Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 January 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 January 2016 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.

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

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

Four questions were submitted. Two of the questions had been submitted by a member of the public who was not present at the meeting. The Chair confirmed that, in accordance with the Code of Practice, written responses would be provided to these questions.

(1)  The first question asked why information that had not yet been published by the Council about the proposed Executive Budget and Council Tax levels was published in a political leaflet and whether it was misleading and disrespectful to Group Leaders who had been informed that proposals had not been finalised.

In response the Leader of the Council stated that the information provided to Group Leaders had been honestly given, and that because of the late announcement of the finalised Local Government Settlement her group had not been able to decide their position with respect to the budget, which had been done the previous evening. She added that the information in the leaflet referred to was already in the public domain as these were the assumptions contained in the financial landscapes report submitted to the Executive in December 2015 and Council Tax assumptions were those used by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the settlement process.

(2)  The second question sought an explanation for why it was proposed to raise Council Tax given that there was a projected £4m budget surplus at the end of this year, an additional £2m allocation of transitional funding over two years in the Local Government Finance Settlement, inflation was 0.3% and the projected funding shortfall for the 2016/17 budget was only £1.3m.

In response the Leader of the Council stated that inflation was not used in the calculation of the Local Government Finance Settlement by the Chancellor, but that calculation had been based on the assumption that local authorities would raise Council Tax by 1.75% in addition to the 2% social care precept. The budget preparations in December 2015 prior to the initial Settlement figure had not included any transitional grant element, and that this had only been announced on Monday, 8 February. The commitment of projected surpluses would not be prudent as it was not certain this would be available at year end. She stated that the Executive sought to plan a budget over two years, and that using one off resources to reduce the budget pressures would simply delay the need to make a larger saving in the future.

The Leader of the Council further stated that while the need for deficit reduction was acknowledged, she, along with many other Council leaders of differing political persuasions, felt that local authorities had taken a disproportionate burden of this policy.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance)

This item covers two reports as follows, (1) Final Update Corporate Performance and Resources Report (CPRR) 2015/16, and (2) Final Update Leader’s Report 2015/16.

The Final Update CPRR provides an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during 2015/16, including updates on key activity during the third quarter of the year.

Project updates are largely focused around the Investing in Stockport programme, and the report also includes forecast budget and performance data, along with a Treasury Management update and an update on the Corporate Risk Register. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which were considered by the last Scrutiny cycle.

The Leader’s Report highlights key areas of progress over the last quarter, including the latest on the Investing in Stockport programme. It also alongside highlights latest developments around devolution and the GM Combined Authority.

The Executive is asked to:

·         review progress against delivering the Council Plan’s Investing in Stockport outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts 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 positions for 2015/16 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6;

·         note the position on the 2015/16 budget savings programme set out in section 2.4;

·         note the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast 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 and note the forecast reserves and balances position;

·         note the forecast position for the 2015/16 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1;

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

·         approve the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3.4;

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

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

Officer contact: Peter Owston / Andy Moran, 0161 474 3274 / 4086, peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk / andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive with a report on the delivery of the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the third quarter of 2015/16, including updates on key activity during the quarter.

The Leader’s Report for the same quarter was also included, which highlighted significant achievements and areas of progress, including the latest plans for devolution to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Corporate Performance and Resources Final Update Reports 2015/16:-

·         progress against delivering the Council Plan’s Investing in Stockport outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts 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 positions for 2015/16 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6 of the report be noted;

·         the position on the 2015/16 budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 of the report be noted;

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

·         the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report be approved and the forecast reserves and balances position be noted;

·         the forecast position for the 2015/16 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted;

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

·         the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3.4 of the report 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 (Support & Governance)

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of complaints, as at the 3^rd quarter (October-December) 2015/16.

This report is structured as follows:

·         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)

·         Overview of complaints referred to the Housing Ombudsman (HO)

·         Lessons learnt as a result of complaints

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 (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive with an overview of complaints received in the third quarter of 2015/16 and outlining any lessons learnt as a consequence.

RESOLVED – That performance in relation to complaints received in the third quarter of 2015/16 be noted.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The 2015/16 Council Plan was approved by the Budget Council Meeting in February 2015. As we move the refreshed 2016/17 Plan continues to reflect the outcomes and structure. The Council Plan has been refreshed to reflect the move to the delivery phase of the IIS programme, but is also aligned with the longer-term vision set out in the Borough Plan (approved by the Council Meeting in September), and supports the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Plan.  The focus on growth and reform continues, with an added emphasis on GM devolution, along with the development of a new approach towards inclusion.

The information within the high-level Council Plan provides the basis for more detailed Portfolio Agreements and resource planning for 2016/17, along with the Portfolio and Corporate reports for 2016/17; together this information provides the framework for regular scrutiny by councillors.  Following last year’s review it is not currently envisaged that major changes will be required to the Performance and Resources (P&R) framework for 2016/17.  Draft Portfolio Agreements alongside any changes to the P&R framework that are necessary will be presented to the Executive in July, following consultation with Scrutiny Committees in June. These will provide the basis for regular Portfolio Performance and Resource reporting throughout 2016/17.

A draft Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is also included.

The Executive is asked to endorse the 2016/17 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 submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the draft Council Plan for 2016/17. The draft Plan had been refreshed to reflect the move to the delivery phase of the Investing in Stockport programme, but is also aligned with the longer-term vision set out in the Borough Plan, and supported the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Plan.

RESOLVED – That the draft 2016/17 Council Plan be endorsed and the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the Plan.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Support & Governance) and (Safe & Resilient Communities)

The report summarises the recent Education Funding Settlement announced by the Chancellor within the 2015 autumn statement outlined commitment to introduce a new national fairer funding formula from 2017/18 following consultation in 2016, therefore the current core arrangements for the Schools budget will be rolled forward again for 2016/17.

The Dedicated Schools Grant will continue to be allocated to the Local Authority in three notional blocks (Early Years, Schools and High Needs) and will be based on flat cash per pupil for 2016/17, 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 2016/17 budgets compared to the 2015/16 baseline and before the Pupil Premium is added.

The Pupil Premium grant and the new Early Years Premium will continue in 2016/17 and funding rates remain fixed at 2015/16 levels and targeted specifically at pupils from deprived wards.

The Local Authority continues to work closely with Schools Forum and the proposed amendments are the final part of the local agreement presented to the Executive last February. The proposals represent local 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)       Note the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2016/17.

 (ii)       Approve the amendment of the local formula for 2016/17 as outlined in 5.2 and summarised in the table in 7.2. of the report, which will form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the DfE in accordance with statutory requirements.

Officer contact: Peter Hughes, 0161 474 3947, peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Safe & Resilient Communities) and (Support & Governance) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider key announcements from the Department for Education on the Education Funding Settlement for 2016/17, including the commitment to a new national funding formula for 2017/18, and seeking approval, 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 2016/17.

RESOLVED – (1) That the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2016/17 be noted.

(2) That the amendment of the local formula for 2016/17 as outlined in 5.2 and summarised in the table in 7.2 for the report 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 (Support & Governance)

This report updates the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2016/17 to 2020/21 taking as its starting point the position set out in the previous reports considered by the Executive at its meeting on 16 December 2015.

The report will inform the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2016/17 and a longer term forecast.

NOTE: At the time of the publication of the agenda the final local government finance settlement has not been published by the Government. As a result it has not been possible to finalise this report for publication. The report will be published as soon as possible after the finalisation of the Council’s financial settlement.

Officer contact: Steve Houston/ Andy Moran, 0161 474 4000 / 4086, steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk  / Andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive on the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2016/17 to 2020/21 following the final Local Government Finance Settlement announced on 8 February 2016.

The Executive Councillor highlighted some of the challenges facing the Council and some the key elements of the settlement, including a larger than anticipated reduction in revenue grant and the provision of non-recurrent transitional grant funding over 2 years.

The Executive Councillor (Independence & Wellbeing) highlighted the challenge of the reduction in Public Health grant.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan - Financial Landscapes and Forecast 2016/17 to 2020/21 and update settlement figures:-

·         the details of the 2016/17 local government finance settlement and its impact on the forecasts presented in this report be noted;

·         the financial forecasts for 2016/17 to 2020/21, 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 5.3 of the report be approved;

·         the savings requirement for 2016/17 of £1.315m and the indicative cumulative savings requirement of £18m for 2017/18, £35m for 2018/19, £47m for 2019/20 and £61m for 2020/21 be noted;

·         the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2016/17 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan for presentation to the Budget Council meeting on 3 March 2016 continue to be taken.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance)

This report will outline the Executive’s response to the Medium Term Financial Forecasts for 2016/17 and beyond.

NOTE: At the time of the publication of the agenda the final local government finance settlement has not been published by the Government. As a result it has not been possible to finalise this report for publication. The report will be published as soon as possible after the finalisation of the Council’s financial settlement.

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

A joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Executive’s Revenue Budget proposals, and Capital Investment Plans and the prospects for the Council’s finances for the medium term.

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) highlighted that the Executive was proposing a 3.5% increase in Council Tax, which included the 2% social care precept, and that further proposals in relation to the use of the transitional grant funding would be submitted to the Council Meeting.

The Leader of the Council commented on the challenge of preparing the budget proposals given the lateness of the Local Government Finance Settlement, but thanked those involved for their hard work. She emphasised that the proposals would deliver the savings originally planned that would assist in meeting the Council’s future financial challenges.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the proposed 2016/17 Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Plan, the Council Meeting be recommended to:

·         agree the Budget for 2016/17 described in the report and set out in Appendix Three;

·         note and comment upon the financial forecasts for 2016/17 to 2020/21 (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 to produce a Council Tax increase of 3.75% (inclusive of a 2% increase in relation to a Social Care Precept) for Council services as illustrated at Appendix Eleven;

·         approve the capital programme and the funding arrangements as described in section eight of 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 (Support & Governance)

This comprehensive report proposes the 2016/17 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 Corporate, Resource Management & 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 2016/17.

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 develops to show how capital expenditure funded by prudential borrowing is subsequently charged against the Council’s revenue resources in the revised Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement.

Fundamentals of the Council’s investment policy, approach to creditworthiness and investment strategies for 2016/17 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 2016/17 based on current information. 

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 Six.

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves

·         The revised Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2015/16 & 2016/17;

·         The Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         The Treasury Management Strategy 2016/17;

·         The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2016/17-2018/19;

·         The Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2016/17.

Officer contact: John Parkinson, 0161 218 1757, john.parkinson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the proposed 2016/17 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 thanked 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:-

·         revised Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2015/16 & 2016/17;

·         Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         Treasury Management Strategy 2016/17;

·         Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2016/17-2018/19; and

·         Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2016/17.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance)

This report sets out the background to the review of the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy document and provides a recommended new document for publication. The Council’s policy documents relating to the recovery of debt have been in place for some time. In light of recent changes to Enforcement legislation it is considered appropriate to review the existing policies to reflect the new legislation and emerging best practice.

The Executive is asked to approve the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy document attached at appendix 1 of the report.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a revised Corporate Debt Recovery Policy that had been reviewed following legislative changes and consideration of council tax collection processes by a cross-party working group of councillors.

The Executive Councillor thanked those councillors who had participated in the Council Tax Collection Working Group.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy document attached at appendix 1 of the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance)

The Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme is used to carry out upgrade work and improvements to core operational buildings within the Council’s corporate estate. This report provides an update on progress of the AMP capital programme for 2015/16 and sets out the programme to be delivered for 2016/17 and indicative programmes for 2017/18 and 2018/19.

The Executive is recommended to:

•           Approve the Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2016/17 the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for 2017/18 to 2018/19, as set out in the report;

•           Approve the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2016/2017 to 2018/2019; with the application of funding types (capital receipts (including total achieved from the Office Rationalisation Programme) and borrowing) being delegated to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group (ESG);

•           Note that the Executive and the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee (CRMG) receives annual update reports on progress;

•           Note that CRMG Scrutiny Committee supported the recommendations at its meeting on 02 February 2016 and that members requested further information in relation to the £1m allocated for the ‘Office Rationalisation Programme’.

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

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme that prioritised the upgrade work and improvements to core operational buildings within the Council’s corporate estate. This report provided an update on progress of the AMP capital programme for 2015/16 and set out the programme to be delivered for 2016/17 and indicative programmes for 2017/18 and 2018/19.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Asset Management Plan Capital Programme 2016/17 - 2018/19:-

·      the Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2016/17 the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for 2017/18 to 2018/19, as set out in the report, be approved;

·      the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2016/2017 to 2018/2019 be approved; with the application of funding types (capital receipts (including total achieved from the Office Rationalisation Programme) and borrowing) being delegated to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group (ESG);

·      annual update reports on progress be submitted to the Executive and the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee;

·      the support for these recommendations by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 2 February 2016 and that members requested further information in relation to the £1m allocated for the ‘Office Rationalisation Programme’ be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places)

This report considers the lines of enquiry raised by the Visitors Parking Permits Working Party on 19 January 2015 and the further comments from the 16 March meeting in relation to visitor permits in residential parking schemes. The lines of enquiry were also taken to the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee on the 4 of June 2015.

Further work has been undertaken on this issue and based on the findings this updated report and its further recommendations are made to the Environment and Economy Scrutiny and the Executive Committee to progress changes to the residential parking scheme.

Based on further review of the issues the Executive is recommended to approve the following:

(1)     That any resident in a charged for residents parking zone, in possession of Leisure Key Band A, who applies for a visitor parking permit, pay £16.19 per permit from the 2016/17 financial year and that non-Leisure Key Band A residents visitor parking permit costs increase to £32.37.

(2)     That further research is undertaken to bring forward a potential virtual permit system.

(3)     That the changes be subject to a review 12 months after their implementation.

Officer contact: Ian O’Donnell/ Adam Forbes, 0161 474 4175/ 3680, ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk / adam.Forbes@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the report and recommendations of the Visitors Parking Permits Working Party relating to visitor permits in residential parking schemes. Further recommendations had been made by the Environment and Economy Scrutiny on changes to the residential parking scheme and work undertaken to address these points, which were contained in the report.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the recommendations made by the Visitor Parking Permit Working Party and the views of the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee,  

·         the Permit Parking Policy be amended such that any resident in a charged for residents parking zone, in possession of Leisure Key Band A, who applies for a visitor parking permit, pays £16.19 per permit from the 2016/17 financial year and that non-Leisure Key Band A residents visitor parking permit costs increase to £32.37.

·         these changes be subject to a review 12 months after their implementation, and

·         further research is undertaken to bring forward a potential virtual permit system.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places)

This report provides an overview of the proposals contained within the draft Stockport Rail Station Masterplan. The masterplan contains detailed background reports and a summary report which is attached in appendix A. The following sections of this report provide the key details and concepts included in the masterplan documents.

The Executive is requested to support the proposed Stockport rail station masterplan and request that officers work with key stakeholders to seek to implement the masterplan.

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

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the proposals contained within the draft Stockport Rail Station Masterplan. The masterplan summary report was attached at appendix A.

Executive councillors welcomed the ambition of the proposals for the station and the surrounding environment, noting that the station was not within the Council’s ownership.

RESOLVED – That the draft Stockport Rail Station Masterplan be endorsed and that officers be requested to work with key stakeholders to seek to implement the plan.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places)         

The Stockport Trafford Alliance Partnering Contract expires on the 31st March 2017. In 2009 Stockport and Trafford Council launched a Strategic Alliance known as the "Stockport Trafford Alliance Framework" to maintain and improve roads and highway structures within the boroughs. This was a long term partnering arrangement with specialist contractors based on the NEC3 contract, procured collaboratively by the two Councils. Stockport Council has reviewed a proposed extension by the Contractors looking at: Value for Money, Quality and Customer Care and its current and predicted highway infrastructure work programme.

The Executive is recommended to approve a 2-year extension of the alliance Partnering Contract from the 1st April 2017.

Officer contact: Pete Price, 0161 474 4901, pete.price@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive is approve a two-year extension of the Stockport Trafford Alliance Partnering Contract from 1 April 2017, for the procurement of specialist contractors for the maintenance and improvement of road and highway structures, in view of the effectiveness of the arrangements to date.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the extension of the Stockport Trafford Alliance Partnering Contract for a further two years from 1 April 2017 until 31 March 2019.

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

The report sets out proposals to change the schools admissions arrangements for 2017/18 and summarises the consultation undertaken, including the responses received. The report also sets out a rationale for the proposed changes.

The Executive is recommended to endorse the following:-

·         The Local Authority supports the reviewed proposal to change the catchment area for Westmorland Primary School, St Paul’s CE Primary School, Werneth School and Reddish Vale High School.

·         The Local Authority supports the introduction of interim criteria for an initial 3 year period from 2017/18, to be reviewed each year prior to determination.

Officer contact: Phil Beswick, 0161 474 3832, phil.beswick@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Safe & Resilient Communities) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the outcome of a consultation on proposed changes to the schools’ admission arrangements for 2017/18.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Admission Arrangements for 2017/18, the following be endorsed:-

·         the Local Authority supports the reviewed proposal to change the catchment area for Westmorland Primary School, St Paul’s CE Primary School, Werneth School and Reddish Vale High School.

·         the Local Authority supports the introduction of interim criteria for an initial 3 year period from 2017/18, to be reviewed each year prior to determination.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Executive is invited to note the decisions of the Joint Meeting of the AGMA Executive Board and Greater Manchester Combined Authority held on 18 December 2015 and 29 January 2016.

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

The Leader of the Council 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 18 December 2015 and 29 January 2016.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

On:-

(a)  Matters (if any) referred to the Executive Meeting

(b)  Any called-in Executive Decisions

There were none to consider.