Agenda and minutes

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.

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)

Please Note: Due to the start time of this meeting Public Questions will need to be submitted by 2.30pm on Wednesday 16 December 2015.

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

One question had been submitted in advance of the meeting by a member of the public who was not present at the meeting. The Chair confirmed that, in accordance with the Code of Practice a written response would be provided.

To consider reports of the Leader of the Council and the Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor (Support & Governance)

This suite of three reports presents 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 budget reports considered at the Council Meeting on 26 February 2015) and outlines the Executive’s proposals about how the Council seeks to meet the spending requirements set out in those forecasts, including a separate report on the integration of health and social care.

The information contained in these reports will inform the Council’s approach to contributing to shared outcomes set out in the Investing in Stockport Plan 2015-2020 and annual Council Plans, as well as the approach to be taken to delivering a balanced and sustainable budget for 2016/17 and making appropriate preparations for future years.

Officer contact: Steve Houston/ Laureen Donnan, 0161 474 3180, steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk / Laureen.donnan@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a series of reports (copies of which had been circulated) relating to the forecasts for the Council’s finances and inviting the Executive to agree its response to these financial challenges.

The first report set out the forecasts for period 2016/17 to 2020/21 taking as its starting point the position set out in the budget reports considered at the Executive Meeting on 18 August 2015. The forecasts had been updated and reflected a review of underlying assumptions as well as policy announcements made in the recent spending review and autumn statement.

At this stage, it was estimated that £5m of resources could be available on a one-off basis to support the implementation of the current savings plan.  The indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2017/18 was forecast to be £13.1m, £30.1m for 2018/19 rising to £58.5m by 2020/21.

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) emphasised that there were a number of assumptions within the report where detail was awaited from the Government, particularly in relation to the finance settlement and the possible Council Tax freeze. Further updates would therefore be required before the Council set its budget.

The Leader of the Council reported that the comments of scrutiny committees and the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee had also been circulated to the Executive.

Executive councillors highlighted specific issues within the Investing in Stockport Business Cases set out in the agenda.

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

This report presents 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 budget reports considered at the Executive Meeting on 18 August 2015.

The report will inform:

•     The deliberations around priorities and outcomes for next and future years’ Council Plans;

•     The preparation of medium term business plans covering all of the Council’s services; and

•     The development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2016/17 and a longer term forecast up to 2020/21.

The forecasts have been updated and reflect a review of underlying assumptions as well as policy announcements made in the recent spending review and autumn statement.

At this stage, it is estimated that £5m of resources could be available on a one-off basis to support the implementation of the current savings plan.  The indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2017/18 is forecast to be £13.1m, £30.1m for 2018/19 rising to £58.5m by 2020/21.

The Executive is recommended to:

·      Note the recent results of the Comprehensive Spending Review set out in section 2 and their potential impact on spending and the forthcoming local government finance settlement;

·      Note, and comment upon as appropriate, 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;

·      Approve the adjustments to the medium term financial plan set out in the tables at paragraphs 3.2 and 4.2;

·      Note the forecast of one-off available resources of c£5m to support the Investing in Stockport Programme and the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2017/18 of £13.1m, £30.1m for 2018/19 rising to £58.5m by 2020/21 along with the sensitivity analysis included at Appendices One and Three;

·      Take the steps necessary to ensure a balanced budget for 2016/17 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan is presented to the Budget Council meeting on 3 March 2016.

Officer contact: Andy Moran, 0161 474 4086, Andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan – Financial Landscape and Forecast 2016/17 to 2020/21 report

·                the recent results of the Comprehensive Spending Review set out in section 2 of the report and their potential impact on spending and the forthcoming local government finance settlement 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 adjustments to the Medium Term Financial Plan set out in the tables at paragraphs 3.2 and 4.2 of the report be approved;

·                the forecast of one-off available resources of c£5m to support the Investing in Stockport Programme and the indicative cumulative savings requirement for 2017/18 of £13.1m, £30.1m for 2018/19 rising to £58.5m by 2020/21 along with the sensitivity analysis included at Appendices One and Three of the report be approved;

·                the Corporate Leadership Team continue to take the steps necessary to ensure a balanced budget for 2016/17 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan be presented to the Budget Council meeting on 3 March 2016.

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

The proposals contained in this report build upon those included in previous reports to the Executive in 2014 and most recently in August 2015. They respond to the updated financial forecasts for 2016/17 to 2020/21 set out in the report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services elsewhere on the agenda for this meeting.  That report estimates that, based on a series of assumptions and projections, there is a forecast cumulative budget reduction requirement which rises to some £58.5m by 2020/21. It is acknowledged that, following the recent spending review announcements, there are a number of elements of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and Indicative Budget for 2016/17, particularly in relation to council tax, which will have to be reviewed once the local government finance settlement has been announced later in the month.

This report follows the decision taken by the Executive on 18 August 2015 to make available for consultation, in draft form, a number of proposed business cases relating to the service redesigns.  It restates the Executive’s strategic approach to managing growth and public service reform through the Investing in Stockport programme; responds to a number of points from the Medium-Term Financial Forecast; sets out the agreed strategic context; outlines the proposals for implementation in 2016/17, and the approach to and feedback from consultation on these; sets out the workforce implications of the proposals; and suggests appropriate risk assessed use of reserves and balances. 

An Equality Impact Assessment, indicative budget proposals, and a full report on consultation activity are appended to the report.  Final business cases for 2016/17 Investing in Stockport proposals, along with updated draft business cases for 2016/17 proposals, are also appended to this report.

The Executive is recommended to:

•        agree the indicative cash limit budget allocations outlined in Appendix One and the proposed indicative budget for 2016/17 set out in Appendix Two.

•        agree those proposals that are in Final Business Case format and ask officers to proceed to implementation for 2016/17

•        agree those proposals that are to return to Executive in February 2016 for implementation in 2016/17 via the January cycle of Scrutiny Committees.

•        continue with the steps necessary to agree and reach a final balanced budget proposal for 2016/17 for presentation to the Council Budget meeting in February 2016.

Officer contact: Laureen Donnan, 0161 474 3181

RESOLVED – That in relation to Investing in Stockport: Executive Proposals:-

·         the indicative cash limit budget allocations outlined in Appendix One of the report and the proposed indicative budget for 2016/17 set out in Appendix Two be approved;

·         those proposals that were in Final Business Case format be approved and officers be authorised to proceed to implementation for 2016/17;

·         agreement be given to those proposals that were to return to Executive in February 2016 for implementation in 2016/17 via the January cycle of Scrutiny Committees;

·         the Corporate Leadership Team continue with the steps necessary to agree and reach a final balanced budget proposal for 2016/17 for presentation to the Council Budget meeting in February 2016.

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

This report in particular focusses on ambitious reforms underway across Stockport’s Health and Social Care economy and revisits the challenges and future direction of transformation across the Health and Social Care system that was presented at the Executive meeting in August.

This report provides a detailed overview of progress to deliver a pooled budget and a set of proposals for consideration by the Executive to enable future financial sustainability. In particular this report reflects the recently announced ‘Social Care Precept’ and includes a proposal for the implementation of this proposal, in the first instance, within 2016/17 and the deployment of one-off monies to support transformation.

Updated business cases for the following 2016/17 Investing in Stockport proposals are also appended to this report:

·         Integrated Health and Social Care

·         Review of Metal Health Support

·         Remodelling of Stockport Learning Disability Services

The Executive is recommended to:

•      adopt the proposals set out above (referred to as Plan D) in respect of the financial year 2016/17; and,

•      support the continued development of Stockport Together as it prepares more detailed plans to create an integrated approach to providing for the health and care needs of the local population through pooled budget arrangements with the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group.

Officer contact: Steve Houston/ Andrew Webb, 0161 474 4004 / 3808

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Adults) submitted a joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider an update on progress with developing the Stockport Together Programme to meet the challenges facing the health and social care economy in Stockport, including the expansion of the pooled budget and a set of proposals to enable future financial sustainability. In addition the report addressed the recently announced ‘Social Care Precept’ including a suggestion for the implementation of this proposal within 2016/17 and the deployment of one-off monies to support transformation.

Executive councillors emphasised the ambition and complexity of the work underway and the linkages with the devolution proposals for Greater Manchester.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Stockport Together – Integrating Health & Social Care:-

·                the ‘Plan D’ proposals set out in the report in respect of the financial year 2016/17 be approved; and,

·                the continued development of Stockport Together be supported, through the preparation of more detailed plans to create an integrated approach to providing for the health and care needs of the local population through pooled budget arrangements with the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group.

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

This report summarises the work undertaken to review the current state of the Home Care market in respect of exploring the current cost pressures the sector is experiencing and the associated consequences and risks in managing the quality and sustainability of this provision. In addition it will provide some longer term recommendations to address the wider commissioning intentions of the Council and wider partners in particular the CCG.

The Executive is asked to comment on the contents of this report and agree the following recommendations:

•        The proposed increased hourly rate paid to accredited providers from 1 April 2016.

•        Support for a ‘Working in partnership’ approach with accredited providers to support the recruitment, retention and training of new and existing home care workers.

•        Link providers to the integrated locality teams, to improve relationships and responsiveness.

•        To review and amend the current contracting arrangements to ensure a robust, responsive and proactive approach to commissioning Home care in the future, including increased levels of responsibility for providers.

•        Review the practice of commissioning 15 minute calls, unless commissioned as an outcome- based package of care.

•        To continue to review current pressures experienced by providers taking into account the final settlement for social care locally and to incorporate where appropriate the work of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services’ North West Finance & Resources Group to clarify the potential scale of the financial impact of the National Living Wage on social care budgets across the region.

•        To develop a joint strategic commissioning strategy within the Stockport Together.

Officer contact: Vincent Fraga, 0161-474-4401, Vincent.fraga@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Adults) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the outcome of a review into the current state of the Home Care market including current cost pressures experienced within the sector and the associated consequences and risks in managing the quality and sustainability of this provision.

The Executive Councillor emphasised the crucial part played by Home Care Providers in the adult social care system and acknowledged the significant pressures on this sector, hence the recommendation of an increase in the rates and working with providers to support them in a range of areas.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Home Care Services Review 2015/16 the following be approved:

·                the proposed increased hourly rate paid to accredited providers from 1 April 2016;

·                support to be given for a ‘Working in partnership’ approach with accredited providers to support the recruitment, retention and training of new and existing home care workers;

·                linking providers to the integrated locality teams, to improve relationships and responsiveness;

·                reviewing and amending the current contracting arrangements to ensure a robust, responsive and proactive approach to commissioning home care in the future, including increased levels of responsibility for providers;

·                reviewing the practice of commissioning 15 minute calls, unless commissioned as an outcome- based package of care;

·                continuing to review current pressures experienced by providers taking into account the final settlement for social care locally and to incorporate where appropriate the work of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services’ North West Finance & Resources Group to clarify the potential scale of the financial impact of the National Living Wage on social care budgets across the region;

·                developing a joint strategic commissioning strategy within the Stockport Together.

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

This report deals with the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2015/16, the setting of the Council Tax Base for 2016/17 and also presents a forecast for Business Rates income for 2016/17.

The Executive is recommended:-

·         for 2015/16 to declare a forecast Collection Fund deficit relating to Council Tax Revenues of £0.276m and a forecast Collection Fund deficit relating to Business Rates of £2.188m;

·         to approve the Council Tax Base for 2016/17 at a Band D equivalent figure of 90,697.7;

·         to provisionally approve the forecast for Business Rates Income of £93.819m for 2016/17;

·         to delegate the following decisions to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance):

·           Any decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented at paragraphs 4.9 to 4.12 of the report;

·           The decision as to whether or not to join the Greater Manchester/Cheshire East/Cheshire West and Chester Business Rates Pool as set out in section 5.

Officer contact: Andy Moran, 0161 474 4086, andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2015/16, the setting of the Council Tax Base for 2016/17 and a forecast for Business Rates income for 2016/17.

RESOLVED – (1) That in relation to Stockport Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates Billing Area:-

·               a forecast Collection Fund deficit relating to Council Tax Revenues of £0.276m and a forecast Collection Fund deficit relating to Business Rates of £2.188m be declared for 2015/16;

·               the Council Tax Base for 2016/17 at a Band D equivalent figure of 90,697.7 be approved;

·               the forecast for Business Rates Income of £93.819m for 2016/17 be provisionally approved.

(2) That the following decisions be delegated to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance):

·               any decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented at paragraphs 4.9 to 4.12 of the report;

·               the decision as to whether or not to join the Greater Manchester/Cheshire East/Cheshire West and Chester Business Rates Pool as set out in section 5 of the report.

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

The Council is required to annually review the local Discounts and Exemptions which are available in respect of Business Rates and Council Tax.

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 review the local Discounts and Exemptions which would be available in respect of Business Rates and Council Tax for 2015/16.

RESOLVED –That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the following in respect of Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts and Exemptions:

(a)     Business Rates Relief

·                That support continues for

·                CASC organisations as outlined at 3.4 of the report;

·                Not for profit organisations as outlined at 3.7 of the report.

·                That further support for Charities be limited to mandatory relief (see paragraph 3.5 of the report) and that any village shop entitlement (3.6) be considered through the local business rates relief scheme.

·                That the localised discount scheme for businesses as outlined in section 3.8 and 3.9 of the report be maintained with a review of the awarding criteria for the Town & District Improvement Scheme.

·                That organisations and initiatives which were considered to be essential for the Council to achieve its priorities as outlined at 3.10 of the report continue to be considered for business rates relief.

(b)     Council Tax

·                That Stockport’s empty property discount scheme be maintained for 2016/17 as described at section 4.3 of this report.

·                That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme be maintained for 2016/17 as detailed at section 5 and Appendix 6.

·                That the wording of the Council Tax Support Scheme be amended to clarify the treatment of Universal Credit in the calculation.

·                That Care Leavers under the age of 21 be considered as a priority group for a Discretionary Council Tax Payment as described at section 4.4. 

·                That the Discretionary Payment Budget be increased to £100k for 2016/17.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Executive Decisions

There were none to consider.