Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 December 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 submit questions to the Chair on any matters within the powers and 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during consideration of the following agenda items or appendices to the following items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendices to the following item, should the content of those appendices need to be discussed:-

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

The report sets out the results of consultations with stakeholders about the expansion of a number of primary school. Stockport continues working 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. Statutory consultation has therefore been undertaken to seek the views of the parties affected by the proposals. Across the three schools, 169 responses have been received. Similar to other recent school expansion consultations, the majority of feedback is from residents local to each school and includes concerns regarding traffic congestion and parking implications. Details are 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 2015

·           Arden Primary School to 3 forms of entry

·           Greave Primary School to 1.5 forms of entry

·           St Elisabeth’s CE Primary School to 1.5 forms of entry

3.    Approve delegation of the final decisions to the Corporate Director, Services to People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor, Lifelong Learning and 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 Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to

consider the permanent expansion of a number of primary schools to meet the continued rising demand for primary school places. The report set out the results of the consultations carried out with schools, parents and the local community about the proposals.

The Executive Councillor emphasised that the results of the extensive consultation had been supportive of the proposals although concerns had been raised about the impact on traffic, and that she had asked officers to investigation measures to alleviate any potential problems.

RESOLVED – (1) That the result of the consultations carried out in relation to the proposed expansions of Arden, Greave and St Elisabeth’s CE primary schools be noted.

(2) That approval be given for the publication of statutory notices for the proposed expansion of the following schools:

From September 2015

·      Arden Primary School to 3 forms of entry

·      Greave Primary School to 1.5 forms of entry

·      St Elisabeth’s CE Primary School to 1.5 forms of entry

(3) That the final decisions on the school expansions be delegated 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.

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

This item consists of two 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 second report is the Leader’s Report, which outlines progress in developing the Investing in Stockport programme across the Council and Stockport Partnership, along with some of the specific projects which will help invest in growth, public service reform and organisational change. It also highlights some of the key decisions at a Greater Manchester level which will have a positive impact on Stockport.

The Executive is asked to:

a)     Review progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget outturns 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;

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)       Note the treasury review and activity during the third quarter;

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 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 progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budgeting at the end of the third quarter of 2013/14.

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

Executive councillors highlighted key issues and achievements within their portfolios.

RESOLVED – That

·        the Corporate Performance and Resources Report – Final Update 2013/14 and the Leader’s Report be noted;

·        the virements to the Revenue Budget as 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 approved;

·        the review and risk assessment of the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 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;

·        the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4 of the report be approved; and,

·        the treasury review and activity during the third quarter be noted.

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

The report provides an overview of complaints, as at the 3rd quarter (October - December) 2013/2014, setting out the outcome of complaints and the lessons learnt.

Executive is asked to:

·         Review performance information contained in this report, and

·         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 the complaints received in the third quarter of 2013/13 and outlined the lessons learnt as a result.

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

To consider a report of the Executive Councillors (Adult Care Services) and (Health & Wellbeing)

The Better Care Fund (BCF) was announced in June as part of the 2013 Spending Round. It is a key enabler to driving forward the integration of health and social care which aims to improve outcomes for patients, service users and carers and develop a financially sustainable delivery model.

The draft BCF plan is attached to the report. Discussions are still on-going with the Clinical Commissioning Group to finalise the plan and the investment proposals within it. The BCF framework includes a significant performance related component and it is critical that plans deliver against the performance measures and national conditions. The draft plan has to be submitted by 14 February and a final plan by 4 April which will be subject to ministerial sign off.

The Executive is asked to endorse the direction of travel detailed in the draft BCF plan and delegate responsibility to the Corporate Director for People, the Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services) and the Chair of the Health and Well Being Board to finalise and submit a draft plan on behalf of Stockport Partners.

Officer contact: Terry Dafter/ Simon Finch, 0161 474 4001/ 4019, terry.dafter@stockport.gov.uk / simon.finch@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Adult Care Services) and (Health & Wellbeing) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the draft plan submission for the Better Care Fund (BCF) that had been introduced by Government to further the integration of health and social care. The aim of the Fund was to improve outcomes and to develop a financially sustainable delivery model. The draft plan, if approved, would be submitted to the Department of Health by 14 February and a final plan by 4 April 2014 which would then be subject to ministerial approval. The Clinical Commissioning Group would also be considering the draft Plan at its Board meeting on 12 February 2014.

RESOLVED – That the direction of travel detailed in the draft Better Care Fund Plan be endorsed and the Corporate Director for People, with the Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services) and the Chair of the Health and Well Being Board, be authorised to finalise and submit the Plan on behalf of Stockport Partners.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillors (Communities & Sustainability) and (Corporate, Customer & Community Services)

This report recommends the level of increase for rent and service charges for the Housing Revenue Account in 2014/15.  In addition charges for carecall services in 2014/15 are recommended, and a recommended Housing Revenue Account budget for 2014/15 is presented.

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves:

·         An increase in the average rent of 4.9% for dwelling rents;

·         An increase of 3.7% for garage rents;

·         Service charges increasing as outlined in paragraph 3.2;

·         A 3.7% increase in Carecall Charges;

·         A 3.7% increase in Warden Charges; and,

·         The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2014/15 as set out in Appendix 1.

(Note: this decision is exempt from call-in)

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

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Communities & Sustainability) and (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the level of rent and service charges for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the charges for Carecall services, and the Housing Revenue Account budget for 2014/15.

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) emphasised the need to increase rent levels to bring these in line with the agreed HRA Business Plan, but stated that every effort had been made to minimise the impact on tenants. He also thanked councillors who had made representations to him in relation to service charges for fuel for tower blocks and was pleased to report that as a result the proposed increase had been reduced for these charges.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:

·        an increase in the average rent of 4.9% for dwelling rents;

·        an increase of 3.7% for garage rents;

·        service charges increasing as outlined in paragraph 3.2 of the report;

·        a 3.7% increase in Carecall Charges;

·        a 3.7% increase in Warden Charges; and,

·        the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2014/15 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) and (Lifelong Learning & Achievement)

The report details recommendations made by the Schools Forum in relation to the local schools funding formula and seeking approval of revisions to the local formula to be used to determine individual budgets for Stockport schools for 2014/15. The report also provides an update on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on the education funding settlement for 2014/15.

The Executive is asked to:

(i)        Note the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2014/15.

(ii)       Approve the amendment of the local formula for 2014/15 as outlined in 6.2. of the report and summarised in the table in 7.2, which will form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the DfE in accordance with statutory requirements.

(Note: this decision is exempt from call-in)

Officer contact: Steve Houston/ Simon Finch, 0161 474 4000/ 4019, steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk / simon.finch@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) and (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider revisions to the local formula to be used to determine individual budgets for Stockport schools for 2014/15. The proposed changes had been considered by the Schools Forum and their recommendation was set out in the report. The report also provided an update on the key announcements made by the Department for Education on the education funding settlement for 2014/15.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Education Funding Settlement for 2014/15 be noted.

(2) That the amendment of the local school funding formula for 2014/15 as outlined in 6.2 of the report and summarised in the table in 7.2, which would form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the Department for Education in accordance with statutory requirements, be approved.

To consider a report of the Living Wage Task and Finish Group.

At the Council Meeting of the 25th April 2013 a decision was supported by all members of political parties to support the development of the Councils consideration of the Living Wage. The Council Meeting requested that an all-party ‘Task and Finish’ group be formed to consider the implementation of a Living Wage policy.

This report provides an overview of the process undertaken by the Task and Finish group in considering local implementation of the Living Wage and makes a series of recommendations in relating to implementing the Living Wage for Stockport Council and School employees.

Executive is asked to agree to:

·         Implement the Living Wage at the rate of £7.65per hour for all Council and School employees with effect of the 1st April 2014;

·         Pay the Living wage as a supplement to employees currently paid below the rate set;

·         Increasing the Living Wage supplement in line with the annual calculation produced by the Living Wage Foundation;

·         Implement the steps outlined in paragraph 4.5 to support employees ahead of the implementation of the Living Wage.

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

A report of the Living Wage ‘Task and Finish’ Group was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive Meeting with an update on progress in taking forward the Council Meeting decision of 25 April 2013 to establish an all-party group to consider the implications of the local implementation of the Living Wage. The report made a series of recommendations relating to the Living Wage for Stockport Council and school employees.

Councillors Alexander Ganotis and Syd Lloyd, members of the ‘Task and Finish’ Group, attended the meeting to present the report and recommendations. They both paid tribute to the other members of the group for their contribution, and to the officers who had supported the Group.

RESOLVED – (1) That the following measures be agreed:

·        the implementation of the Living Wage at the rate of £7.65 per hour for all Council and school employees with effect from 1 April 2014;

·        that the Living wage be paid as a supplement to employees currently paid below the rate set;

·        the Living Wage supplement be increased in line with the annual calculation produced by the Living Wage Foundation; and,

·        the steps outlined in paragraph 4.5 of the report be implemented to support employees ahead of the implementation of the Living Wage.

(2) That the gratitude of the Executive be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by councillors and officers involved in the Living Wage ‘Task and Finish Group’.

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

The Council Meeting approved the Council’s existing Medium Term Financial Strategy on 5 March 2013. The purpose of this report is to review and update the existing strategy in support of the 2014/17 Medium Term Financial Plan and, in particular, the 2014/15 budget setting process.

A review of the existing strategy is timely given that the Council intends to set out new investment priorities for the period 2014 to 2020 and will soon embark on the development of a new programme which will need to identify and implement savings in excess of £40m by 2016/17.

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

(Note: this decision is exempt from call-in)

Officer contact: Andrew Moran, 0161 474 4086, Andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an updated Medium Term Financial Strategy that would support the development of the Medium Term Financial Plan and the 2014/15 budget setting process.

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

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

The purpose of this report is to review and update the Council’s Capital Strategy to support investment plans and priorities for the remainder of the decade.  The revised Capital Strategy is included at Appendix One and the associated Equalities Impact Assessment is included at Appendix Two.

The Leader’s report considered at the Executive Meeting on 1 October 2013, set out the principles/rationale behind the Investing in Stockport programme, incorporating a number of initiatives to deliver sustainable reform and growth. The capital strategy included in the attached report will provide the framework for developing our investment plans for the remainder of the decade.

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting adopts the attached Capital Strategy

(Note: this decision is exempt from call-in)

Officer contact: Andrew Moran, 0161 474 4086, andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider an updated Capital Strategy that would provide a framework for developing the investment plans and priorities for the remainder of the decade linked to the ‘Investing in Stockport’ Programme.  An Equalities Impact Assessment had also been submitted.

Executive councillors commended the approach being adopted by the Council to use the facilities available to it to invest in opportunities for jobs and growth for the benefit of the residents of the borough.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the updated Capital Strategy.

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

Following the announcement of the 2014/15 and 2015/16 local government finance settlement on 18 December 2013, this report updates the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2014/15 to 2016/17 taking as its starting point the position set out in the previous report considered by the Executive at its meeting on 17 December 2013.

The report will inform the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2014/15 and a longer term forecast moving into the next Comprehensive Spending Review period up to 2016/17.

At this stage the best estimate of the reductions necessary to bring forecast spending down to match likely resource levels suggests that further budget proposals of around £0.879m are required for 2014/15 and that the cumulative on-going savings requirement will be £23.186m for 2015/16 and £40.984m for 2016/17.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         note the details of the 2014/15 and 2015/16 local government finance settlement, in particular, the authority’s Settlement Funding Assessment figures;

·         note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2014/15 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 in Section 4 of the report;

·         note the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2014/15 of £0.879m, £23.186m for 2015/16 and £40.984m for 2016/17.

(Note: this decision is exempt from call-in)

Officer contact: Andrew Moran, 0161 474 4086, andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive Meeting on forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2014/15 to 2016/17 following the announcement of the 2014/15 and 2015/16 local government finance settlement on 18 December 2013. The report would inform the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2014/15 and a longer term forecast moving into the next Comprehensive Spending Review period up to 2016/17.

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) reported that since publication of the report the Government had published the final settlement for 2014/15 that included around £12,000 of additional Revenue Support Grant for the Council. This would mean that the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2014/15 would reduce from £0.879m to £0.867m, but would remain at £23.186m for 2015/16 and £40.984m for 2016/17.

RESOLVED - That

•   the details of the 2014/15 and 2015/16 local government finance settlement, in particular, the authority’s Settlement Funding Assessment figures be noted;

•   the financial forecasts 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;

•   the indicative budget adjustments as set out in Section 4 of the report be approved; and,

•   the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2014/15 of £0.867m (revised), £23.186m for 2015/16 and £40.984m for 2016/17 be noted.

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

The proposals set out in this report take as their starting point the updated forecasts and indicative spending plans contained in the report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (‘Medium Term Financial Plan – Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2014/15 to 2016/17) which is included elsewhere on the agenda.

In this report the Executive endorses those forecasts and proposes further adjustments, the main items being a council tax freeze and a substantial highways investment programme. The report includes for consideration by the Council a revenue budget for 2014/15, updated forecasts for 2015/16 and 2016/17 and a capital programme for 2014/15 to 2016/17.

The Executive is recommended to approve amendments to the schedule of Fees and Charges for 2014/15 as set out in Annex One.

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

·      agrees the Budget for 2014/15 as described in the report and set out in Appendix Three;

·      notes and comments upon the financial forecasts for 2015/16 to 2016/17 (Appendix Four), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the continuing financial challenges facing the Council;

·      passes the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax Freeze for Council services as illustrated at Appendix Ten;

·      approves the new capital scheme for the Highways Investment Programme, including the additional prudential borrowing of £22.619m over the three year capital programme and a borrowing requirement of £75.125m over the full eight-year programme, as set out at Appendix Seven, together with the means of contributing to the capital financing charges ;

·      approves the virement of the £2m recurrent unsupported borrowing for Invest to Save Footways from Communities and Sustainability Portfolio to Economic Development and Regeneration Portfolio as part of the Highways Investment Programme;

·      approves the additional prudential borrowing of £3.6m in 2014/15 required for the Leisure Strategy to support the new leisure facility at Brinnington;

·      approves the 2014/15 to 2016/17 capital programme and the funding arrangements set out at Appendix Eight;

·      approves the prudential indicators set out in Appendix Nine;

·      approves the work being carried out on the development of capital projects to enable the Executive to be able to review revise and extend its capital programme during 2014/15; and

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

(Note: this decision is exempt from call-in)

Officer contact: Andy Moran, 0161 474 4086, Andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the Executive’s proposed Revenue Budget for 2014/15, Capital Programme for 2014/15 to 2016/17 and Medium Term Financial Plan for 2014/15. The proposals set out in the report took as their starting point the updated forecasts and indicative spending plans contained in the ‘Medium Term Financial Plan – Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2014/15 to 2016/17’ (see Minute 15 above).

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) reported that since publication of the report the Government had published the final settlement for 2014/15 that included around £12,000 of additional Revenue Support Grant for the Council. The increase in Revenue Support Grant would be balanced by a reduction in the proposed one-off contribution from general fund balances, reducing from £1.960m to £1.948m. The change would affect Appendices Three and Four of the report and revised versions had been circulated prior to the meeting.

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) highlighted the proposed Council Tax Freeze and the substantial highways investment programme.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) commended the Corporate Leadership Team and Council staff for their hard work in ensuring the Council met its savings targets for 2013/14 without the need for additional reductions over and above those previously agreed. She also commended those officers involved in supporting the development of the budget and associated documents. The Leader also restated her offer to all political groups on the Council to take part in discussions about future service redesign.

Executive councillors welcomed the proposed Council Tax Freeze and stressed that any increases in costs for residents would be due to increases in the charges levied by the Police and Crime Commissioner and other joint authorities.

RESOLVED – (1) That amendments to the schedule of Fees and Charges for 2014/15 as set out in Annex One be approved.

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

·      agree the Budget for 2014/15 as described in the report and set out in the revised Appendix Three;

·      note and comment upon the financial forecasts for 2015/16 to 2016/17 (revised Appendix Four of the report), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the continuing financial challenges facing the Council;

·      pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax Freeze for Council services as illustrated at Appendix Ten of the report;

·      approve the new capital scheme for the Highways Investment Programme, including the additional prudential borrowing of £22.619m over the three year capital programme and a borrowing requirement of £75.125m over the full eight-year programme, as set out at Appendix Seven of the report, together with the means of contributing to the capital financing charges;

·      approve the virement of the £2m recurrent unsupported borrowing for Invest to Save Footways from Communities and Sustainability Portfolio to Economic Development and Regeneration Portfolio as part of the Highways Investment Programme;

·      approve the additional prudential borrowing of £3.6m in 2014/15 required for the Leisure Strategy to support the new leisure facility at Brinnington;

·      approve the 2014/15 to 2016/17 capital programme and the funding arrangements set out at Appendix Eight of the report;

·      approve the prudential indicators set out in Appendix Nine of the report;

·      approve the work being carried out on the development of capital projects to enable the Executive to be able to review, revise and extend its capital programme during 2014/15; and

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

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

This comprehensive report proposes the 2014/15 Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators which are constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Code.

The Council has delegated the role of ensuring effective scrutiny of its Treasury Management Strategy to the Corporate, Resource and Governance Scrutiny Committee (CRMG).  As such, the views of CRMG were sought and any opinions or suggestions made have been taken into account when formulating the Council's Treasury Management Strategies for 2014/15

An Equalities Impact Assessment has been carried out on the Treasury Management Strategy; this is included at Appendix six.

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves

·         the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2013/14 and 2014/15;

·         the Capital Expenditure forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         the Treasury Management Strategy 2014/15;

·         the Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2014/15-2016/17;

·         the Annual Investment Strategy 2014/15.

(Note: this decision is exempt from call-in)

Officer contact: Lorna 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) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the 2014/15 Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators.

An Equalities Impact Assessment has been carried out on the Treasury Management Strategy and was included at Appendix six of the report.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:

·         the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2013/14 and 2014/15;

·         the Capital Expenditure forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         the Treasury Management Strategy 2014/15;

·         the Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2014/15-2016/17; and,

·         the Annual Investment Strategy 2014/15.

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

The report seeks to inform the Executive of the submission of a revised offer from Kirkland Developments Ltd (attached as a Confidential Appendix 1) and review options for progressing the proposed retail development scheme in Marple District Centre

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

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Decline the revised offer from Kirkland Developments Ltd and approve their reimbursement for appropriate ‘planning’ costs for obtaining planning permission on Chadwick Street in return for the assignment of any outputs produced by these costs.

·         Give delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, in conjunction with the Executive Councillors (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) and (Economic Development & Regeneration), to bring forward the delivery of a retail scheme on Chadwick Street, Marple utilising the Stockport Strategic Property Partnership.

Officer contact: George Perrin, 0161 474 4510, George.perrin@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Executive Meeting of the submission of a revised offer from Kirkland Developments Ltd (attached as a Confidential Appendix to the report) for the purchase of the Chadwick Street Car Park, Marple. The Executive were invited to review options for progressing the proposed retail development scheme in Marple District Centre.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) confirmed that the report had been considered by the Marple Area Committee at its meeting on 5 February 2014 and that they had supported the proposed approach.

RESOLVED – (1) The revised offer from Kirkland Developments Ltd for the purchase of Chadwick Street Car Park be declined and that they be reimbursed for appropriate ‘planning’ costs for obtaining planning permission on Chadwick Street in return for the assignment of any outputs produced by these costs.

(2) That the Corporate Directors for Corporate and Support Services and for Place Management & Regeneration, in conjunction with the Executive Councillors (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) and (Economic Development & Regeneration) be authorised to bring forward the delivery of a retail scheme on Chadwick Street, Marple utilising the Stockport Strategic Property Partnership.

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The 21^st Annual Public Health Report for Stockport for 2013/14 has now been produced and is submitted to the Executive for their consideration and response. The Report has been published in three levels – an overview (level one), key messages (levels two) and full analyses (level three). Levels one and two have been included in the agenda. The full analyses has not been included in the agenda due to its size, but can be viewed online at http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/documents/s35926/21st%20PH%20Report%20-%20Level%203%20-%20Full%20Analyses.pdf

The Executive is invited to receive the report and request officers prepare a response to the recommendations made to the Council.

Officer contact: Dr Steve Watkins, 0161 474 2436, stephen.watkins@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the highlights and key messages from his 21^st Annual Public Health Report for Stockport for 2013/14. The report also contained a number of recommendations for improving the health of residents in the Borough.

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) commended the work of the Council’s Sustainability Team in achieving Sustainable Food City Status for Stockport.

RESOLVED – (1) That the 21^st Annual Public Health Report for Stockport for 2013/14 be noted and the Director of Public Health be thanked for the preparation of the report.

(2) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with appropriate corporate directors and executive councillors, be requested to prepare a response to the 21^st Annual Public Health Report for Stockport for 2013/14 and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Executive.

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

The report sets out the decision notices from the most recent meetings of the AGMA Executive Board and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on 31 January 2014.

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 31 January 2014.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.