option Appraisal during 2014 to determine the most appropriate method for managing the Council’s housing stock when its current arrangement with Stockport Homes ends in 2015

·         to agree the methodology for the appraisal as proposed in the report

·         to note the timelines proposed in the report.

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

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a proposed process for undertaking an Options Appraisal for the future management of the Council’s housing stock prior to the expiry of the current ten year agreement with Stockport Homes.

RESOLVED – That an Option Appraisal to determine the most appropriate method for managing the Council’s housing stock when its current arrangement with Stockport Homes ends in 2015 be undertaken during 2014 in accordance with the methodology and timelines proposed in the report.

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

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

The report sets out the strategic importance of delivering Bridgefield as leisure led development to support the regeneration of the town centre.  It details progress on negotiations with occupiers and operators for the scheme and the re-gearing of the terms of the lease with Debenhams.  It also explains the importance and urgency of making a commitment to delivering the scheme in order to secure these investments and occupiers. The report seeks authority from the Executive to enter into conditional agreements with the relevant parties and to seek in principle agreement to progress the development supported by potential prudential borrowing of circa £43m.

The Executive is recommended to:-

·         Approve the use of prudential borrowing to finance the development at Bridgefield.

·         Approve the acquisition of 42 Princes Street upon the terms contained in the confidential Appendix 2.

·         Give delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and the Corporate Director for Place Development and Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer and Community Services) and Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) to:

o   progress with the building design and, with the assistance of the Council’s Strategic Property Partner, proceed with the procurement of suitable contractors to deliver the project;

o   to settle the final terms of occupational leases for the proposed tenants of the units;

o   agree any necessary commercial arrangement for the  management of the new multi storey car park and existing Merseyway car parks;

o   the re-gearing of the lease with Debenhams; 

o   to settle the final terms of any further acquisitions required to facilitate the Bridgefield scheme and, if acquisitions cannot be achieved by agreement to report back to the Executive with proposals for possible compulsory acquisition;

o   to agree the further procurement of consultants as may be required to deliver the scheme; and,

o   To take any action needed to resolve any issues that may hinder the delivery of this project within the planned programme and budget.

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

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive Meeting on the delivery of the Bridgefield regeneration project in the Town Centre and seeking agreement from the Executive Meeting to progress the scheme, supported through prudential borrowing.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ within its appendices that had been circulated to executive councillors only)

Executive councillors welcomed the proposals and the impact this would have on the Town Centre.

RESOLVED – That

(i)            approval be given to the use of prudential borrowing to finance the development at Bridgefield;

(ii)          the acquisition of 42 Princes Street be approved upon the terms contained in the confidential Appendix 2;

(iii)         delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Councillors (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) (Economic Development & Regeneration) to:

·           progress with the building design and, with the assistance of the Council’s Strategic Property Partner, proceed with the procurement of suitable contractors to deliver the project;

·           to settle the final terms of occupational leases for the proposed tenants of the units;

·           agree any necessary commercial arrangement for the management of the new multi storey car park and existing Merseyway car parks;

·           re-gear of the lease with Debenhams; 

·           to settle the final terms of any further acquisitions required to facilitate the Bridgefield scheme and, if acquisitions cannot be achieved by agreement to report back to the Executive Meeting with proposals for possible compulsory acquisition;

·           to agree the further procurement of consultants as may be required to deliver the scheme; and,

·           to take any action needed to resolve any issues that may hinder the delivery of this project within the planned programme and budget.

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

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

The report informs the Executive of the outcome of the procurement process to identify a preferred developer partner to work with the Council to bring forward phases 3 and 4 of the Covent Garden Village Master Plan.

The Executive is recommended to approve the appointment of Eric Wright/Your Housing as preferred developer for Covent Garden Phases 3 and 4, and to request that work is now undertaken to enter into a development agreement with Eric Wright/Your Housing to deliver the new housing proposals.

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) informing the Executive Meeting of the outcome of a procurement process to identify a partner to work with the Council to progress phases 3 and 4 of the Covent Garden Master Plan.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ within its appendices that had been circulated to executive councillors only)

RESOLVED – That the outcome of the tender process, as detailed in the Confidential Appendices be noted, and Eric Wright/Your Housing be appointed as preferred developer for Covent Garden Phases 3 and 4, and that work be undertaken to enter into a development agreement with Eric Wright/Your Housing to deliver the new housing proposals.

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

In light of important announcements contained in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 5 December 2013, further consideration of the implications for Stockport and the content of this report are required. Therefore, this report has been marked ‘to follow’.

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 2014/15 to 2016/17, to inform the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2014/15 and the updating of the priorities and outcomes for the Council Plan.

RESOLVED – That

·         the position for 2013/14 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 business rates in 2014/15 be noted;

·         the proposal for the creation of a new Integrated Prevention and Universal Service be approved and the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) be authorised to conclude the agreement on the allocation of savings between partners as outlined in the report (paragraphs 4.14 to 4.21);

·         the progress with regard to the consultation on the proposals for an alternative approach to the provision of Adult Social Care travel assistance be noted (paragraphs 4.22 to 4.27);

·         the financial forecasts and sensitivity analysis for 2014/15 to 2016/17, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council be noted;

·         that executive councillors and corporate directors be requested to continue to develop their spending plans and savings proposals to address the budget requirements for 2014/15 and to report on progress;

·         the steps necessary to agree a final balanced budget proposal for 2014/15 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan to 2016/17 for presentation to the Budget Council Meeting on 27 February 2014 be taken.

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

The report sets out responses to consultation undertaken in relation to proposed expansion of primary school places. Stockport is continuing its work to meet the continued rising demand for primary school places. A number of schools for which permanent expansions are proposed must be determined under the School Organisation Regulations. Full detail of the consultation is contained in the report and appendices.

The Executive is requested to:

1.    Consider the outcomes of the consultation exercise.

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

From September 2014

·         Cale Green Primary School to 1.5 forms of entry

From September 2015

·         Abingdon Primary School to 2 forms of entry

·         Warren Wood Primary School to 2 forms of entry

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

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the outcomes of consultation with stakeholders on proposals to expand the number of primary school places at Abingdon, Cale Green and Warren Wood Primary Schools, and seeking the agreement of the Executive to publish statutory notices for their expansion.

RESOLVED – That, following consideration of the consultation feedback, approval be given to

(i)      the publication of statutory notices for the proposed expansion of the following schools:

From September 2014

·         Cale Green Primary School from 1 to 1.5 forms of entry

From September 2015

·         Abingdon Primary School from 1 to 2 forms of entry

·         Warren Wood Primary School from 1.5 to 2 forms of entry

(ii)       the delegation to the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) of the final decisions in respect of the proposed expansions, subject to there being no significant objections during the representation period following publication of the statutory proposals.

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

This report sets out a proposal to extend the current Alliance Contractor Partnering arrangement for a further 3 years. In 2009 Stockport and Trafford Council launched a Strategic Alliance known as the "Stockport Trafford Alliance Framework" to maintain and improve roads and highway structures within the boroughs.  This was a long term partnering arrangement with specialist contractors based on the NEC3 contract, procured collaboratively by the two Councils.  The Alliance Partnering Contract has shown to give good value for money in all respects and based on reviews by Stockport and Trafford should be extended a further 3-years.

The Executive is recommended to approve a 3-year extension of the Alliance Partnering Contract from 1 April 2014.

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

The Executive Councillors (Communities & Sustainability) and (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to agree to extend the current partnering arrangement with specialist contractors for the maintenance and improvement of roads and highway structures that had been jointly procured with Trafford Council as part of the “Stockport Trafford Alliance Framework”. The current five-year agreement, which was due to expire in 2014, had providing good value for money, and it was proposed to extend it for a further three years.

Executive councillors welcomed this arrangement as a positive example of collaborative working that was saving money for both Councils.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to a three-year extension of the Alliance Partnering Contract from 1 April 2014.

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

The report sets out the progress of the formation of the new Strategic Partnership following successful appointment of a new property partner and recommendations for future governance arrangements.

The Executive is recommended to delegate to the Corporate Director of Corporate and Support Services to complete the Alliance Contract, governance arrangements and appointments to the Alliance Board as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Barry Khan, 0161 474 3202, barry.khan@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive Meeting on progress with the formation of the new Strategic Property Partnership, and making further recommendations on future governance arrangements.

RESOLVED – That progress with the formation of the new Strategic Property Partnership be noted and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be authorised to complete the Alliance Contract, governance arrangements and appointments to the Alliance Board as set out in the report.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) to report at the meeting.

In accordance with the Constitution, the Executive is invited to consider nominations received for the position of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2014/15 Municipal Year and make a recommendation to the Council Meeting.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) invited the Executive Meeting to consider the nomination of Councillor Kevin Hogg for the position of Mayor for 2014/15 and Councillor Linda Holt for the position of Deputy Mayor.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to agree to nominate Councillor Kevin Hogg for the position of Mayor for 2014/15 and Councillor Linda Holt for the position of Deputy Mayor.

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

The report sets out the decision notices published on 5 December 2013 from the most recent meetings of the AGMA Executive Board and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on 29 November 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) setting out decisions taken by the AGMA Executive and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority at their meetings held on 29 November 2013.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.