Agenda and minutes

The Leader of the Council referred to the recent death of Councillor Mike Wilson. On behalf of the Executive she expressed sorrow for the loss of a dedicated servant of his community and friend to many at the Council.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 16 December 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

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. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

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

Three questions were submitted in advance of the meeting but the questioners were not present at the meeting. The Chair confirmed that in accordance with the Code of Practice a written response would be provided.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication”.

It has not been practical to provide 28 days’ notice of the intention to consider exempt information and the Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Committee has given his consent to exempt this report from that notice period.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information that was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded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 following item:

To consider a joint 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 Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides a final in-year update on progress towards delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budgets at the third quarter of 2014/15. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which are published as background papers to this report, and will be considered in detail during the next cycle of Scrutiny Committees.

The Leader’s Report highlights some of the key strategic issues and significant achievements over the last quarter, including development of the Investing in Stockport programme and the Greater Manchester Devolution Agreement.

The Executive is asked to:

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

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

·         Note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2014/15 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6;

·         Note the update on the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4;

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

·         Approve the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9;

·         Note the forecast position for the 2014/15 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1;

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

·         Note the treasury review and activity during the third quarter as set out in section 4;

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

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

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive with an update on progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget in the third quarter of 2014/15.

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

Executive councillors highlighted significant activity or issues within their portfolios during the third quarter.

RESOLVED – That in relation to Performance and Resources - Final Update Reports 2014/15:-

·         progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report be noted;

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

·         the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2014/15 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6 be approved;

·         the update on the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 be noted;

·         the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 be noted;

·         the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 be approved;

·         the forecast position for the 2014/15 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 be noted;

·         the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5 be approved; and

·         the treasury review and activity during the third quarter as set out in section 4 of the report be noted.

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

The report provides an overview of complaints, as at the 3^rd quarter (October - December) 2014/15, covering

·         Performance overview

·         Overview of Stage 1 & Stage 2 Corporate Complaints

·         Overview of statutory Adults Social Care Complaints

·         Overview of statutory Children’s Social Care Complaints

·         Overview of complaints about Stockport Homes

·         Overview of complaints referred to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO)

·         Lessons learnt as a result of complaints

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 with an overview of complaints received in the third quarter of 2014/15 and outlining any lessons learnt as a consequence.

RESOLVED – That performance in relation to complaints received in the third quarter of 2014/15 be noted.

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

The current Council Plan runs until the end of 2014/15, and a new high-level Plan has been developed for 2015/16 alongside the Medium Term Financial Plan.  The draft plan (Appendix 1) is presented for consideration and approval ahead of submission to the Budget Council Meeting.

The Council Plan sets the strategic operating context for the Council, informing all key policy decisions. As such, a detailed Equality Impact Assessment has been carried out, and is attached at Appendix 2.

Detailed Portfolio Performance and Resources Agreements will be made by Executive Councillors that set out the priorities, risks and resources that will contribute to these outcomes under each portfolio.  These agreements will include clear measures that allow the Council and residents to monitor both service performance and the steps taken to change the organisation so that it can continue to deliver against outcomes in the future.  Draft Portfolio Agreements are due to be considered by Scrutiny Committees in late May / early June.

The Executive is asked to approve the 2015/16 Council Plan for submission to the Budget Council Meeting.

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 to consider the draft Council Plan for 2015/16. The draft Plan had been structured around key outcomes rather than executive portfolios, and was complemented by the Investing in Stockport programme as the Council’s strategic delivery plan.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the 2015/16 Council Plan.

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

The report recommends the level of increase for rent and service charges for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) in 2015/16 and provides a recommended HRA budget for 2015/16 is presented.  In addition the report recommends the approval of the transfer of garages and commercial properties currently contained within the HRA to the General Fund.

The Executive is asked to:

•      Approve the appropriation of garages and commercial properties currently contained within the HRA to the General Fund on the basis that they are no longer required for the purposes for which they were originally acquired and contained within the HRA;

•      Recommend that the Council Meeting approves:

a.    An increase in the average social rent of 2.2% for dwelling rents;

b.    An increase of 2.8% for rents of shared ownership properties;

c.    An increase of 2.2% for garage rents;

d.    Service charges increasing as outlined in paragraph 3.2;

e.    A 2.2% increase in Carecall Charges;

f.     A 2.2% increase in Warden Charges; and,

g.    The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2015/16 as set out in Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Michael Cullen, 0161 474 4631, Michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the draft Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2015/16 and the proposed level of increase for rent and service charges. The report also proposed the transfer of garages and commercial properties currently contained within the HRA to the General Fund to increasing the borrowing headroom available for the delivery of future council housing.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA):

·         the appropriation of garages and commercial properties currently contained within the HRA to the General Fund be approved on the basis that they were no longer required for the purposes for which they were originally acquired and contained within the HRA;

·         the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:

-       an increase in the average social rent of 2.2% for dwelling rents;

-       an increase of 2.8% for rents of shared ownership properties;

-       an increase of 2.2% for garage rents;

-       service charges increasing as outlined in paragraph 3.2;

-       a 2.2% increase in Carecall Charges;

-       a 2.2% increase in Warden Charges; and,

-       the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2015/16 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

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

The report provides information and an overview of the Education Funding Settlement announced by central government in December 2014 and details of the Schools Local Funding Formula consultation undertaken in autumn 2014 and the proposed amendment to the local formula to be implemented from April 2015.

The Education Funding Settlement confirmed the core arrangements for the Schools budget will be rolled forward again for 2015/16 ahead of the introduction of a National Fairer Funding Formula. The Dedicated Schools Grant will be based on flat cash per pupil for 2015/16, i.e. a 0% increase, as it has since the funding reforms commenced. Schools will continue to be protected from significant budget reductions. The minimum funding guarantee will ensure no school receives more than a 1.5% per pupil reduction in 2015/16 budgets compared to the 2014/15 baseline and before the Pupil Premium is added.

The Pupil Premium grant is subject to more minor change in 2015/16 with only the primary rate increasing, however a new Early Years Pupil Premium is being introduced. The national Pupil Premium Grant allocations are now slightly above the £2.5bn commitment made by the coalition government. The funding announcements include additional funding for special education needs reform and the expected 20% reduction in Education Services Grant.

The Local Authority has worked closely with Schools Forum over the last nine months to review the local formula and has consulted on proposals last autumn. The proposals represent fine tuning rather than any significant change ahead of the National Fairer Funding Formula. It is clear however, in the context of repeated 0% settlements that the financial position of schools is becoming more challenging and this seems likely to continue. The Local Authority will work closely with all schools in such circumstances to ensure they are supported.

The Executive is asked to:

(i)     Notes the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2015/16.

(ii)    Approve the amendment of the local formula for 2015/16 as outlined in 6.1 and summarised in the table in 7.2., which will form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the Department for Education in accordance with statutory requirements.

Officer Contact: Simon Finch, 0161 474 4019, simon.finch@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider key announcements from the Department for Education on the Education Funding Settlement for 2015/16 and to approve, in light of the consideration of the matter by the Schools Forum, the local formula to be used to determine individual school budgets in Stockport for 2015/16.

The Executive Councillor acknowledged the divergent views on the proposed local formula and the concerns expressed about the possible negative impact on schools in the most deprived communities in Stockport. She highlighted that despite the changes to the funding formula, the schools serving the most deprived communities would remain at least £1000 better funded per pupil than those in the least deprived communities. It was also highlighted that the funding formula did not include Pupil Premium resources.

The Executive Councillor also emphasised that the change to the formula would be phased over two years to minimise any potential budgetary difficulties schools may experience.

RESOLVED – (1) That the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2015/16 be noted.

(2) That the amendment of the local school funding formula for 2015/16 as outlined in 6.1 of the report and summarised in the table in 7.2 be approved, to form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and that this be notified to the Department for Education in accordance with statutory requirements.

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

Following the announcement of the 2015/16 local government finance settlement on 18 December 2014, this report updates the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2015/16 to 2018/19 taking as its starting point the position set out in the previous reports considered by the Executive at its meeting on 16 December 2014.

The report will inform the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2015/16 and a longer term forecast moving into the next Comprehensive Spending Review period up to 2018/19.

The report indicates that surplus resources of £0.428m in 2015/16 and £0.230m in 2016/17 are available.  This position includes contributions from Waste Strategy and New Homes Bonus earmarked reserves which, if reduced, could return the forecasts to a balanced position.  The longer term forecast suggests a savings requirement that could reach almost £27m by 2018/19.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Note the details of the 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 2015/16 to 2018/19, 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 at paragraph 4.3;

·         Note the ‘surplus’ position for 2015/16 of £0.428m and £0.230m for 2016/17 and the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2017/18 of £15.567m and £26.896m for 2018/19.

·         Take the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2015/16 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan for presentation to the Budget Council meeting on 26 February 2015.

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) and the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive on the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2015/16 to 2018/19 following the announcement of the 2015/16 Local Government Settlement on 18 December 2014.

An addendum to the report was also submitted (copies of which had been circulated) that set out changes to the forecasts arising from the final settlement figures provided after the publication of the report.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2015/16 to 2018/19 and updated settlement figures:-

·           the details of the 2015/16 local government finance settlement, in particular, the Authority’s Settlement Funding Assessment figures be noted;

·           the financial forecasts for 2015/16 to 2018/19, 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 at paragraph 4.3 of the report be approved;

·           the ‘surplus’ position for 2015/16 of £1.085m and £0.230m for 2016/17 and the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2017/18 of £15.567m and £26.896m for 2018/19 be noted; and

·           the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2015/16 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan for presentation to the Budget Council meeting on 26 February 2015 continue to be taken.

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

This report outlines the Executive’s response to the Medium Term Financial Forecasts for 2015/16 and 2016/17. It begins by describing the approach we have taken to recommend to the Council the best use of its resources over these years.  This includes our proposed balanced net revenue budget for 2015/16 of just under £235m, and a two year plan to bring underlying spending in line with estimated resources by 2016/17. Our financial plan has been informed by wide-ranging consultation on both the detail and the principles of the approach.

The Executive is recommended to:

a)    note and endorse the progress made in developing Investing in Stockport, in response to the challenges faced, as a coherent single programme of growth and public service reform

b)   agree the final business cases set out at Appendix One for the following proposals:

a.  BC1 - Preventative Commissioning Strategy

b. BC3 - Integrated Health and Social Care

c.  BC6 - Leisure facilities

c)    monitor the further development and implementation of all agreed business cases on a regular basis throughout 2015/16 and 2016/17 in order to be assured that the organisation is making the necessary changes to continue to make key and sustainable contributions to the five outcomes from reduced resources in future years.

The Executive is also asked to recommend that the Council meeting:

d)   agree the Budget for 2015/16 described in the report and set out in Appendix Three (a);

e)    agree the Medium term Financial Plan to 2016/17 as described in the report and included in Appendix Four ;

f)     note and comments upon the financial forecasts for 2017/18 to 2018/19 (Appendix Eight), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

g)   pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax Freeze for Council services as illustrated at Appendix Eleven;

h)   approve the 2015/16 to 2018/19 capital programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix Nine;

i)     approve the prudential indicators set out in Appendix Ten; and

j)     note the risk assessment of the Budget at Appendix Six 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 Seven.

Officer contact: Laureen Donnan, 0161 474 3181, Laureen.donnan@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and the Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Executive’s response to the Medium Term Financial Forecasts for 2015/16 and 2016/17, including the proposed 2015/16 net revenue budget, and a two year plan to bring underlying spending in line with estimated resources by 2016/17.

An addendum to the report was also submitted (copies of which had been circulated) that set out changes to the forecasts arising from the final government funding settlement figures provided after the publication of the report.

RESOLVED – (1) That in relation to the Investing in Stockport - Executive Proposals and Response to MTFP 2015/16 and 2016/17 (as amended):-

·           the progress made in developing Investing in Stockport, in response to the challenges faced, as a coherent single programme of growth and public service reform be noted and endorsed;

·           the final business cases set out at Appendix One for BC1 Preventative Commissioning Strategy; BC3 Integrated Health and Social Care; BC6 Leisure facilities be approved;

·           the further development and implementation of all agreed business cases be monitored on a regular basis throughout 2015/16 and 2016/17 in order that the Executive can be assured that the organisation is making the necessary changes to continue to make key and sustainable contributions to the five outcomes from reduced resources in future years.

(2) That the Council Meeting be recommended to:

·           agree the Budget for 2015/16 described in the report (as amended) and set out in Appendix Three (a);

·           agree the Medium term Financial Plan to 2016/17 as described in the report and included in Appendix Four;

·           note and comment upon the financial forecasts for 2017/18 to 2018/19 (Appendix Eight), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

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

·           approve the 2015/16 to 2018/19 capital programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix Nine;

·           approve the prudential indicators set out in Appendix Ten; and

·           note the risk assessment of the Budget at Appendix Six 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 Seven.

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

This comprehensive report proposes the 2015/16 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators, which are constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

The views of the Corporate, Resource and Governance Scrutiny Committee were sought and any opinions or suggestions made have been taken into account when formulating the Council's Treasury Management Strategies for 2015/16.

The first part of the report details the Council’s Capital expenditure plans which are a key driver to the long-term borrowing aspect of treasury management activity and strategy; these are reflected in a number of prudential and treasury indicators. 

The report goes on to show how capital funded by prudential borrowing is subsequently charged to revenue in the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement.

Fundamentals of the Council’s investment policy, approach to creditworthiness and investment strategies for 2015/16 are included in the Annual Investment Strategy statement.

The report provides an economic commentary and interest rate forecast, detailing likely scenarios for the economy and financial markets in 2015/16. 

A key highlights report is provided which summarises the main points of the more comprehensive report.

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

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves

•   The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2015/16;

•   The Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

•   The Treasury Management Strategy 2015/16;

•   The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2015/16-2017/18;

•   The Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2014/15.

Officer contact: Lorna Soufian, 0161 474 4026, lorna.soufian@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the proposed 2015/16 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Revised Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudential and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

On behalf of the Executive the Leader of the Council paid tribute to officers involved with treasury management for their strong stewardship of Council resources.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and Revised Minimum Revenue Provision Policy the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:-

·         the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2015/16;

·         the Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         the Treasury Management Strategy 2015/16;

·         the Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2015/16-2017/18; and

·         the Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2014/15.

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

The report sets out a proposal for a joint highway coring arrangement between Salford City Council and Stockport Council. Under the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA), and in line with the ‘Code of Practice for Inspections’ Highway Authorities are able to inspect completed road works and if they deem necessary, take a core sample for testing.  Coring provides evidence that a reinstatement of the highway by an undertaker is to the quality required and in accordance with legislation. Coring is also a valuable tool available to Highway Authorities to drive a positive change in the quality of reinstatements and therefore, support objectives regarding maintaining the condition of the highway network.

If the core sample fails to meet the minimum standard of material type, construction depth, skid resistance, air voids etc. the Highway Authority is able to charge all reasonable costs (inspection, administration, core laboratory work etc.) and for further inspections associated with remedial works. Benchmarking across the North West region has identified failure rates in some Authorities of up to 70% of cores taken.

The Executive is asked to:

•   Approve a joint highway coring arrangement between Salford City Council and Stockport MBC.

•   Agree to delegate the functions set out in section 4.0 above (table of delegated functions) to Salford CC.

•   Delegate to the Corporate Director (Place Management & Regeneration) in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) the authority to approve the arrangements on such terms and conditions he considers appropriate and to take any further action required to deliver the coring work, including entering into an Operating Agreement with Salford CC.

•   Delegate to the Corporate Director (Place Management & Regeneration) in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) the authority to determine the success of the trial and extend the arrangement for up to 2 years.

Officer contact: Andrew Suggett, 0161 474 2425, andrew.suggett@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal for the Council to enter into an arrangement with Salford City Council to undertaken highway coring activities on Stockport Council’s behalf. Coring would provide evidence of the quality of highway restatement work done by other statutory undertakers. Salford City Council had a track record of undertaking this work.

RESOLVED – That

·         approval be given to a joint highway coring arrangement between Salford City Council and Stockport Council;

·         agreement be given to delegate the functions set out in section 4.0 of the report (table of delegated functions) to Salford City Council;

·         the Corporate Director (Place Management & Regeneration) in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) be authorised to approve the joint coring arrangements on such terms and conditions he considers appropriate and to take any further action required to deliver the coring work, including entering into an Operating Agreement with Salford City Council;

·         the Corporate Director (Place Management & Regeneration) in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) be authorised to determine the success of the trial and extend the arrangement for up to 2 years.

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

The Regulator’s Code has been developed by the Government’s Better Regulation Office. It is a framework for how regulators should engage with those they regulate and Stockport Council has to publish how we comply with the code. This has now been documented and needs to be adopted by the Council.

The Council also has a legal duty to publish an Enforcement Policy that sets out our approach to enforcement. Our first Enforcement Policy was adopted in 2001 and has not been reviewed. This now needs reviewing, especially in light of the new Anti-Social Behaviour Powers which gives new enforcement powers to various organisations across the Council, including eventually Stockport Homes. It is a legal requirement that all departments within the Council, carry out Enforcement in line with the Council’s policy.

The Executive is recommended to adopt the Enforcement Policy and the Compliance with the Regulator’s Code.

Officer contact Karen Dyson, 0161 474 4295, karen.dyson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a revised Enforcement Policy and a statement on how the Council complies with the Government’s Regulator’s Code for publication in accordance with national guidelines.

RESOLVED – That the revised Enforcement Policy and Statement of the Council’s Compliance Regulator’s Code be approved and adopted.

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

The report sets out an updated Contaminated Land Strategy in line with Statutory Guidance produced by DEFRA. Similar to other areas in Greater Manchester, Stockport has an industrial heritage and this has an impact on the condition of the land. Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 is the regulatory regime for the identification and remediation of contaminated land.  The lead role in operating this regime falls to Local Authorities and part of our duty is to produce a written strategy that sets out how we will deal with contaminated land in our Borough.

Stockport Council’s original strategy was formally adopted by virtue of resolution of the Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee made on the 12th July 2001 and was subject to further reviews in 2003, 2006 & 2009. On 6 April 2012, new Statutory Guidance was published requesting that local authorities update or replace their Contaminated Land Inspection Strategies to reflect this new Guidance.

The Executive is recommended to approve the adoption of the updated Contaminated Land Strategy as Stockport Council’s strategic approach to dealing with contaminated land in the Borough.

Officer contact Karen Dyson, 0161 474 4295, karen.dyson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a revised Contaminated Land Strategy that had been amended in light of new Statutory Guidance, and which would set out the Council’s Strategy for dealing with contaminated land within the borough.

RESOLVED - That the revised Contaminated Land Strategy be approved and adopted as the Council’s strategic approach to dealing with contaminated land in the Borough.

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

The report provides information about the development of a long term 20 year rail strategy for Stockport. The report has been commissioned by the Council in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester.

The report considers the existing situation with regard to rail usage, services and facilities, the anticipated changes and opportunities to influence future changes to the network, services and facilities and recommends an approach and priorities for future actions. Rail is a key element of the public transport provision in Stockport and we have approximately a fifth of all the rail stations in Greater Manchester.  At present, Stockport’s 19 stations account for almost one quarter of all rail demand within Greater Manchester (excluding the central Manchester station demand).  Stockport Rail Station has local, regional and national services including regular services to London.

The report also considers the potential for metrolink and tram/train routes within the area and the opportunities for radial and orbital links to neighbouring authorities and Manchester Airport to be improved.

The full report is attached in appendix 1 and the following sections highlight the key objectives, delivery themes priorities and actions recommended by the strategy.

The Executive is invited to approve the Rail Strategy and priorities for action.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a 20 year Rail Strategy for Stockport, developed in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, that would seek to influence future changes to the rail network, services and facilities. The Strategy recognised the key strategic importance of rail to the Borough and set out a number of priorities for action.

Executive councillors welcomed the development of the Strategy and the priorities for action, in particular the possible expansion of the Metrolink network to include parts of Stockport through the delivery of Tram-Trains, but also stressing the importance of ensuring connectivity with other modes of transport.

RESOLVED – That the Rail Strategy and priorities for action contained therein be approved and adopted.

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

The Council has a Highway Obstruction Policy which came into effect on 30th August 2012. This is an over-arching policy that deals with a number of potential sources of obstructions on the highway. As part of the Investing in Stockport Programme a New Model for Regulation was approved by the Council’s Executive on 16th December 2014. This proposed a review of current levels of intervention and the restructure of three service areas into one team dealing with environmental enforcement.

The report endorsed changes to the existing Highway Obstruction Policy which would enable the new team to focus on those areas that cause a serious detriment or hazard. This report sets out the process necessary to amend the existing Highway Obstruction Policy.

The Executive is recommended to approve the following:-

·         That the existing Highway Obstruction Policy should be amended at point 6.1 to include the following:  Investigation of cases for enforcement activity will be limited to those that are a serious detriment and/or present a hazard as determined by professional officers.

·         That references in Section 6.1 to a letter to be sent out where an obstruction does not present an immediate danger should be removed as should a copy of that letter.

Officer contact: Ian O'Donnell, 0161-474-4175, ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to approve changes to the existing Highway Obstructions Policy to reflect changes to the model of service delivery agreed at the Executive Meeting on 16 December 2014 as part of the Investing In Stockport Programme and the New Model for Regulation proposals.

RESOLVED – That in light of changes previously agreed by the Executive as part of the New Model for Regulation that formed part of the Investing in Stockport Programme, the Highway Obstruction Policy be amended at point 6.1 as follows:-

·         include ‘Investigation of cases for enforcement activity will be limited to those that are a serious detriment and/or present a hazard as determined by professional officers’; and

·         remove references to a letter to be sent out where an obstruction does not present an immediate danger and reference to a copy of that letter.

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

This Pay Policy Statement (the ‘statement’) sets out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.  The policy also has due regard for the associated statutory guidance including supplementary guidance issued in February 2013 and the Local Government Transparency code 2014.

The purpose of the statement is to provide transparency with regard to the Council’s approach to setting the pay of its employees (excluding teaching staff working in local authority schools) by confirming the methods by which salaries of all employees are determined; the detail and level of remuneration of its most senior staff i.e. ‘chief officers’, as defined by the relevant legislation; the responsibility of the Appointments Committee to ensure the provisions set out in this statement relating to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Directors and Service Directors are applied consistently throughout the Council and recommend any amendments to the Council.

Once approved by the full Council, this policy statement will come into immediate effect and will be subject to review on a minimum of an annual basis, the policy for the next financial year being approved by 31 March each year.

The Executive is invited to recommend to the Council Meeting that it approve the 2015/16 Annual Pay Policy Statement.

Officer contact: Laureen Donnan, 0161 474 3181, Laureen.donnan@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2015/16 that had been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the 2015/16 Annual Pay Policy Statement.

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

At the meeting of full Council on the 22nd January a report of the Chief Executive was considered which set out the proposed mechanism for the appointment of the Interim Mayor for Greater Manchester and sought approval to delegate to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Group Leaders, the task of responding to consultation on the draft Parliamentary Order for the creation of the Mayoral post

This report sets out the response to the Greater Manchester consultation exercise submitted by the Chief Executive in line with this delegation (Appendix A).

This report further seeks endorsement of the draft response to the consultation exercise undertaken by the Department for Communities and Local Government in respect of the Draft Order to give effect to transitional measures. The deadline for submission is the 13th February 2015.

The draft response is attached at Appendix B along with the Consultation Document issued by DCLG and the draft Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Amendment) Order 2015.

Executive are asked to:

(i)    Note the response prepared by the Chief Executive, in consultation with Group Leaders, in respect of the Greater Manchester Consultation Paper

(ii)   Approve the submission of the draft response to the Department for Communities and Local Government consultation on the order to amend the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Order.

Officer contact: Eamonn Boylan, 0161 474 3001

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the response submitted on behalf of the Council to the Greater Manchester consultation on the draft Parliamentary Order that would allow for the appointment of an Interim Mayor for Greater Manchester. The report also sought endorsement of the draft response to the consultation undertaken by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Greater Manchester Agreement on Devolution to the Combined Authority and the transition to a directly elected Mayor:

·           the response prepared by the Chief Executive, in consultation with Group Leaders, in respect of the Greater Manchester Consultation Paper be noted; and

·           approval be given to the submission of the draft response to the Department for Communities and Local Government consultation on the Order to amend the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Order.

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

The Executive is invited to appoint Councillor Sheila Bailey to replace Councillor Andrew Verdeille as the Council’s reserve member on the Stockport Partnership Board for the period until the first Executive in the 2015/16 Municipal Year.

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) inviting the Executive to consider a nomination for a replacement reserve member of the Stockport Partnership Board following the resignation of Cllr Andrew Verdeille from this position.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Sheila Bailey be appointed as one of the Council’s reserve members on the Stockport Partnership Board for the period until the first Executive Meeting in the 2015/16 Municipal Year.

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

The Executive is invited to note the decisions of the Joint AGMA Executive/ GMCA Board and the GMCA Board meetings held on 19 December 2014.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority & AGMA Executive Board Joint Meeting and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meetings held on 19 December 2014.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Council has been asked to consider whether it wishes to provide support to the Stockport and Cheadle & Marple Colleges, both of which are undertaking major change programmes which have significant capital and revenue financial implications.

The confidential report from council officers contains details regarding the position of the two colleges and the support the Executive may wish to approve, including a short term secured loan to the Cheadle and Marple College. It also recommends that an external organisation be commissioned to provide an independent view to the Council of the benefits and risks associated with the provision of financial and other support.

The Executive is recommended to:

(i)    agree that the discussions with the Colleges proceed as outlined above, and that short term secured loan finance be provided to Cheadle and Marple College as detailed in the confidential report; and

(ii)   endorse the proposal to secure external support to provide independent advice, capacity and financial expertise on proposed work to review the financial sustainability of the FE and HE Sector linked with assessing the best opportunities for developing a successful long term partnership which contributes significantly to the Council’s strategic priorities.

Officer contact: Steve Houston, 0161 474 4000, steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk

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

The Executive Councillor (Corporate, Customer & Community Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal to provide support to Cheadle & Marple and Stockport Colleges, both of which were undertaking major change programmes which had significant capital and revenue financial implications. The proposal included the provision of a short term secured loan to the Cheadle and Marple College, and a recommendation that an external organisation be commissioned to provide an independent view to the Council of the benefits and risks associated with the provision of financial and other support.

RESOLVED – That:

·         discussions with the Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College and Stockport College be authorised to proceed as outlined in the report, and that short term secured loan finance be provided to Cheadle and Marple College as detailed in the exempt report; and

·         endorsement be given to the proposal to secure external support to provide independent advice, capacity and financial expertise on proposed work to review the financial sustainability of the FE and HE Sector linked with assessing the best opportunities for developing a successful long term partnership which contributed significantly to the Council’s strategic priorities.