Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2020.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 January 2020 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication”:-

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda Item 11 ‘Re-profiling of Pooled Budget Contributions’ in the event that the content of the appendix needed to be discussed.

To consider call-in items (if any)

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The Third Quarter Update Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget since the Mid-Year Report, with a particular focus on the third quarter of 2019/20 (Oct - Dec 2019).

The CPRR includes an executive summary and performance analysis, along with the forecast position on revenue and capital, and a focus on highlights and exceptions during the quarter.  Latest data for those corporate performance measures where new data is available since Mid-Year is included in Appendix 1, with updates on the revenue budget, Housing Revenue Account and reserves included in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 respectively. This report was considered by Cabinet on 4th February 2020. 

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·         Consider the Third Quarter Update Report;  

·         Review the progress against delivering corporate objectives, key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2019/20; and

·         Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues.

Officer contact: Kathryn Rees on 0161 474 3174 or email: kathryn.rees@stockport.gov.uk or Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email: jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget since the Mid-Year Report, with a particular focus on the third quarter of 2019/20 (Oct-Dec 2019).

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         The Cabinet Member informed the Committee that the Corporate Risks identified on page 21 of the report did not include anything about the ‘Coronavirus’ due to the fact that at the time of the report being submitted it was not yet prevalent in the UK, but an update relating to the corporate risks will include the ‘Coronavirus’ in the next quarter of reporting.

·         In response to a question enquiring about the use of the £400k included in the revenue budget adjustments, the Borough Treasurer stated that it was used to support project costs for implementing the Adult Care operating model and was contained within the Resources, Commissioning and Governance portfolio.

·         Concern was expressed relating to how portfolio areas, for example, Adult Care and Health and Children Services were budgeting and forecasting and what was being done to ensure it was good as could be, given the demand pressures. In response, it was commented that the forecasts were as accurate as could be given the changes to the demand pressures and the process was robust despite the volatile budgets and the number of assumptions that had to be included because of the volatility.

·         Members sought clarification on whether the £1m in loans to Totally Local Company for the Fleet Management Replacement Strategy had been delivered in February 2020. In response, it was noted that the vehicles had been on order but would first need modification due to being waste collection vehicles before being delivered.

·         Clarification was sought in relation to the Economy and Regeneration portfolio and the footfall in the market area and how was it measured. In response, it was commented that the information would be obtained and shared with the Committee by email.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the percentage of people who exercised for 30 minutes or more a week and what it meant in practice. In response, it was commented that it meant, for example, a brisk walk to increase the heart rate, or people walking up the stairs rather than taking the elevators.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the progress against delivering corporate objectives, key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2019/20 be noted.

(3) That the key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues as identified be noted.

(4) That definition of the targets and measures be included in the portfolio dashboard that members have electronic access to as a “hover-over” item for future clarification.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Asset Management Plan 2020/21 capital programme sets out upgrade work and improvements to operational buildings within the Council’s estate. Corporate funding is approved for the Asset Management Programme as the capital financing costs of these works cannot be met from within the Single Property Budget cash limits.

The report also details the progress of the 2019/20 Asset Management Plan capital programme and details the proposed programme of work for inclusion in the 2020/21 financial year and the indicative programme up to 2024/25.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Charlotte Cordingley on 0161 474 4240 or email: charlotte.cordingley@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the progress of the 2019/20 Asset Management Plan capital programme and details the proposed programme of work for inclusion in the 2020/21 financial year and the indicative programme up to 2024/25.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Clarification was sought regarding the Schools Capital Programme and the low/zero carbon approach and whether there would be any opportunities to be innovative and try new things in the classrooms and schools. In response, it was commented that there were a number of opportunities working with schools to do different things supported by organisations including ‘Twelvetrees Consulting’ and the ‘Greater Manchester Combined Authority reviewing the entire portfolio and looking at things like high gas energy usage to identify entire projects for a whole building approach to look at investing in insulation and the fabric of buildings and/or double glazing windows with the principles of sustainability in mind.

·         Members requested additional information relating to the ‘libraries and internal works’ references in the report. In response, it was commented that the references were relating to work that needed to be completed by priority across the library portfolio from the £750k identified.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the proposed application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2020/21 to 2022/23 with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Estates Capital Board (ECB) be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report details a request from Stockport School for a £0.659m Prudential Borrowing loan to finance their contribution towards the cost of a joint Local Authority/ School capital scheme to address urgent and key health and safety issues and other conditional aspects of the school building.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Peter Hughes on0161 474 3947 or email:  peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the request from Stockport School for a £0.659m Prudential Borrowing loan to finance their contribution towards the cost of a joint Local Authority/ School capital scheme to address urgent key health and safety issues and other conditional aspects of the school building.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

Members welcomed the report and the recommendations to increase the capacity and support in Stockport school.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

Colleagues across the Council and with STaR have been working jointly to consider Stockport’s approach to Social Value. To this end, a formal ‘Social Value Charter’ has been drafted to outline the aims of adopting a more structured approach to social value. Similar Charters have been agreed in the other STaR Authorities of Trafford and Tameside.

The Charter supports Stockport to recognise, account for, report on and analyse the use of social value and provides a commitment to develop a robust social value decision making framework.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider and comment on the draft Charter ahead of proceeding to formal adoption.

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 0161 474 3014 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate & Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a draft of the ‘Social Value Charter’ which outlined the aims of adopting a more structured approach to social value and supported Stockport to recognise, account for, report on and analyse the use of social value and provided a commitment to develop a robust social value decision making framework.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Members sought clarification on the weight that would be attached to Social Value when looking at a procurement exercises. In response, it was commented that there would be variables depending on what was being purchased but in every procurement opportunity where relevant and proportionate a minimum weighting of 15% with an overall target of 20% would be attributed in all competitive procurement activity with a total agreement value in excess of £25k.

·         Clarification was sought relating to challenge and assurance and how it was being met, implemented and working. In response, it was commented that challenge and assurance was provided by a STaR Board with representatives from each of the four councils, with Councillor McGee as the Stockport representative with the board members and officers keen to hit the targets.

·         Members enquired about the ‘living wage’ target and how Stockport ranked against the other authorities. In response, it was commented that the information would be sought and circulated to the Committee in due course.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That future performance reports to this Scrutiny Committee include information relating to the monitoring of the Charter and providing assurance that the targets are being met.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

At its meeting on 3 December 2019, the Scrutiny Committee received a report outlining details of the Boundary Commission’s review of electoral arrangements in Stockport.  The purpose of this report is to provide a progress update on the initial stage of the review.

The briefing includes: -

·         A reminder of timescales for the review;

·         An overview of progress towards collating the initial information required by the Commission, including: -

o   the forecasting methodology being used to predict the number of Electors for 2025;

o   Arrangements for the submission of housing development data;

o   The physical, digital and interactive maps produced for elected members;

·         An initial draft Council size proposal for comment (Appendix 2).

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 0161 474 3014 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining details of the Boundary Commission’s review of electoral arrangements in Stockport and to provide a progress update on the initial stage of the review.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

Members sought clarification on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) and what would happen if the electoral data could not be provided by mid-May 2020. In response, it was commented that the boundary commission works on the figures of the population as it was and what it was projected to be and together with Stockport Council it would be looking at forthcoming planning applications and what will be approved overtime and trying to be as accurate as possible. It was also commented that the actual planning developments were being listed together with the housing projections over five years, but that consideration would need to be given to another review depending on the outcomes of the GMSF.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer.

The report provides the Monitoring Officer’s proposals and recommendations for various amendments to the Constitution as detailed below.  The proposed amendments have been endorsed by the Constitution Working Parking at its meetings on 14 October 2019, 6 November 2019 and 20 February 2020:-

·         The Guide to the Constitution (Appendix A)

·         Part 1 to the Constitution – Summary and Explanation (Appendix B)

·         Part 2 – Articles of the Constitution (Appendix C)

·         Part 5 – Procedure Rules

·         CP1 - Code of Conduct for Councillors and Co-opted Members (Appendix D)

·         CP 2 - Officers Code of Conduct (Appendix E)

·         CP4 – Confidential Reporting Policy (Appendix F)

·         CP5 – Procedure for Question Time at Cabinet and Committee Meetings

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on the report and recommend that the Council Meeting gives approval to the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing proposals and recommendations for various amendments to the Constitution, previously agreed by the Constitution Working Party on 14 October 2019, 6 November 2019 and 20 February 2020.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

Members welcomed the report and the detailed discussions that resulted in the proposals and recommendations.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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: Charles Yankiah on 0161 474 3206 or email: charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out planned agenda items for the next meeting and relevant entries in the Cabinet Forward Plan.

Members requested that the following items be included on the Work Programme for the Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of 2019/20 and for the 2020/21 Municipal Year: -

·         Partnership Working

·         Updated RIPA Policy

·         Scrutiny of Council Wholly Owned Companies

·         Armed Forces Covenant Update

·         Progress with the Greater Manchester White Paper

·         Stockport Local Fund – update on fund, monitoring, evaluation and impact of money being spent

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Item ‘Not for Publication’

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

The report sets out a proposal to re-profile and realign pooled budget contributions between the Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group over the period 2019/20 – 2020/21.

(NOTE: the report includes information ‘not for publication’ that will be circulated to committee members only)

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the proposal to agree a two-year funding agreement as set out in the report with the final per annum contribution levels delegated to the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance.

Officer contact: Michael Cullen on 0161 474 4631 or email: michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal to re-profile and realign pooled budget contributions between the Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (SCCG) over the period 2019/20 – 2020/21.

(NOTE: The report contained a ‘Not for Publication’ appendix that had been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

Members asked questions, which were responded to, with regard to the Re-profiling of Pooled Budget Contributions’

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.