Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2014

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 March 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.

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 questions were submitted

To consider a report of the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Committee.

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, when considering the quarterly performance monitoring reports were made aware of that the rate of fixed period and permanent exclusions issued by schools was a concern and were made aware of a number of programmes which would take place in 2013-14 aimed to impact positively on the number of exclusions issued from schools. The Executive Councillor (Lifelong & Achievement) suggested that the topic of Exclusions may be one that the Committee would wish to review. The report enclosed sets out the finding, conclusions and recommendations of the Review Panel in relation to this topic.

That the Executive receive the report and request officers to prepare a response to the recommendations contained therein.

Officer contact: Stephen Fox, 0161 474 3206, Stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

The Lead Member for the Scrutiny Review on "Exclusions" (Councillor Paul Porgess) attended the meeting to present the final report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Review Panel in relation to this topic.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Corporate Director for People be requested to prepare a response to the "Exclusions" 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 Review Panel.

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

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 a draft response to the recommendations made by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance and Adult Care Services & Housing Scrutiny Committees as part of its Scrutiny Review "Impact of Welfare Reform”

Councillor Iain Roberts (Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services)) reported that Stockport Local assistance scheme (SLAS)  is working on a partnership agreement with the Credit Union which would build capacity to enable the provision of more affordable sources of credit.  SLAS is developing proposals for a one off developmental grant to enable the Credit Union to establish the necessary infrastructure to deliver this. The aim was to enable the Credit Union to be a credible alternative to loan sharks. To do this they needed the capacity to make on the spot decisions about a loan rather than taking a number of days as the current situation.  

He also reported that The Executive supported the idea of providing free Wi-Fi access in all Council and other public buildings and he had asked officers to report back to him of the feasibility of such a development.

The Lead Member for the Scrutiny Review (Councillor Alexander Ganotis) attended the meeting and welcomed the Executive response.

RESOLVED – (1) That the response to the Scrutiny Review "Impact of Welfare Reform” be approved subject to the inclusion of amendments reported at the meeting by the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services).

(2) That the Executive’s gratitude and appreciation be recorded for the work undertaken by members of the scrutiny review panel and supporting staff involved in the review.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Children & Young People) and (Health & Wellbeing).

Officer contact: Eleanor Hill, 0161 474 2458, Eleanor.hill@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Children & Young People) and (Health & Wellbeing) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a draft response to the recommendations made by the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee as part of its Scrutiny Review "Mind the Gap: Mental Wellbeing and Mental Health Services for Children & Young People in Stockport"

RESOLVED – (1) That the response to the ""Mind the Gap: Mental Wellbeing and Mental Health Services for Children & Young People in Stockport" Scrutiny Review be approved.

(2) That the Executive’s gratitude and appreciation be recorded for the work undertaken by members of the scrutiny review panel and supporting staff involved in the review.

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

Officer contact: Emma Curle, 0161 474 3542, emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a draft response to the recommendations made by the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee as part of its Scrutiny Review "Effectiveness of Stockport's Current Planning System in the Light of Changed Government Policy and Market Conditions".

RESOLVED – (1) That the response to the "Effectiveness of Stockport's Current Planning System in the Light of Changed Government Policy and Market Conditions" Scrutiny Review be approved.

(2) That the Executive’s gratitude and appreciation be recorded for the work undertaken by members of the scrutiny review panel and supporting staff involved in the review.

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

On the 1st April 2013, the Home Support Re-ablement Service returned to the Council, under the management of Adult Social Care. Age UK Stockport with an interest from Stockport MBC became a new company, limited by guarantee, called Step Out (Stockport) Ltd. The new company will deliver day services previously provided by Age UK Stockport and Individual Solutions SK.

The Day Services are currently delivered from Ada Kay and Whitehill Resource Centres and the intention is that the buildings be transferred to Step Out (Stockport) Ltd under suitable terms to be agreed which would restrict their use to social care purposes. In the event that the buildings cease to be used for this purpose the agreement would provide for them to be conveyed back to the Council. Responsibility for the future maintenance and outgoings from occupation would be met by Step Out (Stockport) Ltd.

The Executive is requested to approve the asset transfer of the buildings to Step Out (Stockport) Ltd for the purposes stated in the report.

Officer contact: Murray Carr, 0161 474 3019, murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Executive to approve the asset transfer of the buildings to Step Out (Stockport) Ltd for the purposes as set out in the report.

On the 1 April 2013, the Home Support Re-ablement Service had returned to the Council, under the management of Adult Social Care. Age UK Stockport with an interest from Stockport Council became a new company, limited by guarantee, called Step Out (Stockport) Ltd. The new company delivered day services previously provided by Age UK Stockport and Individual Solutions SK.

The Day Services were currently delivered from the Ada Kay and Whitehill Resource Centres and the intention was that the buildings be transferred to Step Out (Stockport) Ltd under suitable terms to be agreed which would restrict their use to social care purposes. In the event that the buildings ceased to be used for this purpose the agreement would provide for them to be conveyed back to the Council. Responsibility for the future maintenance and outgoings from occupation would be met by Step Out (Stockport) Ltd.

RESOLVED – That the asset transfer of the buildings to Step Out (Stockport) Ltd for the purposes as set out in the report be approved.

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

The Highgate Centre is a former day centre which has been closed for a considerable period of time and requires investment to enable its future use. A request has been received from Mossbank Homes (a member of the Stockport Housing Partnership) to acquire a lease of the building in order that they can establish a community hub and local office from which to operate their service.

In light of the level of investment which would be required to facilitate the buildings use as an office and community facility Mossbank Homes are seeking for the building to be transferred to them for nominal consideration. In return they would make a significant investment in the refurbishment of the building and take over the management and future maintenance of the site.

The Executive is requested to consider the transfer of the building to Mossbank for the purpose stated in the report.  Should the Executive not approve the transfer, consent be given to the disposal of the site for an alternative use subject to the grant of planning consent.

Officer contact: Murray Carr, 0161 474 3019, murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report inviting the Executive to consider the transfer of the Highgate Day Centre to Mossbank Homes for the purpose set out in the report.

The Highgate Centre was a former day centre which had been closed for a considerable period of time and required investment to enable its future use. A request had been received from Mossbank Homes (a member of the Stockport Housing Partnership) to acquire a lease of the building in order that they could establish a community hub and local office from which to operate their service.

In light of the level of investment which would be required to facilitate the building’s use as an office and community facility Mossbank Homes were seeking for the building to be transferred to them for nominal consideration. In return they would make a significant investment in the refurbishment of the building and take over the management and future maintenance of the site.

RESOLVED – (1) That the transfer of the building to Mossbank Homes for the purpose as set out in the report be approved.

(2) That consent be given to the disposal of the site for an alternative use subject to the grant of planning consent.

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

This item consists of two reports. The first of these is the Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) which provides an overview of progress in 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 which are published as background papers to this report.  These will be considered in detail at the next cycle of Scrutiny Committees, along with draft Portfolio Agreements for 2014/15.

The Annual Report provides a summary of key activity during the year, including any updates for the fourth quarter, along with performance and budget out-turns for the full year.

The Annual Leader’s Report highlights a number of the Council’s significant achievements over the last 12 months, along with providing an update on plans for 2014/15 and beyond. These include progress on Investing in Stockport and key decisions at GM level. 

The Executive is asked to;

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

b)        Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.2;

c)        Note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2013/14 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6 and approve the carry forward arrangements for cash limit surpluses set out in paragraph 2.5.1 and the recommended use of non-cash limit surpluses set out in paragraph 2.6.6;

d)        Note the review of the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4;

e)        Approve the approach to providing Minimum and Voluntary Revenue Provision set out in paragraph 2.6.2;

f)          Approve the approach to financing redundancy costs set out in paragraph 2.6.5;

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

h)        Approve the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 and note the resulting final reserves and balances positions including the creation of a £6.329m ‘Investing in Stockport’ reserve and a £2.885m ‘Highways Investment’ reserve as set out in paragraph 2.9.4;

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

j)          Approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.7;

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

l)          Approve the delegation arrangements for any late adjustments included in the Statement of Accounts, as set out in sections 2.11 and 3.6;

m)       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 /                  0161 474 3274, Christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk / peter.owston@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). The Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provided an overview of progress in 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 was supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which would be considered in detail at the next cycle of Scrutiny Committees, along with draft Portfolio Agreements for 2014/15.

The Annual Report provided a summary of key activity during the year, including any updates for the fourth quarter, along with performance and budget out-turns for the full year.

The Annual Leader’s Report highlighted a number of the Council’s significant achievements over the last 12 months, along with providing an update on plans for 2014/15 and beyond. These included progress on Investing in Stockport and key decisions at Greater Manchester level.

RESOLVED – (1) That the progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report be noted.

(2) That the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.2 of the report be approved.

(3) That the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2013/14 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6 of the report be noted and the carry forward arrangements for cash limit surpluses set out in paragraph 2.5.1 and the recommended use of non-cash limit surpluses set out in paragraph 2.6.6 of the report be approved.

(4) That the review of the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 of the report be noted.

(5) That the approach to providing Minimum and Voluntary Revenue Provision as set out in paragraph 2.6.2 of the report be noted

(6) That the approach to financing redundancy costs set out in paragraph 2.6.5 of the report be approved

(7) That the  Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report be noted

(8)That the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report be noted and the resulting final reserves and balances positions including the creation of a £6.329m ‘Investing in Stockport’ reserve and a £2.885m ‘Highways Investment’ reserve as set out in paragraph 2.9.4 of the report be approved.

(9) That the final position for the 2013/14 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted.

(10) That the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.7 of the report be approved.

(11) The resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4 of the report be approved.

(12) The delegation arrangements for any late adjustments included in the Statement of Accounts, as set out in sections 2.11 and 3.6 of the report be approved.

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

The report provides an overview of complaints, as at the 4^th quarter (January - March) 2013/2014. The report also compares complaints received in 2013/14 with 2012/13.

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 for the fourth quarter of 2013/14, comparisons with previous quarters and with the previous year, and any lessons learnt from these complaints.

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

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

The Executive is recommended to:-

·         approve the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2014/15, as set out in the attached Schedule;

·         ratify the nominations and appointments made by the Annual Council Meeting on 10 June 2014 in respect of those bodies detailed in final section of the attached schedule; and

·         authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next Executive Meeting on 15 July 2014

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth, 0161 474 3204, craig.ainsworth@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 nominations of representatives of the Council to sit on outside and associated bodies.

The Democratic Services Manager invited the Executive Meeting to consider nominating Councillor Keith Holloway as the Council’s substitute member on the AGMA Statutory Functions Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2014/15, as set out in the schedule attached to the report be approved subject to Councillor Keith Holloway being nominated as the Council’s substitute member on the AGMA Statutory Functions Committee.

(2) That the nominations and appointments made by the Annual Council Meeting on 10 June 2014 in respect of those bodies detailed in final section of the schedule be ratified.

(3) The Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, be authorised to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next Executive Meeting on 15 July 2014.

To consider a report of the Leader of the 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 25 April 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.