Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 March 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

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 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.

(1)  The first question sought assurance that the Jim Fearnly Bridge over the River Goyt would remain and be renovated or rebuilt in its current location if that became necessary, given that the 2004 and 2006 plan for the A6-M60 bypass do not feature the bridge nor the paths to it.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) stated that while the bridge in question was a Council owned structure it was not a Public Right of Way. Any replacement or rebuilding of the structure would need to be considered in the context of the Council’s overall capital programme, and any possible impact on the bridge of any proposals for the A6-M60 relief road scheme would need to be considered and factored into the scheme development process. It was likely that the cost of such a structure would be approximately £1m. It was further stated that a new bridge over the River Goyt into Woodbank Park was being constructed as part of the Town Centre Access package.

(2)  The second question sought confirmation of when the A6-M60 Relief Road Feasibility Study Stage 2, including appendices and plans, would be made available to the public.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) stated that the study was still ongoing but the findings would be made available when the matter was reported to Scrutiny.

(3)  The third question requested that a copy of the Geo-environmental Interpretative Report completed by Faber Maunsell in October 2005 as part of work on the previous SEMMMS Relief Road Scheme, given the proximity of the route of the proposed A6-M60 Bypass to a gravel quarry; disused mine shafts; the possible construction of a tunnel along the Red Rock Fault that experienced a tremor of 3.9 on the Richter Scale in 2002; poor ground conditions being cited as causing, in part, for the delay in completion of A6MARR scheme. Previous Freedom of Information requests to the Council had failed to lead to the release of the document and it had been suggested that it may have been ‘thrown away’.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) stated that the document had not been ‘thrown away’ but was not available, and that the company that had produced had ceased to exist. In response to the concerns raised in the question it was stated no geological survey was part of the development of the Outline Business Case for the A6-M60 relief road but in the event of agreement to move forward with the scheme then appropriate assessments would be undertaken.

(4)  The fourth question sought clarification on how the projected seven-month delay in completion of the A6-to-Airport Relief Road would be funded and whether any extra cost would be borne by taxpayers; and if this was to be found from contingency funds, what would this money have been used for if not for the delay in the relief road?

In response the Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) confirmed that the overall budget for the scheme was £290m and that remained unchanged.

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 following agenda item in the event that the content of this appendix needing to be discussed:-

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

As part of the Scrutiny Work Programme approved by the Council, the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee decided to conduct a scrutiny review in respect to Children’s Mental Health. The Committee were aware that the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee conducted a similar review in 2013/2014 and consequently determined that the review would very much focus on the support provided to children and young people in schools.

The report sets out the final recommendations for consideration by the Executive.

The Executive is recommended to receive the report and request officers to prepare a formal response.

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

The Lead Councillor (Councillor Paul Porgess) of the Scrutiny Review “Improving Children’s Mental Health” attended the meeting to present the final report of the Review (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from executive councillors.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Corporate Director for People be requested to prepare a response to the “Improving Children’s Mental Health” Scrutiny Review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Executive.

(2) That the gratitude of the Executive be recorded for the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel “Improving Children’s Mental Health” and others involved in the Review.

To consider a report of the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

This is the final report of the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee’s review of the role of community pharmacy in the wider health and care system in Stockport, exploring opportunities for closer working and even integration with other partners, particularly in relation to prevention and self-care.

The Review involved both commissioners (NHS England, Stockport CCG, Stockport Council) and providers (through representatives of Greater Manchester Local Pharmacy Committee).

The Executive is invited to receive the report and request the Director of Public Health to prepare a response to the recommendations contained therein in so far as they relate to the Council’s responsibilities.

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

The Lead Councillor (Councillor John Wright) of the Scrutiny Review “Making the most of Community Pharmacy” attended the meeting to present the final report of the Review (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from executive councillors.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Director of Public Health, in conjunction with NHS partners, be requested to prepare a response to the “Making the most of Community Pharmacy” Scrutiny Review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Executive.

(2) That the gratitude of the Executive be recorded for the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel “Making the most of Community Pharmacy” and others involved in the Review.

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

On the 13 September 2016, extreme rainfall events significantly affected Stockport, with the borough receiving approximately 44% of its total monthly rainfall in just one day. Leading up to this day Stockport had experienced a period of warm dry weather and as a result ground conditions were not saturated and water levels within the local watercourses were quite low. However, the volume and intensity of rainfall overloaded the local drainage system, causing surface water flooding throughout large parts of the borough.  This report presents the various aspects of the flood events in September and incorporates a draft Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act.

The Executive is recommended to approve the Final Section 19 September 2016 Flood Investigation Report included in Appendix A.

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

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the outcome of an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the flooding that took place in parts of Stockport on 13 September 2016. The report identified recommendations for action that would seek to minimise the effect of future flooding incidents.

RESOLVED – That the draft Final Section 19 September 2016 Flood Investigation Report into flooding that took place on 13 September 2016, as set out at Appendix A of the report, be approved.

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

This report seeks approval for short term investment in the Council’s leisure centre portfolio in 2017/18:

•   Investment of £1.545m to address priority condition issues which need to be carried out as planned works in 2017/18.

•   Establishment of a contingency fund of £0.543m to facilitate the procurement of works to rectify failures which could cause problems for business continuity at leisure centres.

The Executive is asked to:

·        Approve investment of £1.545m to address high priority condition issues as part of the Asset Management Plan capital programme.

·        Approve the creation of a contingency facility of £0.543m to address risks to business continuity as part of the Asset Management Plan capital programme.

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

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 proposals for short term investment in the Council’s leisure centre portfolio, the aim of which was to address priority condition issues at these facilities that may affect the business continuity.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Leisure Estate investment requirements for 2017/18:-

·           the investment of £1.545m to address high priority condition issues as part of the Asset Management Plan capital programme be approved;

·           the creation of a contingency facility of £0.543m to address risks to business continuity as part of the Asset Management Plan capital programme be approved; and

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

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

This report provides an update on work to improve air quality in Stockport and Greater Manchester including:

·         The current air quality action plan progress report and actions, which need to be undertaken, to progress the delivery of the action plan including the creation of an Air Quality Steering Group for Stockport.

·         The outcomes and proposed actions in Stockport of the air quality monitoring review carried out by Transport for Greater Manchester.

·         The forthcoming Manchester Air Quality Day and plans to have events in Stockport.

The Executive is recommended to:-

·         support the improvements to the Air Quality Monitoring Network in the Borough as set out in this report.

·         authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration to establish a steering group and to settle the group’s terms of reference in accordance with this report.

·         request regular updates to the Environment and Economy Committee in regard to the progress made by the Air Quality Steering Group.

·         approve the delivery of National Clean Air Day in Stockport as part of the Greater Manchester participation.

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

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive on the development of an air quality action plan for Greater Manchester; the outcome of a review of air quality monitoring in Stockport undertaken by Transport for Greater Manchester; and plans for marking National Air Quality Day in Stockport.

RESOLVED – That in relation to air quality:-

·           the improvements to the Air Quality Monitoring Network in the Borough set out in this report be supported;

·           the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be authorised to establish a steering group and to settle the group’s terms of reference in accordance with this report;

·           regular updates be provided to the appropriate Scrutiny Committee in regard to the progress made by the Air Quality Steering Group; and

·           approval be given to the delivery of National Clean Air Day in Stockport as part of the Greater Manchester participation.

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

The report sets out the comments of the Constitution Working Party and the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee on a range of issues arising from the recent review of the Constitution.

The appendices to the report contain the detail of proposed changes to the Constitution, the scheme of delegation or other governance procedures.

The Executive is invited to recommend that the Constitution be revised to give effect to the resolutions set out below:-

(i)     That the Leader of the Council should make arrangements for Traffic Regulation Orders required for the purpose of amending fees to be approved by the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing).

(ii)    That the Code of Conduct for Councillors and Officers dealing with Planning and Development Matters attached to this report at Appendix C should be adopted by the Council Meeting.

(iii)  That the Constitution should be revised to give effect to the description of arrangements for property transactions set out in section 6 of the report.

(iv)  That, in the light of the Companion Guide to the Constitution attached at Appendix B, the following reports considered by the Corporate Resource and Management Scrutiny Committee are recommended for approval by the Council Meeting or the Leader of the Council as appropriate:

·         Review of Stockport Council’s Scrutiny Arrangements

·         Individual Member functions

·         Review of Council Champions

·         Review of appointments to outside bodies

·         General review of the Constitution

·         Code of Conduct dealing with Planning and Development Matters

·         Financial Procedure Rules

Officer Contact: Celia Tierney on 0161 474 3230 or email: celia.tierney@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the outcome of a review of the Constitution and other governance matters. The reports had been subject to consultation with the Constitution Working Party and Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the proposed changes to the Constitution it is recommended that the Constitution be revised to give effect to the following:-

(i)     that the Leader of the Council should make arrangements for Traffic Regulation Orders required for the purpose of amending fees to be approved by the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing).

(ii)    that the Code of Conduct for Councillors and Officers dealing with Planning and Development Matters attached to this report at Appendix C should be adopted by the Council Meeting.

(iii)  that the Constitution should be revised to give effect to the description of arrangements for property transactions set out in section 6 of the report.

(iv)  that, in the light of the Companion Guide to the Constitution attached at Appendix B, the following reports considered by the Corporate Resource and Management Scrutiny Committee are recommended for approval by the Council Meeting or the Leader of the Council as appropriate:

·         Review of Stockport Council’s Scrutiny Arrangements

·         Individual Member functions

·         Review of Council Champions

·         Review of appointments to outside bodies

·         General review of the Constitution

·         Code of Conduct dealing with Planning and Development Matters

·         Financial Procedure Rules

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

The purpose of this report is to invite the Executive to approve a proposal to appoint a framework of suppliers to deliver Mechanical and Electrical projects, which will be submitted to the Executive for approval at their meeting on 25 April 2017.

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

The Executive is recommended to authorise:

·           awarding of a two year contract (plus two optional one year extensions) to the suppliers identified in this report for the provision of both Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) and single discipline projects on behalf of Stockport Council in relation to Mechanical and Electrical works;

·           should any of the proposed suppliers fail to enter into a contract with the Council, it is recommended to award to the next highest bidder in sequence attaining the minimum quality score threshold as identified at 5.4 above;

·           authority be delegated to the Borough Treasurer to finalise and agree the frameworks following consultation with Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance);

·           authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive or Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) of subsequent call-off contracts under the frameworks.

Officer contact: Paul Edgeworth, 0161 218 1934, paul.edgeworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider to approve the appointment of a framework of suppliers to deliver Mechanical and Electrical projects on behalf of the Council.

RESOLVED – That the in relation to the Multi-Disciplinary Design Mechanical & Electrical Framework Contract the following be approved:

·      the awarding of a two year contract (plus two optional one year extensions) to the suppliers identified in this report for the provision of both Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) and single discipline projects on behalf of Stockport Council in relation to Mechanical and Electrical works;

·      in the event of any of the proposed suppliers fail to enter into a contract with the Council, it is recommended to award to the next highest bidder in sequence attaining the minimum quality score threshold as identified at 5.4 above;

·      authorisation be delegated to the Borough Treasurer to finalise and agree the frameworks following consultation with Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance); and

·      authorisation be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive or Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) of subsequent call-off contracts under the frameworks.

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

To note the decisions of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee held on 17 March and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meetings held on 31 March 2017.

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 Transport for Greater Manchester Committee held on 17 March; the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meetings held on 31 March 2017.

The Leader of the Council highlighted decisions relating to the allocation of Local Growth funding to Stockport for A6 improvement; the first allocation for a Stockport based scheme from the Housing Investment Fund, and the second phase of the Greater Manchester Spatial Fund had been delayed until September 2017 due in part to the significant levels of feedback to phase 1 and the need to ensure a thorough response to that engagement.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Executive Decisions

(Executive Decision Record and report enclosed)

The Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 4 April 2017 considered the call-in of decision ED1899 “Constitutional Review – Area Committees” and referred the decision back to the Executive to reconsider its final recommendation.

The Executive is asked to reconsider its previous decision in relation to its recommendation to the Council Meeting that the name of the Marple Area Committee be changed to the ‘Marple and High Lane Area Committee’ and the Werneth Area Committee be changed to the ‘Bredbury, Romiley and Woodley Area Committee’.

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

A report of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance was submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to reconsider its previous decision (ED1899) in relation to its recommendation to the Council Meeting that the name of the Marple Area Committee be changed to the ‘Marple and High Lane Area Committee’ and the Werneth Area Committee be changed to the ‘Bredbury, Romiley and Woodley Area Committee’.

RESOLVED – That the referral from the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee be noted, and not withstanding that the view of the Executive is that the original decision was correct, that affected Area Committees be consulted on the proposed changes to their names.