Agenda and minutes

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 January 2017 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 Interests

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)

No public questions were submitted.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to the following agenda item in the event that the content of this appendix needed to be discussed:-

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

The Final Update Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an update on progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget during the third quarter of the year.

Updates are included on delivery of policy priorities, alongside Reform Project updates. The report also includes forecast budget and performance data where this is available, along with an update on the Corporate Risk Register. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which were considered by the most recent Scrutiny cycle.

The Leader’s Report outlines the Executive’s budget proposals and highlights how the Council is delivering on its priorities. It also includes key developments and decisions at Greater Manchester level.

The Executive is asked to;

·         Review progress against delivering the Council Plan outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report;

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

·         Note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast positions for 2016/17 as set out in 2.5 and 2.6;

·         Note the position on the 2016/17 budget savings programme set out in 2.4;

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

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

·         Note the forecast position for the 2016/17 Capital Programme as set out in 3.1;

·         Approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.6;

·         Approve the use of reserves to fund the programme of replacement of car parking pay and display machines as set out in 3.2.3;

·         Approve the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3;

·         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: Michael Cullen, Steve Skelton, 0161 218 1032 / 474 3174

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) 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 2016/17, including the delivery of policy priorities, alongside Reform Project updates.

The Leader’s Report for the same quarter was also included, which highlighted budget proposals and how the Council was delivering on its priorities. It also included key developments and decisions at Greater Manchester level. 

The Executive Councillor (Children & Families) highlighted the challenges within his portfolio in relation to the increasing number of children being taken into the care of the local authority or subject to Children Protection Plan.

The Executive Councillor (Health) highlighted the importance of public health and preventative activity in reducing demand for costly interventions.

The Leader of the Council referred to the recent appointment of Eamonn Boylan, Stockport Council Chief Executive, to the role of Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. On behalf of the Executive, the Leader paid tribute to Mr Boylan for his contribution to Stockport.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Corporate Performance Resources Final Reports 2016/17:-

·           progress against delivering the Council Plan 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 2.2.2 of the report be approved;

·           the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast positions for 2016/17 as set out in 2.5 and 2.6 of the report be noted;

·           the position on the 2016/17 budget savings programme set out in 2.4 of the report be noted;

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

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

·           the forecast position for the 2016/17 Capital Programme as set out in 3.1 of the report be noted;

·           the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.6 of the report be approved;

·           the use of reserves to fund the programme of replacement of car parking pay and display machines as set out in 3.2.3 of the report be approved;

·           the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3 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 (Reform & Governance)

This report provides an overview of complaints, as at the 3^rd quarter (October - December) 2016/17.

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 (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive with an overview of complaints received in the third quarter of 2016/17 and outlining any lessons learnt as a consequence.

RESOLVED - That performance in relation to complaints received in the third quarter of 2016/17 be noted.

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

The Council Plan accompanies the budget and sets a high-level framework for decision making throughout the financial year. It is a public-facing summary document that sits above more detailed annual Portfolio Agreements.

The Plan is developed by the Executive, supported by officers, and is an opportunity to reflect on performance to date and policy priorities for the future. Priorities in the Plan are included by exception. The Plan doesn’t attempt to describe everything the Council does; only those things that are of crucial importance in a specific year.

The 2017/18 Council Plan continues to be aligned with the longer-term vision and shared outcomes set out in the 2015-20 Investing in Stockport Borough Plan. It incorporates the key principles identified by the Executive, underpinned by an inclusive vision for growth and reform. Key achievements for 2016/17 and priorities for 2017/18 have been highlighted. These have then been aligned with the five shared outcomes from the Borough Plan.

The information within the high-level Council Plan provides the basis for detailed Portfolio Agreements and resource planning for 2017/18, with progress on delivery being reported in-year through the Portfolio and Corporate reports. These will be reviewed with Portfolio Holders following approval of the Council Plan. Scrutiny Coordination Committee will also be consulted on how best to support Members in their performance management role.

Once 2017/18 budgets and performance measures have been finalised, draft Agreements will be considered by Scrutiny Committees in May and submitted to Executive for approval in June.

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

The Executive is asked to endorse the 2017/18 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, Finance & Devolution) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the draft Council Plan for 2017/18. The Plan was aligned to the Council’s budget and priorities, and incorporated those key principles identified by the Executive that underpinned its vision for inclusive growth and reform. The Plan, once approved, would form the basis for the Portfolio Agreements for 2017/18.

RESOLVED – That the draft Council Plan for 2017/18 be endorsed and the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the Plan.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) and the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution)

The report recommends the rent and service charge levels for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) in 2017/18 and provides a recommended HRA budget for 2017/18.

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

a)      A reduction in the average social rent of 1% for dwelling rents;

b)      An increase of 2.5% for rents of shared ownership properties;

c)      Service charge changes and increases as outlined in Section 3;

d)      A 2.0% increase in Carecall Charges;

e)      A 2.0% increase in Sheltered Warden and Laundry charges;

f)       The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2016/17 as set out in Appendix 1.

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

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the rent and service charge levels for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) in 2017/18 and a proposed HRA budget for 2017/18.

The Executive Councillor highlighted the most significant elements to the proposal, including changes to the method of levying charges for heating that would minimise the cost of increases for residents.

REOSLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the following in relation the Housing Revenue Account Budget and Rent Levels for 2016/17:-

·           a reduction in the average social rent of 1% for dwelling rents;

·           an increase of 2.5% for rents of shared ownership properties;

·           service charge changes and increases as outlined in Section 3;

·           a 2.0% increase in Carecall Charges;

·           a 2.0% increase in Sheltered Warden and Laundry charges;

·           the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2016/17 as set out in Appendix 1.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillor (Education) and the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution)

The report provides the Executive with an update on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on the education funding settlement for 2017/18, and also seek approval of the local formula to be used to determine the individual 2017/18 budgets for early years providers and schools in Stockport.

The Executive is invited to

·         note the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2017/18;

·         approve the amended early year’s local formula for 2017/18 as outlined in section 4.2 and summarised in the table in 7.2; and,

·         approve the continuation of the schools’ local funding formula at 2016/17 funding factor levels as outlined at section 4.9 and summarised in the table at section 7.2 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

The Executive Councillor (Education) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider key announcements made by the Department for Education on the education funding settlement for 2017/18, and seeking approval, in light of the consideration of the matter by the Schools Forum, of the local formula to be used to determine the individual 2017/18 budgets for early years providers and schools in Stockport.

The Executive Councillor highlighted the proposals by the Government for a national funding formula, but emphasised that the proposals as they were being consulted on would not lead to the fairness in funding for schools that the Council would wish.

He further highlighted the challenges for preschool and nursery providers arising from the new funding arrangements and referred to the representations they had made. The Executive Councillor paid tribute to the work done by providers and the contribution they make. However, given the funding challenges it was no longer sustainable to continue to subsidise places in this sector, and the Schools Forum had recommended that the funding rates be brought in line with government rates. The retention of a percentage of the funding for central services would provide valuable resources for providers. The Executive Councillor stated that although far from ideal, this was the most appropriate course of action.

RESOLVED – (1) That the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2017/18 be noted;

(2) That the amended early year’s local formula for 2017/18 as outlined in section 4.2 and summarised in the table in 7.2 of the report be approved; and,

(3) That the continuation of the schools’ local funding formula at 2016/17 funding factor levels as outlined at section 4.9 and summarised in the table at section 7.2 of the report be approved, to form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the Department for Education in accordance with statutory requirements.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) and Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance)

The purpose of this report is to outline the options available to the Council when setting its employer pension contribution rates for 2017/18 to 2019/20. Following the actuarial review of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), the Actuary has advised the Council of its recommended employer pension contribution rates in order to maintain the pension liability funding level over the next 3 years.

Following discussions with colleagues at GMPF, an option is available for the Council to make an advance payment of its pension contributions to GMPF over the next three years. This will result in the Council receiving a discount from GMPF on the Actuaries advised contribution rates generating a cost saving for the Council when compared to the previously reported MTFP forecasts.

The level of discount and resulting cost saving achieved by the Council is dependent upon the length of the advance payment made.

If the Council decided not to make an advance payment to GMPF, it is recommended that the Council set its employer pension contribution rates for 2017/18 to 2019/20 in line with the MTFP forecasts reported to the Executive in October.

GMPF need confirmation of the Council’s intentions in relation to the setting of its 2017/18 to 2019/20 employer pension contribution rates before the end of the financial year.

The Executive is recommended to:

·                Note the contents of the report in relation to the setting of the Council’s employer pension contribution rates with GMPF for 2017/18 to 2019/20;

·                Approve a 3 year advance payment to GMPF for its forecast employer pension contributions for the period 2017/18 to 2019/20; and

·                Delegate the final decision on the detail and arrangements of the advance payment to GMPF to the Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor for Reform and Governance.

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

A joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Reform) and the Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider options available to the Council when setting its employer pension contribution rates to the Greater Manchester Pension Fund for 2017/18 to 2019/20 following the actuarial review of the Fund. One option available to the Council was to make an advance payment of contributions to the Fund covering three years that would result in the Council receiving a discount.

RESOLVED – That in relation the Council’s Payment of Employers Contributions to the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF):-

·           the contents of the report in relation to the setting of the Council’s employer pension contribution rates with GMPF for 2017/18 to 2019/20 be noted;

·           approval be given to a 3 year advance payment to GMPF for its forecast employer pension contributions for the period 2017/18 to 2019/20; and

·           the final decision on the detail and arrangements of the advance payment to GMPF be delegated to the Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance).

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) and the Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance)

Following the announcement of the 2017/18 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement in December 2016, this report updates the Council’s 2017/18 to 2021/22 Medium Term Financial Plan forecasts and assumptions.

The report will inform the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2017/18 and a longer term forecast budget position up to 2021/22.

The report highlights that a budget reduction of £5.480m in 2017/18 needs to addressed in order to balance the Council’s 2017/18 budget. The longer term forecast suggests a budget reduction of £53m by 2021/22.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Note the details of the 2017/18 Local Government Finance Settlement and its impact on the MTFP forecasts and assumptions presented in this report;

·         Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2017/18 to 2021/22, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council;

·         Approve the updated Council Tax Base for budget setting purposes of 92,587.3 Band D equivalent dwellings;

·         Approve the indicative budget adjustments as presented in this report;

·         Note the budget reduction requirement for 2017/18 of £5.480m and the indicative cumulative reduction requirement of £20.868m for 2018/19 rising to £52.763m in 2021/22; and

·         Take the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2017/18 to the Budget Council meeting on 23 February 2017.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive on the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2017/18 to 2021/22 following the provision Local Government Finance Settlement announced in December 2016.

The report highlights that a budget reduction of £5.480m in 2017/18 needs to addressed in order to balance the Council’s 2017/18 budget. The longer term forecast suggests a budget reduction of £53m by 2021/22.

The Leader of the Council highlighted that the Final Local Government Finance Settlement was not due to be made until 20 February 2017 so that all the assumptions underlying this report and the proposed Revenue budget were provisional and subject to change.

The Executive Councillors (Adult Social Care) and (Health) referred to the updated Stockport Together Business Case appended to the report and the proposal to use unallocated resources from 2015/16 to support the Council’s contribution to the Pooled Budget for 2017/18. Executive councillors emphasised the need to dual run existing and new models of care before further changes to service delivery and resource allocation.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan - Financial Landscapes and Forecast 2017/18 to 2021/22 and update following the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement:-

·           the details of the 2017/18 Local Government Finance Settlement and its impact on the MTFP forecasts and assumptions presented in this report be noted;

·           the financial forecasts for 2017/18 to 2021/22, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council be noted;

·           the updated Council Tax Base for budget setting purposes of 92,587.3 B and D equivalent dwellings be approved;

·           the indicative budget adjustments as presented in the report be approved;

·           the budget reduction requirement for 2017/18 of £5.480m and the indicative cumulative reduction requirement of £20.868m for 2018/19 rising to £52.763m in 2021/22 be noted; and

·           the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2017/18 to the Budget Council meeting on 23 February 2017 continue to be taken.

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

The purpose of the report is to finalise the Executive’s Revenue Budget Proposals for 2017/18 and Capital Programme Investment Plans. It also outlines the Council’s financial outlook and challenges across the medium term period 2017/18 to 2021/22. The report highlights the overarching priorities and desired outcomes upon which the Executive has based its budget proposals, and which form the basis of the updated Council Plan included on this agenda.

This report needs to be considered in conjunction with the Borough Treasurer’s report on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2017/18 to 2021/22 following the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement announced by Central Government.

This report also takes account of other reports included on this agenda as follows:

·           Update of the MTFP revenue budget forecasts for 2017/18 to 2021/22;

·           Update of the Council’s Capital Programme taking account of the quarter 3 2016/17 Capital Programme monitoring and the Executive’s medium term capital investment plans; and

·           Details of the Council’s 2017/18 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy.

The Executive is recommended to ask the Council Meeting to:

·                Agree the Budget for 2017/18 described in the report and set out in Appendix 2 and 3;

·                Note the risk assessment of the Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Borough Treasurer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates included at Appendix 5;

·                Note and comment upon the financial forecasts for 2017/18 to 2021/22 (Appendix 6), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

·                Approve the 2017/18 to 2019/20 capital programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix 7; and

·                Approve the prudential indicators set out in Appendix 8.

·                Pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 4.99% (inclusive of a 3% increase in relation to the Adult Social Care Precept) for Council services as illustrated in Appendix 9.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Executive’s Revenue Budget Proposals for 2017/18 and Capital Programme Investment Plans, and the Council’s financial outlook and challenges across the medium term period 2017/18 to 2021/22.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that the proposed budget should be seen within the context of a two year programme of reform that would enable to the Council to respond to the financial challenges. The ambitious capital plan was also highlighted.

The Leader also stated that he recognised the challenge that increasing Council Tax by the amount proposed would have on residents, but emphasised that the Government’s funding decisions had been based on the assumption that Council’s would increase their Council Tax rates by these amounts.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the proposed 2017/18 Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Plan, the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

·           agree the Budget for 2017/18 described in the report and set out in Appendix 2 and 3 of the report;

·           note the risk assessment of the Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Borough Treasurer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates included at Appendix 5;

·           note and comment upon the financial forecasts for 2017/18 to 2021/22 (Appendix 6), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

·           approve the 2017/18 to 2019/20 capital programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix 7; and

·           approve the prudential indicators set out in Appendix 8.

·           pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 4.99% (inclusive of a 3% increase in relation to the Adult Social Care Precept) for Council services as illustrated in Appendix 9.

Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) and Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance)

This report summarises progress in developing our growth and reform framework, which addresses issues we want to see significant progress in – the digitisation of services; how we work with communities; how we join-up around property, problems and places; how we ensure growth meets our shared vision of an inclusive borough by 2020.   This approach is crucial if we are to successfully manage development in our Borough and protect the services that are most important to people, whilst achieving the savings that continue to be required in coming years.

The report describes how we will bring forward a programme of work, including service reforms, new ways of working and targeted investments in key priorities, that is in line with these ideas and with our ambition and the principles we have previously set out.

The accompanying updated working papers provide additional detail to that set out in October 2016. 

The Executive is recommended to discuss the issues and approaches raised in this approach and use them to inform the further development of growth and reform plans collectively and in their responsible Portfolios. 

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Governance) and Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive on progress with developing our growth and reform framework. The report described how the previously agreed programme of work, including service reforms, new ways of working and targeted investments in key priorities, would be progressed in line with the Executive’s ambitions and principles.

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) highlighted progress with the reform programme.

RESOLVED – That the progress with the development of the medium term growth and reform plans be noted and endorsed.

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

This comprehensive report proposes the 2017/18 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 first part of the report details the Council’s Capital expenditure plans and Strategy 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 Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement.

The report provides an economic commentary and interest rate forecast, detailing likely scenarios for the economy and financial markets in 2017/18 based on current information.

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves

·         The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2017/18;

·         The Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         The Treasury Management Strategy 2017/18;

·         The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2017/18-2019/20;

·         The Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2017/18.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the proposed 2017/18 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators, constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

Executive councillors emphasised the significance of the capital investment by the Council.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the 2017/18 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:-

·           the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2017/18;

·           the Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·           the Treasury Management Strategy 2017/18;

·           the Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2017/18-2019/20;

·           the Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2017/18.

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

This report seeks approval from the Executive for short and medium term investment in Grand Central leisure centre.  It forms the first phase of a programme in 2017/18 to address condition issues in the Council’s leisure estate.

The Executive is asked to:

·         approve investment of £1.847m at Grand Central to address urgent and priority condition issues.

·         approve investment of £0.970m at Grand Central to turn round business performance linked to an agreed framework of performance objectives for income generation and operations at the site.

·         approve the application of funding types being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group.

Officer contact: Peter Ashworth, 0161 474 2392, peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal for short and medium term investment in Grand Central leisure centre as the first phase of a programme in 2017/18 to address condition issues in the Council’s leisure estate. The proposals sought to address the urgent needs of the facility to ensure that it was open for use by residents to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the opening of Phase 2 of Stockport Exchange.

RESOLVED – That in relation to Grand Central Leisure Centre Short and Medium Term investment requirements:-

·           the investment of £1.847m at Grand Central to address urgent and priority condition issues be approved;

·           the investment of £0.970m at Grand Central to turn round business performance linked to an agreed framework of performance objectives for income generation and operations at the site be approved.

·           the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) be authorised to agree the most appropriate funding source for this investment.

To consider a report Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing)

The report sets out the proposed overarching contractual arrangements for the Council’s relationship with Solutions SK for the next 7 years with the option to extend for a further 7 years.

The Executive is invited to:-

·         agree the principles outlined in this report.

·         approve the intention to extend the council commissioning of services, as outlined, via SSK for the next 7 years with an option to extend by a further 3 years.

·         delegate to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities and Housing), the authority to approve the finalised Overarching Agreement, including any amendment that may arise from the Contributors Committee.

·         delegate to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities and Housing), and following consultation with the appropriate scrutiny committee, the authority to approve the individual service operating contracts as listed in Annex B.

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

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider proposed overarching contractual arrangements for the Council’s relationship with Solutions SK for the next seven years.

Executive councillors welcomed the improving relationship between the Council and Solutions SK, and the wider social benefits for Stockport of the proposed contract beyond the commercial considerations.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Solutions SK contractual arrangements:-

·           the principles outlined in the report be agreed;

·           the intention to extend the Council commissioning of services, as outlined in the report, via SSK for the next 7 years with an option to extend by a further 3 years, be approved.

·           the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing), be authorised to approve the finalised Overarching Agreement, including any amendment that may arise from the Contributors Committee.

·           the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing), and following consultation with the appropriate scrutiny committee, be authorised to approve the individual service operating contracts as listed in Annex B of the report.

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

(Note: the report contains information ‘not for publication’ that has been circulated to executive members only)

The report updates the Executive on the successful completion of the development of Phase 2 of the Stockport Exchange Project; highlights the legal and financial structures established to deliver this successful regeneration project and seeks authority from the Executive for officers to continue to manage the completed development.

The Executive is invited to approve and authorise:

·         the successful establishment of the company to deliver and run Phase 2 of the Stockport Exchange project.

·         the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration and the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration) and the Leader of the Council to take all steps to ensure that the development is brought fully into use so as to maximize the Council’s investment in Phase 2 of the Stockport Exchange.

·         the Head of Legal and Democratic Governance to undertake all steps necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above recommendations.

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

The Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider progress with Phase 2 of the Stockport Exchange project and seeking approval for the management arrangements for the completed development.

(Note: the report contains information ‘not for publication’ that has been circulated to executive members only)

RESOLVED – That in relation to Stockport Exchange Phase 2

·           the successful establishment of the company to deliver and run Phase 2 of the Stockport Exchange project be noted;

·           the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) and the Leader of the Council be authorised to take all steps to ensure that the development was brought fully into use so as to maximize the Council’s investment in Phase 2 of the Stockport Exchange;

·           the Head of Legal and Democratic Governance be authorised to undertake all steps necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above recommendations.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Executive Decisions

There were none.

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

To note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meetings held on 16 December 2016.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meetings held on 16 December 2016.

The Leader of the Council highlighted discussion at GMCA relating to HS2 and the loss of connectivity to the network that would occur following the completion of the Phase 2 link. He emphasised that the Council as well as GMCA and Transport for Greater Manchester would continue to lobby the Department of Transport about this matter.

The Leader further highlighted the extension of the consultation for the draft Greater Manchester Spatial Strategy and the significant of feedback that had resulted.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.