Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 July 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 July 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

Personal Interest

To consider call-in items (if any).

The Chair reported that Executive Decisions ED1331 (The Woodbank Park Community Development) and ED1332 (2011-15 HCA Affordable Homes Framework Agreement) had been ‘called-in’ following the receipt of two call-in notices prior to the commencement of the meeting.  It was further reported that it would be necessary to adjourn the meeting to a later date to enable the Scrutiny Committee to give full consideration to these matters.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Place.

The Delivery Plan sets out what Stockport Homes will deliver during the period 2011-2014; how it and the Council will work together and how tenants, the Council and other stakeholders can measure the success of Stockport Homes in achieving its objectives. The document is an appendix to the Management Agreement between Stockport Homes and the Council and sets all the outputs of Stockport Homes, the key performance requirement of the services and includes the performance standards expected. The objectives and targets detailed within the Delivery Plan are directly in line with the Council’s Housing Strategy and aims to contribute towards the Council’s wider strategic priorities. The Delivery Plan also details the financial, staffing and governance resources required to enable Stockport Homes to deliver the services with skill, care and diligence.

The Delivery Plan is reviewed and revised annually, in partnership with the Council and the Stockport Homes Board.  It ensures that there is continuous improvement in the services to tenants and the delivery of decent, modern homes that meet the needs and aspirations of the communities in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to consider and comment on the proposed Major Adaptations Policy.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director of Place submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out what Stockport Homes would deliver during the period 2011-2014; how it and the Council would work together and how tenants, the Council and other stakeholders could measure the success of Stockport Homes in achieving its objectives. The document was an appendix to the Management Agreement between Stockport Homes and the Council and sets all the outputs of Stockport Homes, the key performance requirement of the services and included the performance standards expected. The objectives and targets detailed within the Delivery Plan were directly in line with the Council’s Housing Strategy and aimed to contribute towards the Council’s wider strategic priorities. The Delivery Plan also detailed the financial, staffing and governance resources required to enable Stockport Homes to deliver the services with skill, care and diligence.

The Delivery Plan is reviewed and revised annually, in partnership with the Council and the Stockport Homes Board.  It aimed to ensure that there was continuous improvement in the services to tenants and the delivery of decent, modern homes that met the needs and aspirations of the communities in Stockport.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Further consideration needed to be given to the suitability of properties for conversion to flats, in particular in relation to the potential for noise disturbance for future residents.

·         The potential for local lettings policies to be introduced in certain localities in the borough and whether other tenants were consulted prior to their introduction.

·         Questions were asked in relation to the number of rough sleepers in Stockport, and the frequency with which counts were taken place in respect of this.

·         A discussion took place in relation to age restricted properties and the pressure to reduce or remove age restrictions at certain locations.  Members commented that there could be conflict in lifestyles between different age groups and that any proposed changes needed to be sensitive to this.

·         The work done by Stockport Homes to raise all of their housing stock to the decent homes standard was acknowledged.

·         There had been occasions where a tenancy had been awarded and the tenant had subsequently moved their family into the property which had meant that there were children living in a property which would otherwise be considered unsuitable.

·         The availability of assistance towards the maintenance of gardens was publicised in newsletters to residents and was free to those residents who qualified for the service.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

At its meeting on 5 September, the Executive will consider the following reports:-

(a)       A report from the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services entitled ‘Medium Term Financial Plan - Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2012/13 to 2014/15’, and

(b)       A report from the Executive Councillor, Finance entitled ‘ Medium Term Financial Plan – Executive Proposals’

It is recommended that each scrutiny committee should receive a copy of the reports and have the opportunity to hear from and question the relevant Executive Councillors and Corporate Directors regarding the contents of the reports.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment as appropriate on the financial challenge facing the Council and, in particular, the proposals from the Executive which relate to those matters within the Scrutiny Committee’s remit.  Comments from all scrutiny committees will be reported to and considered by the Executive.

Officer contact: Steve Houston on 474 4000, or email: steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Scrutiny Committee to consider and comment upon the financial prospects facing the Council and the Executive’s proposals for reducing expenditure which were appropriate to the Committee’s remit. The Scrutiny Committee was asked to comment on two reports which had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 5 September 2011, namely, (a) Medium Term Financial Plan – Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2012/13 to 2014/15 and (b) Medium Term Financial Plan – Executive Proposals. 

The Executive Councillors (Adults) and (Communities) summarised the proposals as they related to their portfolios.

The following comments were made /issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed about the £1.6 million savings identified in the care management budget through the implementation of the reablement programme in 2012/13; in particular the level of support that would be afforded to those persons after the six week intervention period under the scheme if they still required additional support.  In response, the Scrutiny Committee was advised that ‘reablement’ was designed to be a short-term intensive intervention and that current performance had shown that approximately three in ten service users did not require further assistance.

·         A question was raised in relation to the criteria and process for reablement and how the service would target hard to reach groups.  It was subsequently reported that all individuals with substantive and critical care needs would be referred to the reablement programme in the first instance in order that no gaps in service provision would appear.  Reablement may not always be appropriate and these cases would then be referred back.

·         A member recounted the excellent service received by a family member through the reablement scheme, but noted that the service received at the conclusion of this by a private sector provider had not met the same standard. 

·         Implementation plans for the proposals contained within the report should have been provided to the Scrutiny Committee prior to consideration of the proposals to assist in arriving at a judgement.  The Scrutiny Committee was advised that the consultation process was ongoing and the supporting documents would go through a number of iterations during this period, however if members requested this information it would be made available to them.

·         The number of proposed post reductions resulting from the proposals was queried.  The Scrutiny Committee was advised that it was anticipated that there would be a reduction of ten social workers and three managers which would be achieved through voluntary redundancies and holding current vacancies.  There would be a reduction of a further six posts in Quality Management and two posts in the commissioning of support and information management.

·         Supported tenancy provision had been mentioned in the report and in particular the negotiation of staff terms and the redesign of services.  Members asked what this would mean in practice and whether negotiation over staff terms would actually mean a reduction in working conditions.

·         The use of the phrase ‘efficiency savings’ implied that the Council was ‘inefficient’ previously, particularly as such savings were being made without an impact on front line services.  It was further commented that if spending on services was being reduced, did this mean that spending had previously been too high or that it would be too little in the future.  In response, it was stated that efficiency savings had been made by the Council for a number of years, but that instead of using these savings to develop new services, these were now being used to achieve the necessary budgetary reductions.

·         Cost reductions in community meals were proposed in the report and Members asked for further information on how these would be made.  The removal of linen and community meal services would have an impact on those that currently used them, and what provision would be made for those service users in the future.  Members were advised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report provides relevant extracts to the Adults and Communities Scrutiny Committee of the following reports:

(a)       A report from the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services entitled ‘First Quarter 2011/12 Revenue Budget Monitoring Report’; and,

(b)       A report from the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services entitled ‘First Quarter 2011/12 Capital Programme Monitoring Report’.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Christine Buxton on 474 4124 or email: christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director of Place and the Service Director (Adult Social Care) submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the revenue budget position and progress in achieving the outputs and outcomes of the capital programme in the first quarter of 2010/11.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The report provides a detailed overview of performance which relates to the Adults and Communities Scrutiny Committee.  The information provided is taken from the Council’s First Quarter Corporate Performance Report and specific detail and information in relation to the Council’s ‘A Safe and Strong Stockport’, ‘A Thriving Stockport’ and ‘A Green Stockport’ Priorities.  This is supported by relevant performance indicator (PI) information, as part of which comparisons have been made with 2010/11 performance.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Review the current levels of performance.

(2) Highlight key areas of, and responsibility for, taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast performance issues.

(3) Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer contact: Doug Holland on 474 2976 or email: doug.holland@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director of Place submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a detailed overview of performance which related to the Adults and Communities Scrutiny Committee.  The information included in the report had been taken from the Council’s First Quarter Corporate Performance Report and specific detail and information in relation to the Council’s ‘A Safe and Strong Stockport’, ‘A Thriving Stockport’ and ‘A Green Stockport’ priorities.  This was supported by relevant performance indicator (PI) information, as part of which, comparisons had been made with 2010/11 performance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Place.

The report details the Private Sector Housing Strategy which sets out how the Council will work to improve the condition and management of owner occupied and private rented accommodation in Stockport.  The Action Plan lists the areas of work to be undertaken during the next three years.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to consider and comment on the proposed Private Sector Housing Strategy.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director of Place submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Private Sector Housing Strategy which set out how the Council would work to improve the condition and management of owner occupied and private rented accommodation in Stockport.  The Action Plan also listed the areas of work to be undertaken during the next three years.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that the proposals for the introduction of a Landlord Accreditation Scheme in the private rented sector were voluntary which may therefore not successfully target those landlords who were already difficult to engage with.

·         It was now significantly easier to trace the ownership of properties which had streamlined the process for tackling problematic landlords.

·         More work needed to be done to engage with managing agents acting on behalf of landlords.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the availability of appropriate housing in the Borough and the extent to which the Strategy would address problems of homelessness.

·         There were significant numbers of people on the waiting list for social housing in Stockport and the proposals for the construction of new properties, while welcome, were a small proportion of what was needed to meet this demand.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Place.

The report outlines the types of assistance available to householders and landlords in the private housing sector from the Council and the criteria for that assistance. The Policy has been developed in the context of the Private Sector Housing Strategy 2011.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to consider and comment on the proposed Private Sector Housing Investment and Assistance Policy.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director of Place submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the types of assistance available to householders and landlords in the private housing sector from the Council and the criteria for that assistance. The Policy had been developed in the context of the Private Sector Housing Strategy 2011.

It was commented that there were a number of legal issues surrounding the acquisition of longstanding vacant properties by the Council which incurred significant costs.  In response, it was stated that those costs were recoverable by the Council.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Place.

The report highlights how the Council will concentrate its resources in a planned way on a programme of renewal to encourage comprehensive and sustainable regeneration in areas of need. The aim is to encourage and facilitate investment into areas to create sustainable communities, and provide quality housing and neighbourhoods where people want to live. Despite budgetary reductions, it continues to provide a framework for targeting scarce resources in the most effective way.

The report details the methodology of identifying a new area for investment and recommends  a new private sector housing area based initiative in the Heaton Norris / Lancashire Hill area of Stockport to address the identified housing and environmental problems on a scale and duration appropriate to the size of the area, number of properties, and capital resources available.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to consider and comment on the proposed area based Private Sector Housing Initiative.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director of Place submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) highlighting how the Council would concentrate its resources in a planned way on a programme of renewal to encourage comprehensive and sustainable regeneration in areas of need. The aim was to encourage and facilitate investment into areas to create sustainable communities, and provide quality housing and neighbourhoods where people want to live. Despite budgetary reductions, it was intended to continue to provide a framework for targeting scarce resources in the most effective way.

The report detailed the methodology of identifying a new area for investment and recommended a new private sector housing area based initiative in the Heaton Norris / Lancashire Hill area of Stockport to address the identified housing and environmental problems on a scale and duration appropriate to the size of the area, number of properties, and capital resources available.

Members welcomed the report and were encouraged to note that the Council were proposing to continue with area based improvements to private sector housing in the borough.  It was further commented that those schemes which had previously been implemented had made a long lasting positive contribution to the quality of the built environment in those areas.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Place.

The report sets out Stockport Council’s approach to the assessment and delivery of major adaptions. The principles of needs assessment outlined in the report apply equally to applicants in all tenures including the private owner-occupied and rented sector, tenants of housing associations and tenants of the Council’s Arms Length Management Organisation – Stockport Homes.

The purpose of the policy is to provide a consistent, fair and equitable approach for the provision of major adaptations across all housing tenures. By doing this the Council  will  help disabled people in Stockport to live independently, comfortably and safely in their own home for as long as possible through the provision of appropriate adaptations.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to consider and comment on the proposed Major Adaptations Policy.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director of Place submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out Stockport Council’s approach to the assessment and delivery of major adaptions. The principles of needs assessment outlined in the report applied equally to applicants in all tenures including the private owner-occupied and rented sector, tenants of housing associations and tenants of the Council’s Arms Length Management Organisation, Stockport Homes.

The purpose of the policy was to provide a consistent, fair and equitable approach for the provision of major adaptations across all housing tenures. In doing so the Council  would  help disabled people in Stockport to live independently, comfortably and safely in their own home for as long as possible through the provision of appropriate adaptations.

RESOLVED –That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Adult Social Care.                  (To follow)

The report details proposals for the conduct of the proposed scrutiny review in respect of Personalisation and Safeguarding which had been suggested by the Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 18 July 2011 as a potential topic for review.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Comment on the pre-scoping report.

(2) Nominate members of the Scrutiny Committee for membership of the Scrutiny Review Panel.

Officer contact: Jude Wells on 474 3529 or email: jude.wells@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of Service Director (Adult Social Care) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the conduct of the proposed scrutiny review in respect of Personalisation and Safeguarding which had been suggested by the Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 18 July 2011 as a potential topic for review.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Scrutiny Review in respect of personalisation and safeguarding be comprised of Councillors Bailey (Lead Councillor), Fitzpatrick, Holt, Ingham and King.

(2) That the Service Director (Adult Social Care) be requested to consult the Lead Councillor for the Review in relation to the date of the first meeting of the Review.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

To note the résumés of the meeting held on 8 June and 14 July 2011.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali Tel: 474 3201; e-mail: jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Scrutiny Committee considered résumés (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings of the Adult Education, Skills and Employability Partnership held on 8 June and 14 July 2011.

RESOLVED – That the résumé of the meetings of the Adult Education, Skills and Employability Partnership held on 8 June and 14 July 2011 be noted.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.                                                         

The report sets out planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items that fall within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and put forward any agenda items for future meetings of the Committee.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton 474 3207 email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the planned items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items which fell within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

At 8.37 pm it was

RESOLVED - That the meeting be adjourned.

At 5.30 pm on 19 September 2011 the meeting resumed.

To consider the call-in of executive decision ED1332.

The Committee was informed that the Executive at its meeting on 5 September 2011 had given approval to entering into the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Affordable Homes Framework Agreement subject to a mechanism being put in place which allowed the conversion of Council housing on relet to affordable rents.  The Executive further gave approval to the entering into of agreements with the Accent Group and Stockport Homes to deliver affordable homes and manage the new build development respectively.

The Committee noted that approval had also been given to a conversion cap of 282 properties (10 per cent of total relets) to be relet at 80% of market rent to facilitate building 56 homes, with the potential to build additional homes subject to additional HCA funding.   Relets at the affordable rent level, would, initially be limited to 5%, which had been deemed sufficient to fund the 56 unit programme, with additional homes relet at 70% of market rent, subject to HCA agreement, up to the 10% cap, only being progressed if further funding from the HCA became available.

The Executive had further requested that a policy be developed in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities) to ensure that relets at an affordable rent were made in a fair and equitable manner.

The decision of the Executive had been called in by Councillors Sheila Bailey, Tom Grundy and Philip Harding.  Councillor Harding explained his reasons for ‘calling-in’ the decision, namely that there had been insufficient consultation on the proposals prior to the decision being taken by the Executive and nor had there been an opportunity for the Scrutiny Committee to consider the matter.  Concern was further expressed in relation to the legal robustness of the proposals and the implications of the decision for those on the waiting list for social housing given the increase in rents on certain properties that would result from it.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Executive Councillor (Communities) responded that the pressure to get an agreement in place had meant that there had not been an opportunity to bring the proposals before the Scrutiny Committee prior to its consideration by the Executive and the signing of the agreement with the HCA prior to the deadline at the end of September.

·         It was confirmed that the legal framework for the agreement was clear and robust.

·         It was acknowledged that the agreement would result in the transfer of properties from social to affordable housing and that members may have reservations in relation to this principle; however the alternative would have meant that there would be no further new build properties in Stockport.

·         The Council had already expressed its concern to the HCA at the expedited nature of the process which had added to those already expressed by other local authorities and housing associations.

It was then

RESOLVED – That no further action be taken.

To consider the call-in of executive decision ED1331.

The Committee was informed that the Executive at its meeting on 5 September 2011 had given approval to a new community development on the site of the former Council run Woodbank Nursery, the proposed partnerships and beneficiaries, legal structure, implications, costs and intended outcomes.

The Executive had specifically authorised the Council’s participation in the development of a Community Interest Company (CIC) to support wider horticultural activities in keeping with the park environment and delegated the structure and detail of the CIC to the Corporate Directors for People and Places including the nomination of Directors.

It was noted that the Executive had supported the recommendation to construct a new community building subject to due planning process.

The decision of the Executive had been called in by Councillors Sheila Bailey, Tom Grundy and Philip Harding.  Councillor Harding explained his reasons for ‘calling-in’ the decision, namely that there had been insufficient consultation with both residents and the Central Stockport Area Committee on the proposals prior to the decision being taken by the Executive and nor had there been an opportunity for the Scrutiny Committee to consider the matter.  Concern was further expressed in relation to the governance arrangements of the CIC; the costs associated with running the initiative and whether any alternatives had been considered.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Discussions were ongoing in relation to the governance arrangements for the CIC.

·         Bubble Enterprises had been selected as a partner in this initiative on the basis of its track record in working with the Council.

·         The Council had acted quickly to get a presence on the former Woodbank Nursery site in order to secure the site and prevent vandalism

·         The intention was to develop the site as a genuine community resource and not to be exclusive in its use.

·         The Central Stockport Area Committee and ward councillors should have the opportunity to explore the implications of the proposals prior to the submission of a planning application for the development of the site.

·         The Scrutiny Committee should be involved in the development of robust governance arrangements for the CIC.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That no further action be taken.

(2) That the Service Director (Adult Social Care) be requested to:-

(i) Hold a public site meeting at the former Woodbank Nursery to engage with local residents in relation to the proposals.

(ii) Submit a detailed discussion paper and make a presentation to a future meeting of the Central Stockport Area Committee on the implications of the proposals prior to the consideration of a planning application for the development of the site.

(iii) Submit a report to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee to enable the Committee to give consideration to the governance arrangements of the proposed Community Interest Company.