Agenda and minutes

The Leader of the Council referred to the recent mass shooting in Orlando, United States, and invited the Executive and those present to stand for a minute’s silence in memory of the 49 people killed.

The Leader then made a statement in relation to the recent flooding that had taken place in Stockport. He acknowledged that this had been an extremely rare occurrence, and paid tribute to Council officers and staff from partner agencies for their response to the situation. In particular, the Leader paid tribute to those residents affected by the floods for their forbearance and resilience at this difficult time.

The Leader also confirmed that an review of preparedness for flooding would be undertaken, to examine the causes and determine what more could have been done to minimise the impact, with a view to making recommendations on any changes to Council policies or procedures. He also gave an undertaking for any interim findings from the Review to be reported to the next Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee on 7 July 2016.

The Executive Councillor (Health) also confirmed that investigations were taking place to determine whether any contamination of water supplied had occurred. The Executive Councillor stated that indicators were that water was safe, but gave an assurance that any affected residents would be notified if there were any cause for concern.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 24 April 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.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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.

One public question was submitted in relation to recent flooding in Stockport, seeking assurances from the Leader of the Council that a multi-agency investigation would be undertaken to address why homes were flooded; was everything done that could have been done to protect people and property; what needs to be done to prevent a recurrence; and whether a full report would be submitted to the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee on 7 July 2016.

In response, the Leader of the Council referred to his earlier statement, and reiterated that an update would be provided to the next Scrutiny Committee as suggested, although the Review might not be completed. He confirmed that the issues raised in the question would be addressed by the Review.

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 following agenda items  that had ‘not for publication’ information contained within their appendices:-

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

This report provides an update on the progress on developing the Poynton Relief Road scheme and the results of the pre planning application consultation. The report recommends that Stockport Council continues to work with Cheshire East Council to develop the scheme and that Stockport Council is a joint applicant for the planning application for the scheme.

The Poynton Relief Road scheme has been identified as a priority for funding within the Warrington and Cheshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal with a funding allocation for the delivery of the scheme commencing in early 2018 with expectation the scheme will open in 2019 subject to it obtaining the various permissions and powers required.

The Executive is requested to support and approve:

·         the ongoing work with Cheshire East to undertake a SEMMMS review and refresh which will include an A34 Corridor Plan.

·         the proposed planning applications to be submitted by Stockport Council to modify the A34/ A555 roundabout and the on slip at Woodford Road, Bramhall to allow this work to be undertaken as part of the A6MARR scheme to minimise future disruption.

·         the building of the entrance spur to the Poynton Relief Road off the Chester Road roundabout as part of the A6MARR Scheme to minimise future disturbance to road users if the Poynton Relief Road scheme receives planning permission.

·         the submission of Poynton Relief Road Planning application as a joint application by Stockport and Cheshire East Councils.

·         the submission of the business case by Cheshire East Council to the Warrington and Cheshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Department of Transport to secure funding to support the schemes delivery.

·         the signing of a section 8 agreement with Cheshire East Council to allow them to deliver the scheme on behalf of Stockport Council once planning permission has been given.

·         the ongoing development  and implementation of the scheme including the application for statutory powers including the  Compulsory Purchase Orders and Side Road Orders required to deliver the scheme.

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

The Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive on the development of the Poynton Relief Road scheme, including the outcome of a recent consultation, and inviting the Executive to agree to continue to work with Cheshire East Council on the scheme and the submission of a planning application.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Poynton Relief Road Scheme the following be approved and supported:-

·         the ongoing work with Cheshire East to undertake a SEMMMS review and refresh which will include an A34 Corridor Plan;

·         the proposed planning applications to be submitted by Stockport Council to modify the A34/ A555 roundabout and the on slip at Woodford Road, Bramhall to allow this work to be undertaken as part of the A6MARR scheme to minimise future disruption;

·         the building of the entrance spur to the Poynton Relief Road off the Chester Road roundabout as part of the A6MARR Scheme to minimise future disturbance to road users if the Poynton Relief Road scheme receives planning permission;

·         the submission of Poynton Relief Road Planning application as a joint application by Stockport and Cheshire East Councils;

·         the submission of the business case by Cheshire East Council to the Warrington and Cheshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Department of Transport to secure funding to support the schemes delivery;

·         the signing of a section 8 agreement with Cheshire East Council to allow them to deliver the scheme on behalf of Stockport Council once planning permission has been given; and

·         the ongoing development  and implementation of the scheme including the application for statutory powers including the  Compulsory Purchase Orders and Side Road Orders required to deliver the scheme.

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

This report outlines the suggested resilient network for the Borough and asks for comment on and approval of the proposed network. Following the severe weather in 2013/14 the Secretary of State for Transport commissioned an independent review in to the effects of severe weather on the transport network. The Response to the 2014 Review identified a need for local authorities to identify and develop a resilient network for their highway network which would be prioritised for repair and maintenance in extreme weather.

This resilient network is to ensure that during extreme weather conditions the access to key services and the necessary support to the economy is maintained. Extreme weather is considered to be: Heatwaves, High Winds, Heavy Rain and Flooding, Extreme Cold, Snow and Ice. The network identified will also be of relevance for other incidents where the prioritisation of route clearance/repair is needed.

The Executive is requested to:

•        Approve the proposed resilient network.

•        Allow amendments to the resilient network in relation to relevant infrastructure, bus route changes and the closure/opening of school and other relevant buildings to be approved by the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration in consultation with the relevant executive members.

Officer contact: Pete Price / Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4901 / 0161-474-4351, pete.price@stockport.gov.uk / 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 Council’s development of a Resilient Network in accordance with the requirements of the Government’s 2014 Transport Resilience Review. The report and was the first step toward the development of an Action Plan to ensure the Council’s highway network was resilient in the face of extreme weather.

The Executive Councillor highlighted the timeliness of this report in light of the recent flooding in Stockport, and thanked officers for their response to these events.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the proposed resilient network, and that amendments to the resilient network in relation to relevant infrastructure, bus route changes and the closure/opening of school and other relevant buildings be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration in consultation with the relevant executive councillors.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy)          

The Council are in receipt of an application seeking to establish Marple Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011. The purpose of this report is to seek a recommendation of the Executive to the full Council meeting (30/06/16) regarding determination of the application.  The Executive are asked to agree which of the following options should be recommended to the full Council Meeting:

(i)    That the area as submitted be designated as the Marple Neighbourhood Area; or

(ii)   That a different area from that submitted be designated as the Marple Neighbourhood Area.

The Executive are asked to agree which of the following options should be recommended to the full Council Meeting:

(i)      That the area as submitted be designated as the Marple Neighbourhood Area; or

(ii)     That a different area from that submitted be designated as the Marple Neighbourhood Area.

Members are advised that there is no apparent reason why option (i) should not be taken.  However, if Members are of the view that option (ii) should be taken they are requested to provide details of the different area and reasons why it is considered more suitable.

Officer contact: Richard Wood, 0161 474 4386, richard.wood@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider an application from Marple Civic Society to establish Marple Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011. This application was the first step in a process to provide a statutory right for local people and businesses to plan for the future of their area through preparation and adoption of Neighbourhood Plans and/or Neighbourhood Development Orders.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to designate the area submitted by the Marple Civic Society as the Marple Neighbourhood Area.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the fourth quarter and across 2015/16, based on the Council Plan and the Medium Term Financial Plan. It includes out-turn budget and performance data where this is available, along with a year-end review of the Corporate Risk Register.

It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which were considered by the recent Scrutiny Committee cycle. The report will also be considered by CRMG Scrutiny Committee on 5 July.

Key decisions resulting from the out-turn position reported are included in the separate Leader’s Report.

The Executive is asked to:

·                Review progress against delivering the Council Plan’s Investing in Stockport outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report;

·                Note the cash limit and non-cash limit outturn positions for 2015/16 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6;

·                Note the resulting final reserves and balances position of £102.135m;

·                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 outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8;

·                Note the outturn position for the 2015/16 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1; 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: Michael Cullen / Steve Skelton, 0161 474 4631 / 3174, Michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk / steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive with an Annual Report on the delivery of the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during 2015/16. The report provided a summary of key activity during the year as well as performance and budget outturns for the full year.

Executive councillors highlighted key issues relating to their portfolios, including challenges relating to reducing excess winter deaths, reducing alcohol related harm, reducing liver disease, challenges in measuring the number of children running away from care settings.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Annual Corporate Performance and Resources Report for 2015/16 the following be noted:-

·         progress against delivering the Council Plan’s Investing in Stockport outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report;

·         the cash limit and non-cash limit outturn positions for 2015/16 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6 of the report;

·         the resulting final reserves and balances position of £102.135m;

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

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

·         the outturn position for the 2015/16 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report.

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

The Leader’s report outlines the key priorities for the new Executive, along with responding to some of the challenges highlighted in the Corporate Performance and Resources Report.

The Executive is asked to approve the following, as set out within the relevant sections of the separate Corporate Performance and Resource Report:

·                Virement to the Revenue Budget (set out in section 2.2.3 of the CPRR);

·                The approach to financing redundancy costs (2.6.2);

·                Contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances (2.9);

·                Delegation of changes to the outturn, reserves and/or balances position that may arise from the audit of the statement of accounts (2.11) to the Borough Treasurer, Corporate and Support Services, in conjunction with the Leader of the Council;

·                Changes to the Capital Programme (3.1.5); and

·                Proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme (3.3).

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) outlining the key priorities for the new Executive, and identifying actions arising from the Corporate Performance and Resources Annual Report.

The Leader highlighted key elements of the report, including proposals to review the Council’s consultation and engagement policies; ensuring adequate accountability of the Section 75 Pooled Budget with the Clinical Commissioning Group; a review of the current level of financial reserves and the approach to managing risk.

The Leader also highlighted that the outturn position at the end of 2015/16 had yielded a surplus of £3.9m. The report set out proposals for how this resource would be invested to support transformation priorities.

RESOLVED – That, in relation to the relevant sections of the Corporate Performance and Resource Report (Minute 9 refers), the following be approved:

·         virement to the Revenue Budget (set out in section 2.2.3 of the CPRR);

·         the approach to financing redundancy costs (2.6.2);

·         contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances (2.9);

·         delegation of changes to the outturn, reserves and/or balances position that may arise from the audit of the statement of accounts (2.11) to the Borough Treasurer, in conjunction with the Leader of the Council;

·         changes to the Capital Programme (3.1.5); and

·         proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme (3.3).

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

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of complaints, as at the 4th quarter (January - March) 2015/16. The report also compares complaints received in 2015/16 with the previous year’s 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 (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive with an overview of complaints received in the fourth quarter of 2015/16 and outlining any lessons learnt as a consequence.

The Executive Councillor highlighted that performance had improved overall in comparison to previous years, and commended the work done by officers to work with the public to prevent the escalation of complaints.

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

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

The Executive is recommended to:-

·           approve the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2016/17, as set out in the attached Schedule;

·           ratify the nominations and appointments made by the Annual Council Meeting on 24 May 2016 in respect of those bodies detailed in final section of the attached schedule; and

·           authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next Executive Meeting on 19 July 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) inviting the Executive to consider nominations of representatives of the Council to sit on outside and associated bodies.

RESOLVED – That in relation to nomination of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2016/17:-

•      the proposals set out in the schedule to the report be approved;

•      the nominations and appointments made by the Annual Council Meeting on 24 May 2016 in respect of those bodies detailed in final section of schedule be ratified; and

•      the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, be authorised to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next Executive Meeting on 19 July 2016.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Executive is invited to note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the joint AGMA & GMCA meetings held on 29 April and 27 May 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 the decisions of the GMCA and joint AGMA Executive and GMCA meetings held on 29 April and 27 May 2016.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the outcomes of the Area Review of Further Education. He reiterated the position adopted by the GMCA and referenced the shortcomings of the Review in relation to school based post 16 Education and skills provision.

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.

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

The report proposes the acquisition from NHS Property Services via Seddon Regeneration of land at former St Thomas’ Hospital site to enable its development with a mixture of residential properties for affordable rent and shared ownership.

The intention is that Seddon Regeneration will acquire the site from the NHS and simultaneously transfer it to the Council on signing of a contact to build the development.

The development is to be financed with a combination of Homes and Communities grant and funding from the Council’s Housing Revenue Account. The completed dwellings will be appropriated to the Housing Revenue Account and form part of the Councils housing stock to be managed by Stockport Homes.

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

The Executive is requested to review the report and appendices and agree to the following resolutions:

1.         That the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to conclude the detailed negotiations for the acquisition of the land and to vary the current lease and to award the contract for construction of the housing on the terms as set out in this report.

2.         That the Head of Legal & Democratic Governance be authorised to take all steps and do all things to give effect to the above resolution.

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

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal to acquire the site of the former St Thomas’s Hospital to facilitate a resident development in conjunction with Seddon Regeneration and Stockport Homes Ltd.

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

RESOLVED – That in relation to the proposed acquisition of the site of the former St Thomas’s Hospital for housing development:-

·         the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to conclude the detailed negotiations for the acquisition of the land and to vary the current lease and to award the contract for construction of the housing on the terms as set out in this report;

·         the Head of Legal & Democratic Governance be authorised to take all steps and do all things to give effect to the above resolution.

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

Note: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(B) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the matter could be considered promptly.

The report also contains information ‘not for publication’ in its appendix that has been circulated to executive councillors only.

Special Urgency and Exemption from 28 Day Notice of Exempt Information notices have also been published.

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the proposed Development Agreement between the Council and Countryside Properties, the Council’s appointed preferred developer, to facilitate housing developments in Brinnington. The proposed Agreement had been subject to further negotiations and differed from the version previously agreed in principal by the Executive in 2013.

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

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Brinnington Regeneration scheme:-

·         the work that has been undertaken to bring forward this comprehensive housing regeneration project be noted;

·         the alternative proposal from Countryside Properties be noted, and agreement be given to the revised offer as it provides an equivalent/improved proposition for prospective purchasers, the Council and the regeneration objectives for the area;

·         the signing of the Development Agreement be approved, and responsibility for final detail be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place and the Deputy Chief Executive.