Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 11 February 2014 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.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

(Note: it had not been possible to provide 28 days’ notice of the intention to consider exempt information contained in this report. The Chair of the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee has given her consent to this requirement to be waived on the grounds that consideration of the report could not reasonably be deferred because deferral would mean that the Council could not comply with its contractual obligations)

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information that was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to the following item, should the content of that appendix need to be discussed:-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)

No public questions were submitted.

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

The Delivery Plan (attached) sets out what Stockport Homes will deliver during the period 2014-2015; how it and the Council will work together and how tenants, the Council and other stakeholders can measure the success of Stockport Homes in achieving its objectives. The document is an appendix to the Management Agreement between Stockport Homes and the Council and sets all the outputs of Stockport Homes, the key performance requirement of the services and includes the performance standards expected. The objectives and targets detailed within the Delivery Plan are directly in line with the Council’s Housing Strategy and aims to contribute towards the Council’s wider strategic priorities. The Delivery Plan also details the financial, staffing and governance resources required to enable Stockport Homes to deliver the services with skill, care and diligence.

The Executive is recommended to approve the Stockport Homes Delivery Plan

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 the 2014-15 Stockport Homes Delivery Plan that set out what Stockport Homes would deliver in the year and the measures of success for  achieving its objectives. The objectives and targets detailed within the Delivery Plan were aligned with the Council’s Housing Strategy and would contribute towards the Council’s wider strategic priorities.

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) stated that because the report had been brought to the Executive in advance of the start of the new financial year, following feedback about the approach taken in previous years, there remained some outturn data outstanding from the report. He recommended that the Executive delegate the final decision to adopt the Plan to himself and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration once all the data was available.

RESOLVED – That approval be given in principal to the draft Stockport Homes Delivery Plan 2014-15, and that Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration, in conjunction with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) be authorised to approval the final Plan once all relevant performance data had been received from Stockport Homes.

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

In June 2013 the Executive agreed a Council Plan for the period 2013-15, which would accompany the implementation of a two-year financial plan and savings programme.  In order to support the Executive recommendation to Council on the 2014/15 budget, a ‘light-touch’ refresh has been undertaken to mark the mid-point of the 2013/15 Council Plan.

The refreshed Plan was considered by Corporate Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee on 4 March. A full Equalities Impact Assessment was carried out for the two year plan, and this remains in place.

The Executive is asked to:

·         Recommend the refreshed Council Plan to the Council Meeting for approval.

·         Note the timescale for developing 2014/15 Portfolio Agreements.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174 steve.skelton@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 a refreshed Council Plan for 2014/15 that had been revised to take account of achievements in 2013/14. The revisions proposed were minor and the principals that underpinned the previous approved Plan remained.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the refreshed Council Plan 2014/15.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services)

The report gives a detailed overview of the proposal to modernise Adults Social Care’s approach to travel assistance provided for people with disabilities and significant mobility problems. The report also sets out the results of consultations carried out with key stakeholders.

The Executive is asked to consider the contents of this report and approve the proposed changes to Adult Social Care (ASC) travel assistance outlined to take place during 2014/15:

·      To agree the proposals outlined in the report to effect service change in relation to ASC travel assistance ensuring that people assessed as needing essential social care services are supported (as appropriate) to make travel arrangements in line with their support plan, preferences and budget.

·      To agree to reduce the block contracting arrangements with Solution SK Ltd and associated budget requirements proportionate to the downscaling of the assisted transport service during 2014/15 as service change is rolled-out.

·      To agree an increase to the flat rate charge for assisted transport from £3 per journey to £5 per journey as of 1^st April 2014.

Officer contact: Lois Hale, 07800 618305, lois.hale@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider proposals to modernise the approach to travel assistance for adults with disabilities and mobility problems, in line with the move toward personalisation. The proposals had been subject to formal consultation with stakeholders, including service users, and the details were set out in the report.

An Equality Impact Assessment had also been submitted (copies of which had been circulated).

RESOLVED – That, in relation to the proposed changes to Adult Social Care travel assistance:

•      the results of the consultation with stakeholders and service users be noted;

•      the proposals outlined in the report to effect service change be approved, ensuring that people assessed as needing essential social care services were supported (as appropriate) to make travel arrangements in line with their support plan, preferences and budget;

•      approval be given to reducing the block contracting arrangements with Solution SK Ltd and associated budget requirements proportionate to the downscaling of the assisted transport service during 2014/15 as service change was rolled-out; and,

•      an increase to the flat rate charge for assisted transport from £3 per journey to £5 per journey as of 1st April 2014 be agreed.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services)

The report set outs proposals for the future of ISSK following a request from the ISSK and SSK Boards to dissolve the company by the 31 March 2014 to save running and administration costs. This follows the decision of the Executive in January 2013 for a further review of the residual services of ISSK following the decision to bring reablement services back to the Council.

The Executive is recommended to approve:

·         that the Day Services contract is novated to Step Out and that the relevant ISSK staff are transferred to the Council and then seconded;

·         that ISSK Community Meals Service is transferred to SSK and to note that a  future review of this service will be undertaken;

·         ISSK Community Transport is transferred to SSK and to note a review of this service is being considered;

·         to delegate to the Council Solicitor the necessary authority to approve the necessary legal documents to implement the decisions identified in this report; and,

·         to request that Contributors Committee consider winding up ISSK as identified in the report.

Officer contact: Terry Dafter / Barry Khan, 0161 474 4401/ 3202, terry.dafter@stockport.gov.uk / barry.khan@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Adult Care Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the outcome of a review of the retained services of Individual Solutions SK (ISSK) following the Executive’s decision in January 2013 in relation to reablement services. The Review considered the viability of ISSK as a separate legal entity and concluded it was not sustainable. Proposals had been made as to its future and that of the services it currently provided.

RESOLVED – That, in relation to the future of Individual Solutions SK (ISSK):-

·         the Day Services contract be novated to Step Out and that the relevant ISSK staff be transferred to the Council and then seconded;

·         the ISSK Community Meals Service be transferred to Solutions SK and the plan for a future review of this service be noted;

·         ISSK Community Transport be transferred to Solutions SK and the possibility of a review of this service be noted;

·         the Council Solicitor be authorised to approve the necessary legal documents to implement the decisions of the Executive; and,

·         the Contributors Committee be recommended to consider winding up ISSK as identified in the report.

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

The report sets out the recommendations of the Constitution Working Party in relation to changes required to the Constitution in relation to:

·         Review of delegation of powers for the write-off of Accounts Receivable

·         Review of the Health & Wellbeing Board governance arrangements

·         Inclusion of the Property Transaction process in the Scheme of Delegation

·         Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

·         Street Trading Consents

·         Strategic Procurement Unit for Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale (STaR)

·         Council Meeting Procedure Rules - Questions by Councillors

·         Changes to the Public Question Time Procedure

·         Reporting and Recording of Meetings of the Council

·         Localism Act: Community Right to Bid

·         New Article to the Constitution for the Solutions SK Contributors Committee, Stockport Homes Member Committee and the Funding Committee

The comments of the Constitution Working Party and the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee are included in the report.

The Executive is invited to comment on the proposed changes and recommend to the Council Meeting that it adopt them.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth,  0161474 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 proposed changes to the Constitution in light of legislative changes and changes to the operation of the Council.

The recommendation of the Health & Wellbeing Board in relation to its governance arrangements (appendix 2 of the report) was also submitted (copies of which had been circulated).

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) reported that this would be the last meeting of the Executive attended by the Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, Mr Barry Khan, who would be leaving the Council to take up a position with North Yorkshire County Council. On behalf of the Executive, the Leader of the Council thanked Mr Khan for his hard work and wished him well in his future role.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to:

·         consider the comments/ recommendations made by the Constitution Working Party, the Health & Wellbeing Board,  Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee and the Executive in relation to the proposed changes to the Constitution;

·         adopt the proposed amendments as detailed in the report and appendices (with the exception of those relating to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules), subject to the revisions to Article 9 ‘Health & Wellbeing Board’ (appendix 2 of the report) as recommended by the Health & Wellbeing Board;

·         request that the Monitoring Officer review Council Meeting Procedure Rule 26 to ensure it reflects any changes agreed as part of the recommendation above; and,

·         agree that any changes to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules should stand adjourned without discussion to the next ordinary Council Meeting, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 24.2.

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

The report sets out the outcome of the independent assessment of the Council’s greenspace, waste collection and street cleansing (including grounds maintenance) functions so that a decision on whether or not to renew these agreements by 31 March 2014 can be taken. The report also sets out the current position around the agreement with the Council’s Highways Maintenance functions so that a decision on renewing these agreements can be taken by 31 March 2014.

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

The Executive is asked to:

·      agree to utilise the planned programme Investing in Stockport to formulate the scope of any scope of any extension beyond 31st March 2017;

·      agree that the Council should determine whether or not to renew these agreements with regard to the provision of the Council’s Greenspace, Waste Collection, Street Cleansing (including grounds maintenance) no later than 31st March 2015;

·      agree to an extension to the highway and street lighting maintenance contract for a further 12 months to 31st March 2015, with a clear and binding agreement for SSK implement new ways of working by 1st May 2014; and

·      agree, in the event that SSK do not implement new ways of working, to delegate to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) the decision to review the Council’s options with regard to the provision of the Highway and Street Lighting Maintenance in Q2 2014/15.

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

The Executive Councillor (Communities &Sustainability) submitted a report ( copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the outcome of an independent assessment of the Council’s greenspace, waste collection and street cleansing (including grounds maintenance) functions so that a decision on whether or not to renew these agreements by 31 March 2014 could be taken. The report also set out the current position around the agreement with the Council’s Highways Maintenance functions so that a decision on renewing these agreements could be taken by 31 March 2015.

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

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Council’s Greenspace, Waste Collection and Street Cleansing (including grounds maintenance) contracts:-

·      the planned programme Investing in Stockport be used to formulate the scope of any extension to these contracts beyond 31 March 2017;

·      the Council should determine whether or not to renew these agreements with regard to the provision of the Council’s Greenspace, Waste Collection, Street Cleansing (including grounds maintenance) services no later than 31 March 2015;

·      an extension to the highway and street lighting maintenance contract for a further 12 months to 31 March 2015 be agreed, with a clear and binding agreement for SSK to implement new ways of working by 1 May 2014; and

·      in the event that SSK do not implement new ways of working the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability), be authorised to determine whether or not to review the Council’s options with regard to the provision of the Highway and Street Lighting Maintenance in Q2 of 2014/15.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Health & Wellbeing)

The Director of Public Health presented the Public Health Report to the Executive on 11th February 2014 that included a series of recommendations. The attached report presents a response to each of the recommendations outlining those areas which the Executive endorses, including details how work will be taken forward in order to expedite the recommendations.

Stockport Homes have also responded in full to the recommendations of the Annual Public Health report, as detailed in the attached table (Appendix 1).

The Executive is invited to

·                endorse the response to the recommendations contained in the 21^st Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, as attached to this report;

·                welcome the response of Stockport Homes to the recommendations

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

The Executive Councillor (Health & Wellbeing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a response to the recommendations made by the Director of Public Health in his 21^st Annual Report that was submitted to the last meeting. A  copy of the response of Stockport Homes was also included in the report.

RESOLVED – That the response to the 21^st Annual Report of the Director of Public Health as set out in the report be approved.

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 28 February 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 28 February 2014.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee and Adult Care Services & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Welfare Reform Act brings about a significant overhaul of the way in which benefits are administered and allocated. The diverse scope of the Act cuts across council portfolios and has implications for a range of council services, partner agencies and residents.

The Adult Care Services and Housing Scrutiny Committee, and Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee agreed to carry out a joint scrutiny review on the impact of Welfare Reform. The decision to carry out a joint scrutiny review was taken in order to enable co-ordinated and holistic consideration of the impact of welfare changes on service providers and residents.

The Review makes a number of recommendations intended to support and further develop the good work already underway

The Executive is invited to receive the report and prepare a response to the recommendations contained therein.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) invited the Executive Meeting to receive the Final Report of the Adult Social Care & Housing and the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance scrutiny committees’ joint Review “Impact of Welfare Reform”.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Service be requested to prepare a response to the “Impact of Welfare Reform” Scrutiny Review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Executive Meeting.

(2) That the gratitude of the Executive be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the “Impact of Welfare Reform” Scrutiny Review Panel and others involved in the review.

To consider a report of the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee.

The existing Planning system in Stockport, including the Council’s Development Management process, team structure has undergone considerable changes in recent years. Prior to the economic downturn the Development Management and Planning Policy services were developed with a focus on a high quality customer orientated service and capacity was built up to support this. Since then there have been significant changes which have impacted on the service:

·         Economic Downturn and impact on Planning Applications

·         Removal of Planning Delivery Grant

·         National Planning Performance Framework

·         Growth and Infrastructure Act

The changing policy and market conditions present unique challenges for the Council and means that Stockport needs to ensure its current planning system remains as effective as possible within the context of officer capacity, development and community priorities. 

Given the scale of national planning policy changes, the stage policy reforms are at and the intrinsic link between national and local planning policy, this Scrutiny Review focussed specifically on local planning processes and in particular its schedule of delegation and committee system.

The Executive is invited to receive the report and request that officers prepare a response to the recommendations contained therein.

Officer contact: Holly Rae, 0161 474 314, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) invited the Executive Meeting to consider the Final Report of the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee’s review “Effectiveness of Stockport’s current planning system in light of the changed Government policy and market conditions”.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to prepare a response to the “Effectiveness of Stockport’s current planning system in light of the changed Government policy and market conditions” Scrutiny Review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Executive Meeting.

(2) That the gratitude of the Executive be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the “Effectiveness of Stockport’s current planning system in light of the changed Government policy and market conditions” Scrutiny Review Panel and others involved in the review.