Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 February 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)

No public questions were submitted.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to the following agenda item in the event that the content of this appendix needed to be discussed:-

To consider a report of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee and a report of the Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance)

The Scrutiny Review Panel sought to consider the Council’s statutory consultation duties, the current approach to corporate consultations and the level of response, and a number of recommendations are presented for the Executive to consider.

The report also sets out the Executive’s proposed response to the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Review Panel.

The Executive is invited to receive the Scrutiny Review Final Report and to approve and adopt the proposed Executive Response.

Officer contact: Daniel Sharples, 0161 474 3209, daniel.sharples@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) incorporating the final report of the ‘Council Consultations’ Scrutiny Review undertaken by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee and the proposed Executive response to the recommendations.

RESOLVED – That the Scrutiny Review ‘Council Consultations’ final report be received and the proposed response to the recommendations contained therein be approved.

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

A review of the street lighting service has been undertaken to identify opportunities to minimise the future costs of the street lighting service whilst seeking opportunities to improve the service.

The review considered the approach other local authorities have taken to reduce the costs of the street lighting service by energy saving including trimming, dimming, replacement of columns and lanterns. It also considered opportunities to reduce associated energy and maintenance costs for other highways electrical street furniture including bollards and signs. This report presents the business case for the replacement of lanterns by LED lanterns and its proposed actions for approval.

The Executive is asked to comment on the business case and to support the undertaking of the two complimentary programmes (street lighting improvement programme and the highways electrical assets improvement programme).

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 approve a business case for the replacement of existing street lighting lanterns with LED lanterns, and for the replacement of other highway electrical assets. The business case had been developed following a review of the Street Lighting service that had identified opportunities to minimise costs while improving the service. The proposed approached would reduce maintenance and energy costs, improve the quality of lighting and benefit public safety.

RESOLVED – That the proposed Street Lighting Improvement and the Highways Electrical Assets Improvement Programmes be approved.

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

This report presents the amended Highway Safety Inspection and Repairs Plan (Appendix 1) which has been changed in response to recommendation in the reactive maintenance review 2016; specifically Finding 7 – Categorising Defects

The reactive maintenance review final report 2016 recommendation seven – categorising defects proposed the implementation of a new five category system to replace the current categorisations adopted by the council in 2011. This has been further developed in consultation with SSK and insurers to the proposed 7 category system in the report.

It is believed the new categories will improve claim defensibility because it will improve the efficiency the client and contractor to deliver a repair within the agreed timeframe. Categories 1, 4 and 5 are the same as those identified in the previous categorisation system. A full comparison table for the different response times can be seen in Appendix 2.

The Executive is invited to give approval to undertake a 12 month trial (starting June 2017) of the new categories with the aim to review the impact of the changes as part of the final implementation of the reviewed strategy which will be put in place to meet the 2016 Well-Maintained Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice.

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 approve a revision to the Highway Safety Inspection and Repairs Plan to take account of the recommendations of the Highways Reactive Maintenance Review in 2016 and the Scrutiny Review ‘Repairing Potholes’. It was proposed that the implementation of a new categorisation system for repairs be undertaken for a trial period of 12 months during which time councillors and the public were encouraged to give feedback on the new process.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to undertake a 12 month trial (starting June 2017) of new categories for response and repair times of highway defects with the aim to review the impact of the changes as part of the final implementation of the reviewed strategy which will be put in place to meet the 2016 Well-Maintained Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice.

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

The report seeks approval for capital expenditure to complete the infrastructure works necessary for the development of Mill Lane Cemetery. As the amount is above £0.250m approval is needed by the Council’s Executive. The planned expenditure is £0.362m. The proposed development is the continuation of development of the cemetery which opened in 1993. The intention of this work is to complete the development of all available burial space.

The Executive is asked to approve the development set out in the report and approve the capital expenditure necessary to complete the works as set out at paragraph 3.5 of the report.

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

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal to complete the development of Mill Lane Cemetery, Cheadle to provide additional burial capacity and enhance the existing provision on the site.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to proposed development programme for Mill Lane Cemetery and the capital expenditure to support the programme, as detailed in the report.

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

The current A6 QPS scheme expires in March 2017 and the parties involved have indicated willingness for the scheme to be extended. Subject to the agreement of all parties (Manchester City Council, Stockport Council, TfGM and Stagecoach Manchester) it is proposed to extend the current A6 QPS for a period of 2 years with an optional annual extension for a further year.

The Executive is requested to:

·         comment on the proposed extension of the A6 Quality Partnership Scheme.

·         approve the extension of the current Quality Partnership Scheme on the A6 for a period of 2 years with an optional annual extension for a further year.

·         delegate to the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Member Economy and Regeneration the decision as to whether to support the extension of the Quality Partnership scheme for another year after the proposed two year extension of the existing scheme.

·         authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to affix the Council's seal to a deed of variation giving effect to the above recommendations and to do all things necessary or incidental to give effect to the above recommendations.

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) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal to extend the current A6 Quality Partnership Scheme agreement with Manchester City Council, TfGM and Stagecoach Manchester in order to maintain the improvements already achieved through this agreement.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the A6 Quality Partnership Scheme:-

·         approval be given to the extension of the current Quality Partnership Scheme on the A6 for a period of 2 years with an optional annual extension for a further year;

·         the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) be authorised to take the decision as to whether to support the extension of the Quality Partnership scheme for another year after the proposed two year extension of the existing scheme;

·         the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to affix the Council's seal to a deed of variation giving effect to the above recommendations and to do all things necessary or incidental to give effect to the above recommendations.

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 detail of the AMP capital programme for 2017/18 and sets out the indicative programmes to be delivered through to 2021/22.

The Executive is recommended to:

·      Approve the implementation of the updated Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2017/18 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for 2018/19 to 2020/21, as set out in the report;

·      Approve the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2017/2018 to 2020/2021; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group (ESG);

·      Note that the Executive and the CRMG Scrutiny Committee receives annual update reports on progress

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 approve the Asset Management Plan Capital Programme for 2017/18, and setting out an indicative programme for 2021/22. The Plan set out the programme of capital works to Council owned assets to ensure they were maintained for continued Council and public use.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Asset Management Plan Capital Programme for 2017/18 – 2021/22:-

·      approval be given to the implementation of the updated AMP Programme for 2017/18 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP Programme for 2018/19 to 2020/21, as set out in the report;

·      approval be given to the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP Programme 2017/2018 to 2020/2021; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group (ESG);

·      the Executive and the Corporate Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee continue to receive annual update reports on progress.

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

This is an updated version of Stockport’s dementia strategy for 2017 – 2020 which includes actions to improve support for people with dementia and their carers in relation to prevention, diagnosis, services, living well in the community and end of life.

The Executive is invited to endorse the Strategy.

Officer contact: Maureen Hughes, 07800618818, maureen.hughes@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 Dementia Strategy for 2017-2020 that sought to improve support for people with dementia and their carers. The Strategy sought to facilitate the development of a range of activities that would make Stockport a Dementia Friendly community.

It was highlighted that Dementia Awareness Week would be 14-20 May 2017.

Executive councillors welcomed the Strategy and the focus on prevention and the recognition of the importance of co-production with user groups.

RESOLVED – That the Dementia Strategy 2017-2020 be endorsed.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Health)

The Director of Public Health has published his 23^rd Public Health Annual Report and has invited the Executive to provide a formal response to his recommendations. The attached document is the proposed Executive’s response to each recommendation. It was collated from information provided by the relevant Heads of Service in liaison with the appropriate Executive Councillor.

The Executive is asked to approve proposed responses to the 23rd Annual Public Health Report recommendations 1 – 9, 12 – 15, 18 – 21, 23 – 27, 30 & 32 – 35.

Officer contact: Donna Sager, Jovian Smalley, 0161 474 3928 / 0161 474 3589, donna.sager@stockport.gov.uk / jovian.smalley@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Health) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) incorporating the 23^rd Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, and the proposed Executive response to the recommendations addressed to the Council. Although primarily health related, there were recommendations covering a range of Council services and affecting a number of executive portfolios.

The Executive Councillor highlighted the importance of preventative activities, and in particular the hard work of partners in encouraging flu vaccinations that had resulted Stockport being either highest or second highest performers in England.

RESOLVED – That the 23^rd Annual Report of the Director of Public Health be received, and the proposed response to recommendations 1 – 9, 12 – 15, 18 – 21, 23 – 27, 30 & 32 – 35 be approved.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Councillors (Education) and (Communities & Housing)

This is an update report on the activities regarding road safety near schools. It is a follow up report to the 2016 Road Safety near Schools report presented to the Children & Young Peoples Scrutiny Committee, Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee and all area committees.

The Executive is invited to:-

•        note and comment on the report.

•        approve officers liaising with Manchester City Council to further research the use of the “Smart Camera Car”, especially with regards to enforcement of bus lanes. A consultation charge would be levied for this information.

•        approve the development of a detailed programme of schools to be audited and a prioritised programme of measures for implementation.

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

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Communities & Housing) and (Education) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider an update on the activities relating to road safety near schools, that had been subject to consultation with area committees and relevant scrutiny committees.

RESOLVED – That in relation to Road Safety near Schools:-

·         the report be noted;

·         approval be given to officers to liaise with Manchester City Council to further research the use of the “Smart Camera Car”, especially with regards to enforcement of bus lanes. A consultation charge would be levied for this information;

·         approval be given to the development of a detailed programme of schools to be audited and a prioritised programme of measures for implementation.

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

The attached Local Code of Governance 2017/18 sets out the proposed new governance framework to be implemented from April 2017.  This links into the production of the Annual Governance Statement that the Council must prepare and report each year.

The Code follows guidance produced by Cipfa “Delivering Good Governance – The New Framework” – 2016 which makes it clear that the links between governance and public financial management are crucially important.

The Executive is requested to approve and adopt the revised Local Code of Governance.

Officer contact: John Pearsall, 0161 474 4033, john.pearsall@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the Local Code of Governance for 2017/18 that had been produced in line with guidance from CIPFA on best practice to ensure ‘good governance’.

RESOLVED – That the revised Local Code of Governance for 2017/18 be approved and adopted.

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

The Stockport Armed Forces Community Covenant was approved in April 2013. The purpose of this report is to present the revised Armed Forces Community Covenant 2017 to Executive for approval. Once approved, the revised Covenant document will be published on the Council website and communicated internally amongst the Armed Forces Champions and with stakeholders.

The Executive is asked to approve the revised Armed Forces Covenant 2017.

Officer contact: Nayuri Patel or Sue Williams, 0161 474 3167 / 2175, nayuri.patel@stockport.gov.uk / susan.williams@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to approve a revised Armed Forces Community Covenant between the Council and residents of Stockport, representatives of the voluntary and charity sector, and the Armed Forces community. The Covenant was a statement of mutual support between the civilian community and the local Armed Forces community and underpinned a range of activity by public agencies, voluntary groups and businesses.

RESOLVED – That revised Armed Forces Community Covenant 2017 be approved.

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

The report sets out proposals to amend the Council’s Constitution and Scheme of Delegation primarily in relation to the functions of Area Committees, but also connected to the role of the Town Centre and Planning & Highways Regulation committees. The proposals have been considered by the Constitution Working Party; Corporate, Resource Management & Governance; and appropriate area committees.

The Executive is requested to

(1) recommend to the Council Meeting that:-

·         the Town Centre Committee be abolished and the planning decision making

·         procedures set out in paragraph 3.1.3 of the report be adopted.

·         the definition of strategic planning applications be altered to include Environmental Impact Assessment applications, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

·         the Ward Flexibility Fund be delegated to Area Committees, as out in paragraph 3.4 of the report

·         the Ward and Joint Committees requested by Ward Councillors, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report, be established by the Council Meeting.

·         the proposals relating to Area Committees acting as ‘Trustees’ in relation to the disposal of Charitable land, as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report and Appendix 3, be approved.

·         the proposals relating to Commuted Sums, as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report, be approved.

·         the miscellaneous Drafting Matters, as set out in paragraph 4 of the report, with the exception of those relating to property matters, be approved.

·         the revised delegations to Area Committees, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved but that he issue be reconsidered in twelve months’ time in the light of health and social care integration.

(2)  consider the issue of the Cheadle Hulme North Ward and the Cheadle Hulme South Ward being in two different Area Committees in the light of the consideration of this issue by the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South and Cheadle area committees.

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 proposed changes to the Council Constitution in respect of area committees. The proposed changes had been subject to consultation with area committee chairs, scrutiny committees and the Constitution Working Party.

An extract of the Minutes of the Cheadle Area Committee held on 7 March and Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee held on 8 March 2017 was circulated in specific reference to possible changes of area committee composition relating to the Cheadle Hulme North and South wards.

The Executive Councillor (Reform & Governance) reported that he had received representations from the Leader of the Conservative Group relating to the names of certain area committees and suggesting that these be altered to provide greater clarity of their geographical remit.

RESOLVED – (1) That in relation to the Constitutional review of Area Committees, the following be approved or recommended to the Council Meeting for approval as appropriate:-

·           abolish the Town Centre Committee and adopt the planning decision making procedures set out in paragraph 3.1.3 of the report;

·           alter the definition of strategic planning applications to include Environmental Impact Assessment applications, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report;

·           delegate the Ward Flexibility Fund be delegated to Area Committees, as out in paragraph 3.4 of the report;

·           that Ward and Joint Committees requested by Ward Councillors, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report, be established by the Council Meeting;

·           the proposals relating to Area Committees acting as ‘Trustees’ in relation to the disposal of Charitable land, as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report and Appendix 3;

·           the proposals relating to Commuted Sums, as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report, be approved;

·           the miscellaneous Drafting Matters, as set out in paragraph 4 of the report, with the exception of those relating to property matters;

·           the revised delegations to Area Committees, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, but that the issue be reconsidered in twelve months’ time in the light of health and social care integration.

(2) That in relation to the Cheadle Hulme North Ward and the Cheadle Hulme South Ward being in two different area committees the Executive is of the view that the Council Meeting establish a joint ward committee to address the concerns of ward councillors.

(3) That the Council Meeting be recommended to change the name of the Marple Area Committee to the ‘Marple and High Lane Area Committee’ and the Werneth Area Committee to the ‘Bredbury, Romiley and Woodley Area Committee’.

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

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to appoint a framework of suppliers to deliver both Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) and single discipline projects on behalf of Stockport Council in relation to prefabricated buildings.

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

The Executive is requested to authorise:-

·         Awarding of a two year contract (plus two optional one year extensions) to the eight 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 prefabricated buildings;

·         Should any of the proposed eight 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 approve the appointment of a framework of suppliers to deliver Multi-Disciplinary Design and single discipline projects in relation to prefabricated buildings.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ within its appendix that had been circulated to executive councillors only).

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Multi-Disciplinary Design Prefabricated Buildings Framework Contract the following be approved:-

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

·           in the event that any of the proposed eight suppliers fail to enter into a contract with the Council, the contract be awarded to the next highest bidder in sequence attaining the minimum quality score threshold as identified at 5.4 of the report;

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

·           the authorisation 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 Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meetings held on (i) 27 January 2017 and (ii) 24 February 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 Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meetings held on 16 December 2016.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the decision of the GMCA to appoint Eamonn Boylan as the new Chief Executive of the GMCA, and the agreement to support the International Day for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and to declare Greater Manchester the first Zero Tolerance City Region.

The Leader also highlighted the positive response of Transport for Greater Manchester to the HS2 Phase 2 Consultation to stress the importance of connectivity of Stockport into Phase 2.

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.