Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 October 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 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)

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

Eight questions were submitted.

(1)  The first question related to Stockport Together and sought clarification on the proposed operation of the eight neighbourhood hubs. In particular clarification was sought on the impact on GP surgeries; whether GPs would be physically relocated to a central hub location and what the maximum distance people would be expected to travel to see their GP; and how the single point of access/ single phone number would work. Given that the thrust of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 was to put GP in control of the care of their patients, were these proposals an indication that they were no longer trusted to make decisions?

In response, the Executive Councillor (Health) explained that there would naturally be a change in the number, locations and size of GP Practices through normal processes outside of the Stockport Together programme, and these would be decisions taken by the practices themselves. In relation to the eight hubs, it was envisaged that each would work differently depending on the needs of the communities they served, but the physical locations hosting hub staff would not be treatment/ customer facing spaces but rather places for professionals to meet and work and as such there was no significance in the distances between hub locations. In relation to the single point of access it was planned to rationalise 20 different phone numbers into one, as well as rationalising working practices and hours of operation within those services, the aspiration being for a 24 hour service that would allow for speedier responses. It was further stressed that GPs would be in control of patient care and would lead the team of professions supporting patients. All other arrangements for contacting and make appointments with GPs would remain the same and were a matter for the practices themselves.

(2)  The second question related to Stockport Together and sought detail on the consultation with the people of Stockport over the proposals for health and social care, and whether it would be targeted to specific groups such as Healthwatch Stockport or open to the public, and how they would be informed.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Adult Social Care) stated that, assuming all partners to the Stockport Together MCP Proposals agreed to proceed to the full business case for a Neighbourhood Led Accountable Care Trust, full consultation would be undertaken both with specific service user groups and the wider public, advertised and promoted through the usual range of media channels, including social media.

(3)  The third question related to Stockport Together and sought an explanation for how the multi-speciality community provider would operate and the significance of the organisational form being suggested for approval at this meeting [see Minute 6 below] and whether it would involve any private providers. Clarification was sought on what contractual arrangements there would be with other providers and commissioners including Stepping Hill Hospital and the Council, and how many and the type of staff involved, and whether they would be employed directly or on secondment. Clarification was also sought on whether there would be public involvement in decisions to award contracts to private providers.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Health) stated that the significance of the organisational form would be that it was one that all partners believed would be best to meet the needs of that organisation and service users, all other options having been discounted. If the option chosen was a Neighbourhood Led Accountable Care Trust, this would involve a range of services currently provided by the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (SNHSFT), Council and other partners. As yet, the governance arrangements of any further Trust has not been developed and was a key area for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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 joint report of the Executive Councillors (Adult Social Care) and (Health)

The four Providers of Health and Social Care in Stockport have reached a milestone in the Joint commissioner led procurement process to identify the potential organisational form of a Multi-speciality Community Provider (MCP) in Stockport. The purpose of this document is to present the options that have been considered by Providers, including the relevant information required to support members of each partner provider organisation (Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport MBC, Viaduct Health and Pennine NHS Foundation Trust) in identifying a preferred option.

This document provides an overview of the strategic context in the development of a MCP in Stockport and outlines the appraisal undertaken by providers leading to a recommendation of a preferred option for the MCP form.

·         It is the recommendation of this options appraisal that the option to form A New Neighbourhood Led Accountable Care Trust should be considered by all providers for approval to progress to a Full Business Case (FBC) including legal agreements, regulatory and financial due diligence (and subject to the final outcome of the Joint Commissioning Procurement process and regulatory approval by NHS England and NHS Improvement)

·         In addition, as outlined in section 4 in relation to support services, it is recommended that Stockport MBC and Stockport NHS FT:

·         Develop a specification for a structured programme that results in an option for an integrated support services;

·         Adopt the design principles and next steps identified in section 4 above to inform this programme;

·         Focus in the first instance upon support services in Stockport Foundation Trust and Stockport MBC;

·         Adopt a public sector led arrangement either through a partnership or public to public transfer in the first instance to enable effective support services to meet critical transformation requirements in the development of the care model; and,

·         Develop a detailed report for consideration by the Stockport Together Board and appropriate organisational governance along with a proposed approach to programme investment, governance, accountability arrangements and requisite third-party support.

Officer contact: Keith Spencer / Holly Rae, 0161 474 3014, keith.spencer@stockport.gov.uk / holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk 

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Adult Social Care) and (Health) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the outcome of an options appraisal undertaken by partners on possible organisational forms of the proposed Multi-Speciality Community Provider for health and social care services in Stockport. The option being proposed to take forward for further investigation was a Neighbourhood Led Accountable Care Trust.

The Executive Councillors (Adult Social Care) and (Health) emphasised the financial challenges facing the Council and health partners and that the Stockport Together programme, which this proposal was a development of, were the response to those challenges. Executive councillors also stressed that the proposal at this stage was to develop a full business case on the option of a Neighbourhood Led Accountable Care Trust, which would be subject to a further decision about whether to proceed to create such a Trust and would then be subject to full public consultation.

Executive councillors stressed that this option would only be proceeded with if, after the completion of the Full Business Case and legal advice, the proposal was in the best interests of residents and the Council.

RESOLVED – (1) That the recommendation of the options appraisal that partners form a new Neighbourhood Led Accountable Care Trust be noted and that approval be given to progress this option to a Full Business Case, including legal agreements, regulatory and financial due diligence (and subject to the final outcome of the Joint Commissioning Procurement process and regulatory approval by NHS England and NHS Improvement).

(2) That in relation to Section 4 of the Appraisal Document relating to Support Services, that approval be given to

·           developing a specification for a structured programme that results in an option for an integrated support services;

·           adoption of the design principles and next steps identified in section 4 of the report to inform this programme;

·           focussing, in the first instance, upon support services in Stockport Foundation Trust and Stockport Council;

·           adopting a public sector led arrangement either through a partnership or public to public transfer in the first instance to enable effective support services to meet critical transformation requirements in the development of the care model; and,

·           developing a detailed report for consideration by the Stockport Together Board and appropriate organisational governance along with a proposed approach to programme investment, governance, accountability arrangements and requisite third-party support.

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

The report provides an update on the outcomes and recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee’s review in 2015/16 on repairing potholes and other defects – process and quality. The findings of the Scrutiny Review led to a more detailed analysis if the Council’s highways reactive maintenance process which has led to the action presented in the report.

The Executive is requested to note the report and approve that the recommendations included in the Reactive Maintenance Review are implemented in accordance with the proposed action plan in appendix 3.

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 a proposed response to the recommendations made by the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee as part of its Review ‘Repairing Potholes and Other Defects – Process and Quality’. The findings of the Scrutiny Review had led to a more detailed analysis of the Council’s highways reactive maintenance process which had informed the proposed actions and response.

Executive councillors commended the work done in the Scrutiny Review and in developing the comprehensive response.

RESOLVED – (1) That the response to the ‘Repairing Potholes and Other Defects – Process and Quality’ Scrutiny Review Final Report be approved, and that a progress report on the implementation of the response be submitted to the Scrutiny Committee in 12 months’ time.

(2) That the Executive’s gratitude and appreciation be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel and others involved.

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

The report outlines the nature and role of the current Housing Allocation Policy, the consultation undertaken while looking at potential changes, and outlines the proposed amendments with the rationale for their introduction.

The Executive is invited to:-

·         note the proposed changes to the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy

·         approve the proposed new Council’s Housing Allocation Policy (Appendix 1)

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a refreshed Housing Allocation Policy that included proposed amendments arising from Government announcements, case law and the impact of welfare reform.

RESOLVED – That the proposed Council’s Housing Allocation Policy, as set out at Appendix 1, be approved.

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

This report sits alongside the Housing Strategy 2016 -2021. A new preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 has been developed to maximise housing options, increase housing supply, meet the needs of vulnerable residents and respond to the challenges of welfare reform.

The strategy has eight key priorities focusing on preventative and proactive measures to help minimise homelessness.

The Executive is invited to approve the Homelessness Strategy 2016-2021.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a revised Homelessness Strategy that had been developed to maximise housing options, increase housing supply, meet the needs of vulnerable residents and respond to the challenges of welfare reform.

The Executive Councillor emphasised the success in delivering the previous Strategy and in preventing homelessness.

RESOLVED – That the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016-2021 be approved.

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

All local authorities have a statutory requirement to produce a Housing Strategy.  The Housing Strategy 2016-2021 draws together all the housing issues that we currently face into one comprehensive document in the context of an ageing population, new government policies, a fast changing local housing market and a challenging economic climate. It also outlines the Councils’ long term housing vision and what is required to move forward over the next 5 years. Within this strategy we have set out a number of aims and priorities that will form the focus for delivery over the coming years.

The Executive is asked to approve the Housing Strategy 2016 – 2021 (including the ‘Stockport Housing Vision’ document).

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the draft Housing Strategy that drew together all the housing issues currently facing the Borough into one comprehensive document. The Strategy had been developed in the context of an ageing population, new government policies, a fast changing local housing market and a challenging economic climate. The Strategy also outlined the Councils’ long term housing vision and what was required to progress this over the next five years. Set out within the Strategy were a number of aims and priorities that would form the focus for delivery over the coming years.

The establishment of a Housing Delivery Company and a Housing Commission to monitor the implementation of the Council’s Housing Strategy were highlighted as significant measures to address the housing needs of the Borough. Executive councillors also welcomed the commitment within the Strategy to encouraging local employment.

RESOLVED – That the Strategy 2016-2021 (including the ‘Stockport Housing Vision’ document) be approved.

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

The report sets out the background to the existing development plan and the reasons why a new local plan is required, which relate to the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework and the need to ensure that the Council has a robust Local Plan which allows for suitable growth. It sets out broadly what form the new Local Plan would take and the timescales for its development.

The Executive is asked to recommend to the Council Meeting that it agree to work commencing on a review of existing development plan documents and the preparation of a new Local Plan for the borough.

Officer Contact: Emma Curle, 0161 474 3542, emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal to begin a review existing development plan documents and undertake work on delivering a new Local Plan for the Stockport to ensure they remained adequate to meet future development need and aspiration for Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to agree to work commencing on a review of existing development plan documents and preparation of a new Local Plan for Stockport.

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

The report sets out an application submitted by the Management Committee of the provisional Marple Neighbourhood Forum seeking to establish Marple Neighbourhood Forum relating to the recently designated Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011. The purpose of this report is the determination of that application.

The Executive is recommended to commend to the full Council meeting that the application to establish Marple Neighbourhood Forum be approved and the forum be formally designated.

Officer Contact: Sally Maguire, 0161 2738, sally.maguire@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 the Management Committee of the provisional Marple Neighbourhood Forum seeking the formal establishment of a Neighbourhood Forum for the previously designated Marple Neighbourhood Area agreed by the Council on 30 June 2016.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the application to establish Marple Neighbourhood Forum and formally designated the Forum.

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

The Mid-Year Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the first half of 2016/17, with a particular focus on activity in the second 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 refreshed 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;

a)        Review progress against delivering the Council’s priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report;

b)        Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3;

c)        Note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast positions for 2016/17 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6;

d)        Note the position on the 2016/17 budget savings programme set out in section 2.4;

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

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

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

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

i)               Approve the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.3, and;

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

Officer contact: Steve Skelton / Michael Cullen, 0161 474 3174 / 218 1032, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk.uk / Michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance and 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 first half of 2016/17, with particular focus on activity in the second quarter.

The Leader’s Report for second quarter of 2016/17 was also included within the report that outlined the Executive’s budget proposals, and highlighted how the Council was delivering on its priorities, and summarised key developments and decisions at Greater Manchester level.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the Executive’s commitment to meaningful public consultation, as evidenced by the recent round of budget consultation with councillors and the public through area committees; the current cost pressures facing the Council, including those arising from delayed transfers of care; ongoing work to address pressures on school places and the commitment to improve mental health.

RESOLVED – (1) That in relation to the Corporate Performance and Resources Mid-Year Report for 2016/17:-

·         progress against delivering the Council’s priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report be noted;

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3 of the report be approved;

·         the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast positions for 2016/17 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6 of the report be noted;

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

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

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

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

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

·         the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.3 of the report be approved.

(2) That the thanks of the Executive be recorded to Mr Ian Walmsley, the Council’s Greenspace Manager, for his contribution to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee Inquiry into parks and open spaces.

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

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of complaints, as at the 2^nd quarter (July - September) 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 second quarter of 2016/17 and outlining any lessons learnt as a consequence.

Issues relating to ‘Blue Badge’ assessments were discussed, including changes to the complaints arrangements which may have been the cause of the increase in the number of such complaints.

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

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

This report provides the Executive with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2016/17 approved by Council on 3 March 2016 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

The report provides an economic update for the first six months of 2016/17 and details how this impacts upon the interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.  An overview is provided of more recent forecasts and developments in the financial markets and how these are affecting the Council’s investment portfolio and borrowing strategies for the current financial year.   A review is provided of the Council’s capital expenditure prudential indicators and compliance with Treasury and Prudential Limits for 2016/17.

There are no key changes required to the Treasury Management and Capital strategies for 2016/17, which continue to be relevant and effective; the only revision required at the midyear point of the financial year centres around adjusted interest rate forecasts (explained in Section 8) engendered by the current economic situation (given in Section 13) of the report, which gives rise to significant implications for the Council’s investment returns and borrowing strategies.  

The Executive is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting receive this report in line with best practice guidelines and

·         note the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year, and

·         note the revised interest rate forecasts for PWLB rates over the short and medium term which will drive the Council’s long-term borrowing strategies going forward and also those for the UK Bank Rate which have reduced budgeted investment earnings rates for 2016/17 and future years.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance and Devolution) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Executive with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2016/17, and providing an economic update for the first six months of the year and how this may impact on interest rate predictions and the outlook provided in the initial Strategy.

The Leader of the Council paid tribute to the hard work of those officers involved in Treasury Management.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to receive this report in line with best practice guidelines and

·           note the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year, and

·           note the revised interest rate forecasts for PWLB rates over the short and medium term which would drive the Council’s long-term borrowing strategies going forward and also those for the UK Bank Rate which had reduced budgeted investment earnings rates for 2016/17 and future years.

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

The report sets out changes which are needed to the Executive Scheme of Delegation identified by the Monitoring Officer to reflect current practice.

The Executive is invited to recommend to the Council Meeting the following changes needed to Part 3 (Appendix 9) of the Constitution to reflect current practice:

·      Change in Scheme of Delegation to include a delegation Deputy Chief Executive to sign severance agreements on behalf of the Council.

·      Change in Scheme of Delegation  to include a delegation to  the Head of Legal and Democratic Governance  to procure contracts for goods and services supplied direct to Legal Services

·      Change in Scheme of Delegation to include a delegation to the Corporate Director (Place and Regeneration) the function of the Council as local housing authority and disabled facilities grants.

·      Change in Scheme of Delegation  to include a delegation to the Deputy Chief Executive in relation to Domestic Homicide Reviews.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth, 0161474 3204, craig.ainsworth@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 proposed changes to needed to the Executive Scheme of Delegation to reflect current practice.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the following changes needed to Part 3 (Appendix 9) of the Constitution to reflect current practice:

·           Change in Scheme of Delegation to include a delegation Deputy Chief Executive to sign severance agreements on behalf of the Council.

·           Change in Scheme of Delegation  to include a delegation to  the Head of Legal and Democratic Governance  to procure contracts for goods and services supplied direct to Legal Services

·           Change in Scheme of Delegation to include a delegation to the Corporate Director (Place and Regeneration) the function of the Council as local housing authority and disabled facilities grants.

·           Change in Scheme of Delegation to include a delegation to the Deputy Chief Executive in relation to Domestic Homicide Reviews.

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

The report details the outcome of a review of the remit of Scrutiny Committees to determine (i) how scrutiny arrangements can more adequately reflect other internal structures, including the existing Council directorates and Executive portfolios and (ii) how to be as agile as possible in scrutinising the large number of cross-cutting projects which are currently underway (e.g. Public Safety and Protection, Health and Social Care, Digital by Design).

The report had been considered by the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee, the Constitution Working Party and the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee and their comments and recommendations are included in the report.

The Executive is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting adopts the revised Scrutiny Committees set out in paragraph 2 of the report, subject to the inclusion of the ‘Local Plan’ within the remit of the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth, 0161 474 3204, craig.ainsworth@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 remit of Scrutiny Committees to determine (i) how scrutiny arrangements could more adequately reflect other internal structures, including the existing Council directorates and Executive portfolios and (ii) how they could be as agile as possible in scrutinising the large number of cross-portfolio projects currently underway. The report had been considered by the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee, the Constitution Working Party and the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee and their comments and recommendations were included in the report.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the revised Scrutiny Committees set out in paragraph 2 of the report, subject to the inclusion of the ‘Local Plan’ within the remit of the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, from the commencement of the 2017/18 Municipal Year.

To consider a report of Executive Councillor (Reform and Governance)

The Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale (STAR) Joint Committee met on the 20th July 2016 and received a report of the Director of STAR procurement setting out the proposed amendments to the harmonised Contract Procedure Rules (CPR) currently adopted by each Council. The STAR Joint Committee endorsed the revised CPRs and commended that each Council must now approve the revised CPRs and incorporates the revised CPRs into their Constitution. The Constitution Working Party at its meeting held on 20 October 2016, recommended that the revisions to the Contract Procedure Rules be adopted by the Council Meeting for inclusion in the Council’s Constitution.

The STAR Joint Committee report and resolution are set out in Schedule 1.

The Executive Meeting is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting adopts the revised Contract Procedure Rules as part of the Council’s Constitution.

Officer contact: Celia Tierney, 0161 474 3230, celia.tierney@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider proposed amendments to the harmonised Contract Procedure Rules adopted by Stockport, Trafford ad Rochdale as part of the STaR Joint Procurement arrangements. The STaR Joint Committee had supported the proposed amendments.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt as part of the Council’s Constitution the revised Contract Procedure Rules as set out in Schedule 1 of the report.

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

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the changes to the Council’s Constitution which are required as a result of an agreement under Section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006 and to review the roles of the Health and Care Integrated Commissioning Board (HCICB) and Health and Well Being Board (as requested by the Leader)

The Executive Meeting is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting agrees that the constitutional changes set out in this report and in Schedule 1 are incorporated into the Council’s Constitution.

Officer contact: Celia Tierney, 0161 474 3230, celia.tierney@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider changes to the Council’s Constitution arising from the new arrangement entered into by the Council under Section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006, and a review of the roles of the Health and Care Integrated Commissioning Board and Health and Well Being Board.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopted the changes to the Council’s Constitution arising from the Council entering into a revised Section 75 Agreement, as set out in the report and at Schedule 1.

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

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

The Executive is asked to:

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

·         Approve the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2016/2017 to 2018/2019; with the application of funding types (capital receipts (including total achieved from property rationalisation programme) and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group;

·         Note that the Executive and the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee receives annual update reports on progress.

Contact Officer: 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 an update on progress with delivering the Asset Management Plan Capital Programme for 2016/17 and the indicative programme for 2017/18 and 2018/19.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Asset Management Capital Programme:-

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

·         the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2016/2017 to 2018/2019 be approved; with the application of funding types (capital receipts (including total achieved from property rationalisation programme) and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group;

·         the Executive and the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee receive annual update reports on progress with implementing the AMP.

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

The Executive is invited to note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on 30 September and 28 October and the decisions of the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meeting held on 28 October 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 on 30 September and 28 October and the decisions of the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meeting held on 28 October 2016.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the start of the consultation on the Greater Manchester Strategic Framework and encouraged councillors and members of the public to engage with the consultation.

Executive councillors also discussed the importance of ensuring that the work of GMCA was subject to appropriate discussion within Stockport Council through the Housing Commission.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report sets out a proposal to write off the debt in respect of Company A , amounting to £361,107.20 for office premises in Stockport. The debt in question is in respect of Business Rates for office premises in Hazel Grove.  The assessment on which the account was based was originally part of a larger property.

(Note: the report contains information ‘not for publication’ within its appendices that have been circulated to executive councillors only)

The Executive is asked to approve the writing off as irrecoverable of Business Rates debt of £367,107.20.  All available methods have been considered and it is clear that the limited company that owes the debt has no assets that could be liquidated to obtain payment.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@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 write off business rate debt of £361,107.20 owed by a limited company for office premises in Stockport, the Council having exhausted options for recovering the debt.

(Note: the report contains information ‘not for publication’ within its appendices that have been circulated to executive councillors only)

The Executive Councillor stressed the exceptional nature of this issue, but nevertheless had asked that current procedures were reviewed to ensure they were robust.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to writing off as irrecoverable of Business Rates debt of £367,107.20 owed by ‘Company A’ identified in the exempt Appendix to the report, as all available methods had been considered and the Council was satisfied that the limited company that owed the debt had no assets that could be liquidated to obtain payment.

(2) That the Borough Treasurer be requested to write to the relevant authorities in Gibraltar to apprise them of the circumstances of this case given that parties involved were registered within their administrative authority.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Executive Decisions

There were none.