Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 December 2017 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 they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider call-in items (if any)

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of agenda item 12 (Property Alliance) which contains information “not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public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would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ report at agenda item 13 (Property Alliance) (see Minute 5 below).

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report will outline the Council’s contingency planning in respect of ongoing uncertainty over the future of Carillion.

Officer cotnact: Charlotte Cordingley, 0161-474-4240, charlotte.cordingley@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on developments with the Council’s contingency planning following the beginning of liquidations proceedings of Carillion Plc which was a part in the Stockport Property Alliance and with whom the Council had a number of contracts for property related services.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to arrange to brief Scrutiny Committee members on developments as the situation develops.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with the Final Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRRs) for the Reform & Governance Portfolio.

The report provided a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects since the mid-year report, with a focus on the third quarter of the year (October to December), including forecast performance data and projected financial data for the Portfolio, and an update on the portfolio savings programmes.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Concern was expressed about the potential levying of a precept for the Greater Manchester (GM) Mayor. Assurance was given that concerns about this were recognised but that it would allow for much needed resources to be raised to support important activity in the conurbation.

·         Clarification was sought on project management capacity to support Stockport Together. In response it was stated that the initial capacity had been resources through Transformation Fund resources and that this was due to expire shortly, so partners would be considering how to fund this need moving forward.

·         Clarification was sought on the Compulsory Purchase Powers of the GM Mayor as these were key element in supporting devolution.

·         It was queried why the roll-out of Open Plus to libraries other than Bramhall had not taken place. In response it was stated that this was due to funding difficulties as a recent bid for external funding had been unsuccessful.

·         Concern was expressed that the priorities contained in the GM Mayor’s policing plan were not reflective of public concerns around burglary and car theft for example. Assurance was given that local priorities would be reflected in the Safer Stockport Plan.

·         Further information was requested about the Community Investment Fund and it was suggested that there was an opportunity to work with Trustees of the Brookfield Park Shiers Trust on areas of common concern. In response it was stated that the application process for the Fund was currently subject to testing.

·         Clarification was sought on whether the change of the Business Rates Retention Scheme to a 75% rate rather than 100% would result in an increased savings requirement for the Council. In response it was stated that although the provisional funding settlement for the Council had indicated a possible reduction to 75% the Council planned on the basis of £50% retention so that it still expected to receive a financial benefit from the scheme.

·         Further information was sought on the One Public Estate Phase 6 funding. In response it was stated that £50k has been secured for feasibility work at railway stations in Stockport, looking at opportunities for development in these areas.

·         Assurance was sought that preparations were underway for the new Data Protection Regulations in May 2018, including the appointment of the appropriate Statutory Officer. In response assurance was given that preparations were in hand and an appointment would be made in time to ensure compliance.

·         Further information was sought on the GM / Digital Catapult strategic alliance. In response it was stated that there was little detail currently, and it was not expected for there to be any cash benefit to the Council although it was expected that the Council would benefit from the research and development work associated with the initiative.

·         Comment was made about the recent Joseph Rowntree Foundation Report into poverty, and whether its findings of a reversal of previous downward trends was applicable to Stockport. In response it was stated that the report highlighted a national phenomenon, and that intergenerational poverty was a particular area of increase.

·         Improvements in levels of sickness absence were acknowledged and welcomed, but it was suggested that seeking to learn from partners such as Stockport Homes might allow the Council to improve further. In response the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Council Plan accompanies the budget and sets a high-level framework for decision making throughout the financial year. It is a public-facing summary document that sits above more detailed annual Portfolio Agreements.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

a)    Consider and comment on the draft 2018/19 Council Plan and EIA,

b)   Note the key issues and processes outlined above.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174 steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to comment on the draft Stockport Council Plan 2018/19 prior to its submission to the Cabinet and Council Meetings in February. The Plan set out the proposed high level framework for the Council’s decision making in the next financial year.

The Leader of the Council in particular sought the views of the Scrutiny Committee on the inclusion within the Plan of the priorities of the Greater Manchester Strategy, and how best these could be captured within Stockport’s Plan.

Members welcomed the style of the document and the ease with which it could be read. The inclusion of Greater Manchester priorities as detailed in the draft Plan was welcomed.

Members also welcomed the focus on inclusive growth as a means to tackle inequality but comment was made that greater emphasis could be given to highlighting the Red Rock development. The importance of delivery on the priorities in the plan was also emphasised.

RESOLVED – That the draft 2018/19 Council Plan and Equality Impact Assessment, including the key issues and processes contained therein, be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

In recent months, the Cabinet has presented a series of updates detailing its approach to becoming self-financing by 2020/21 and addressing the significant funding challenges facing the Council. Within its latest update on 14 November, the Cabinet outlined the challenging position facing Adult Social Care and Public Health services and introduced a series of options for addressing these.

Since proposals were last presented, further development has been undertaken which has, where appropriate, involved consultation and engagement with stakeholders affected by the proposals.

This Committee is asked to note the updated Integrated Commissioning, Transformation and Reform proposal (appended), which relates to its remit, ahead of final drafts for Cabinet consideration on the 6th February.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the draft proposal.

Officer contact: Andrew Webb, 0161 474 3808, Andrew.webb@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider finalised proposals from the Cabinet to address budget pressures for 2018/19 onwards. The proposals were considered at the last Scrutiny Committee meeting and had since been subject to consultation with stakeholders.

A concern was expressed that the risk assessment ratings of ‘moderate risk’ suggested the proposals were not sufficiently ambitious. In response it was stated that the Council had been able to identify other sources of funding to mitigate some of the risks, hence them being ‘moderate’, but that the integration of commissioning would demonstrate ambition.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report sets out progress of the 2017/18 Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme and sets out the programme of work for inclusion in the 2018/19 financial year and the indicative programme up to 2021/22.

The Scrutiny is recommended to:

·           Note and provide comment on the implementation of the updated Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2018/19 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for up to 2021/22, as set out in the report;

·           Note the request for the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2018/19 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: Charlotte Cordingley, 0161 474 4240, charlotte.cordingley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative for the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider the Asset Management Plan (AMP) Capital Programme 2018/19 – 2022/23 that set out proposed works to the Council’s assets during this period.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

Concerns were expressed that the proposed investment in leisure assets managed by Life Leisure was front loaded in the next two years, with not investment planned beyond that. In response it was stated that the proposed investment was to address priority works for health and safety or for general maintenance. The AMP did not address investment needs as part of a wider strategy for leisure facilities.

RESOLVED – (1) That the updated Asset Management Plan Capital programme for 2018/19 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for up to 2021/22, as set out in the report be noted.

(2) That the request for the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2018/19 to 2020/2021 be noted; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group.

(3) That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to submit 6-monthly update reports on progress with the implementation of the Plan.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

This report updates the Committee on the approach taken to benefits management by the first phase Digital by Design programme, and the high-level and specific benefits that were intended for and delivered by it.  This includes information about contacts to the Council as requested by this Committee at its October 2017 meeting. 

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to discuss and note the report, and request any additional information as necessary.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on the approach taken to benefits management during the first phase of the Digital by Design (DbD) Programme.

A series of short videos were also shown to the Scrutiny Committee highlighting some of the benefits to the Council.

Concern was expressed that predictive analytics was no longer in scope of the DbD Programme. In response it was stated that the current programme did not include this element, but this was due to the initial phase of the programme taking longer than anticipated. Assurance was given that work on predictive analytics would be progressed through mainstream activity, complementing work being undertaken at a Greater Manchester level.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted and progress with the Digital by Design Programme be welcomed.

(2) That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to submit a further progress report on Digital by Design in 6 months’ time, including further information about the extent of data collection by the Council and its usability through predictive analytics.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer

This report updates the Committee with information about the impact of Digital by Design developments on Contact Centre performance and the customer’s experience.  

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to discuss and note the report, and request any additional information as necessary.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 1614745107, Alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on the impact of Digital by Design developments on Contact Centre performance and customer experience.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The purpose of the report is to provide CRMG with an update on the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Business Rates (GM&C) Pool. The note also provides details on the Business Rates growth and retention Pilot schemes entered in to by the Greater Manchester Authorities as a result of the Pooling arrangement.

The Scrutiny Committee requested this update at its previous meeting.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies, 0161 218 1025, jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with an update on the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Business Rates Pool, including details of the growth and retention pool pilot schemes.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Alex Ganotis) and the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

·         Clarification was sought on the likely impact of the reduction in retention rate from 100% to 75% and whether the government would guarantee no loss of income to councils as a consequence. In response it was stated that the Council budgeted for 50% retention, despite a forecast benefit of £3.5m in a 100% retention situation. It was also stated that it was important to consider the move to a 75% rate in the context Local Government Fairer Funding Review, which was hoped would retain the incentive for local authorities to grow their own tax base rather than rely on an overly complex redistribution of resources.

·         Concerns were expressed that the business rate collection regime allowed prolong payment periods that denied the Council resources it was due, as indicated by collection being lower than anticipated. In response it was stated that the revaluation process presented challenges to the assessment and collection process. It was also acknowledged that the in-year collection rate was also below the metropolitan rate and that officers were working to improve this. The economy in Stockport was made up largely of SMEs which complicated collection. The Council also rarely wrote-off debts, which would impact the rate figures, and would pursue vigorously illegal avoidance practices.

·         Clarification was sought on whether the developments at Redrock and Aurora would increase business rate growth. In response it was confirmed that this would, and was at the centre of the Council’s Growth agenda, as it would also help to stabilise business rate base. It was further commented that development should not be led by the impulse to chase business rates but rather to ensure that regeneration was sustainable and rate growth was a positive consequence of that.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and welcomed.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.               

The report sets out planned agenda items for future meetings of the Committee and Forward Plan items that fall within its remit.

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

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3204, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

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

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to ensure that the following items are included on future agendas:-

·         Digital by Design Update (6 months’ time)

·         Asset Management Plan (6 monthly update)

·         Update on Property Alliance (February 2018)