Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 January 2022 were approved as 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.

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 interest to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following item:

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the exempt information in the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 12 ‘Edgeley Park’.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services, the Service Director for Strategy and Commissioning and the Service Director for Citizen Focus.

The Third Quarter Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Citizen Focus & Engagement and Resources, Commissioning & Governance Portfolios are presented for consideration by the Committee.

These provide a summary of progress in delivering the Portfolio priority outcomes since the mid-year reports. In the case of the budget and capital updates, these cover the period since the Q2+ report considered by CRMG Scrutiny in January and Cabinet on 1st February.

The Third Quarter Update Reports focus on the Portfolio performance measures which are reported where new data or forecasts are available since the Mid-Year Reports.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·       Consider the Third Quarter Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports;

·       Review the progress against key measures, targets and budgets for 2021/22;

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

·       Highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report; and

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

Officer contact:

Resources, Commissioning & Governance 

Peter Owston, Strategy and Performance Manager

peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk  (474 3274)

Citizen Focus & Engagement

Alan Lawson, Strategy and Performance Manager

alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk  (474 5397)

Financial Resources & Monitoring (both Portfolios)

Stephen Pate, CSS Manager (Specialist) Finance

stephen.pate@stockport.gov.uk   (218 1086)

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services (Deputy Chief Executive) submitted a joint report of the Corporate Director, the Service Director for Strategy and Commissioning and Service Director for Citizen Focus (copies of which had been circulated) providing the third quarter update Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports for the Citizen Focus & Engagement and Resources, Commissioning & Governance Portfolios are presented for consideration by the Committee. These provide a summary of progress in delivering the Portfolio priority outcomes since the mid-year reports.

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:-

·         It was queried how and why the reporting would be changed in relation to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.

·         In response it was stated that the number of cases closed during the quarter and the percentage of those that were closed on time would be reported going forwards, this was to eliminate an anomaly in reporting as currently FOI requests were reported on the basis of when they were received which afforded the service 20 days to respond and close.

·         Raised concerns in relation to the red status of the number of active digital champions.

·         In response, Members were informed that the Digital Champion programme had been affected by the pandemic as volunteer capacity had reduced and the programme required an element of face-to-face support which had not always been possible. It was agreed that a detailed report on digital champions and digital inclusion would be shared with Members at a future meeting.

·         In relation to the downward trend in the number of digital contacts and bin collection day visits, it was queried whether there was more that the council could do to improve the service. In response it was stated that the council could be more proactive within its communications and agreed to provide a future report on how the service is provided to residents.

·         It was queried why the figures in relation to the number of visits to Stockport museums hadn’t increased following a large number of school visits and half term. In response it was stated that the position had changed since the publication of the report as the figures did not include visits recorded during the half term week.

·         In relation to the collection of Business Rates, Members requested clarification in respect of whether the outstanding rate collection related to a larger business or several smaller businesses. In response, it was stated that the council had a varied and wide range business base and that the debt related a number of businesses spread amongst the business rate baseline.

·         Clarification was requested in relation to the council’s position in relation to gully cleaners. In response, Members were advised that the council had commissioned a contractor, in addition to in-house capacity, to meet demand as currently resource in relation to staff who were qualified to operate the machines was insufficient. It was reported that the service was exploring options to resolve this issue which included training and recruitment.

·         It was reported that there was an issue with the online forms as there was only a limited number of options and where a resident selected none, they were unable to continue. It was also reported that the forms required a Stockport address which was impractical for people visiting or passing through the borough to raise any issues they observed.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services (Deputy Chief Executive) be recommended to a conduct a review of the online forms system.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, 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 since the mid-year report. In the case of the budget and capital updates, this covers the period since the Q2+ report considered at the last cycle of Scrutiny and Cabinet. The CPRR includes an executive summary and performance analysis, along with the forecast out-turn position on revenue and capital. As Portfolio Reports for Q3 were focused on performance data, this provides the basis for the summary. 

The Corporate Performance Dashboard is also published alongside the CPRR. This provides further detail for the suite of ‘Corporate’ measures analysed in Section 2 of the report, including trends, comparative data and commentary. A unique link to the Corporate Performance Dashboard is included in the body of the CPRR.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

·       Consider the Q3 Update Corporate Report;  

·       Review the progress against delivering priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2021/22; and

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

Officer contact:

Holly Rae, Head of Strategy and Design (CSS), 0161 474 3014,  holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

Jonathan Davies, Strategic Head of Service – Finance (Deputy S151), jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk  (0161 218 1025)

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services (Deputy Chief Executive) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes since the mid-year report. In the case of the budget and capital updates, this covered the period since the Q2+ report considered at the last cycle of Scrutiny and Cabinet. The Corporate Performance and Resources Report (CPRR) included an executive summary and performance analysis, along with the forecast out-turn position on revenue and capital. As Portfolio Reports for Q3 were focused on performance data, this provided the basis for the summary.

The Corporate Performance Dashboard was also published alongside the CPRR. This provided further detail for the suite of ‘Corporate’ measures analysed in Section 2 of the report, including trends, comparative data and commentary.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      Requested an update in relation to the Greater Manchester Treasures discussions on the Business Rates retention pilot. In response it was stated that the agreement reached with GMCA for the pilot was that the benefit would be shared by GMCA at a level up to a maximum of 50% due to the investment required at a GM level which included some investment at a regional. The ongoing discussions with the Treasurers centred around the investment requirement moving forwards.

·      Welcomed the financial benefit generated from waste over the next 12 months.

·      Welcomed the resolution that had been reached with Heaton School in relation to the higher needs budget and noted the benefits that this would have on the educational provision and students. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Development & Regeneration.

The report provides the progress of the 2021/22 Asset Management Plan Action Plan (AMP) capital programme and the programme of work for inclusion in the 2022/23 financial year and the indicative programme up to 2024/25.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider and comment on the proposals to:

·       Approve the Action Plan for 2022/23 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative Action Plan for up to 2026/27, as set out in the report; and

·       Approve the application of corporate resources to fund the Action Plan 2022/23 to 2026/27; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Director of Development & Regeneration in conjunction with the Estates Capital Board (ECB)

·       Authorise the Director of Development & Regeneration to award construction contracts as required to deliver the works programme.

Officer contact: James Kington, james.kington@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Development & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the progress of the 2021/22 Asset Management Plan Action Plan (AMP) capital programme and the programme of work for inclusion in the 2022/23 financial year and the indicative programme up to 2024/25.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that the cost of the concrete repairs to Stopford House was less than expected by Members. In response, it was stated the money allocated to the repairs was following a significant number of surveys of the building which had identified that no significant repairs were required.

·         It was commented that there was a Scrutiny Review being conducted in relation to the council’s property portfolio and that the report felt passive rather than proactive in relation to asset management. Members inquired as to whether this was the correct approach.

·         In response, it was stated that the service welcomed scrutiny in this area and awaited the key findings and recommendations from the review. It was reported that the service was conducting numerous investigations to provide direction in relation to future proposals and noted the impact of COVID on workstreams.

·         Commented on the importance of the maintenance and improvements on the Town Hall as a heritage asset.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report sets out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011. The statement also has due regard for the associated statutory guidance including supplementary guidance issued in February 2013 and the Local Government Transparency code 2014. The statement also incorporates the Councils Gender Pay Gap (GPG) information as the Council is now required to publish this on an annual basis under the GPG reporting requirements.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to: -

·       Approve the Pay Policy Statement for the Council prior to its adoption at the Full Council on the 31st March 2022; and

·       Agree to the publishing of the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.

Officer contact: Jennie Neill on 0161 474 4159 or by email on jennie.neill@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services (Deputy Chief Executive) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011. The statement had due regard for the associated statutory guidance including supplementary guidance issued in February 2013 and the Local Government Transparency code 2014. The statement also incorporated the Councils Gender Pay Gap (GPG) information as the Council was now required to publish this on an annual basis under the GPG reporting requirements.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      Welcomed the publication of the Councils Gender Pay Gap information and inquired to whether other pay gap reporting such as ethnicity was being conducted.

·      In response it was stated that this information was already internally available and reported through HR and that the service would explore the possibility to make the information publicly available. Members were advised that the HR function was being reviewed to ensure that staff were explored at the correct level and to promote training.

·      Members enquired about the number of apprenticeships that resulted in the individual receiving a permanent position. In response it was agreed that statistics relating to apprenticeship outcomes would be shared with Members.  

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and Pay Policy Statement for the Council be endorsed.

To consider a report of the Service Director for Strategy & Commissioning.

The report provides an update on the national, Greater Manchester and Locality arrangements for the Integrated Care System (ICS) in Stockport.   This follows on from the report that was provided to scrutiny committees in September 2021 and the member’s briefing on September 2nd 2021. 

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

·       to comment on the national and regional developments on Integrated Care Systems;

·       to comment on the progress in Stockport and the draft governance outlined in section 7; and

·       to review next steps and request any further information.

Officer contact: Kathryn Rees by email kathryn.rees@stockport.gov.uk

The Service Director for Strategy & Commissioning submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the national, Greater Manchester and Locality arrangements for the Integrated Care System (ICS) in Stockport. This followed on from the report that was provided to Scrutiny Committees in September 2021 and the member’s briefing on September 2nd 2021.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      Commented on the importance of local representation within GM to ensure that the proposals are fit for purpose in Stockport.

·      Requested clarification in relation to the scrutiny arrangements of the Integrated Care System.

·      In response it was stated that there would be some functions delegated locally and others relating to the NHS taken at a GM level, each with alternative mechanisms for scrutiny. It was reported that Councillors John McGahan and Lisa Smart were part of the GM Task and Finish Group tasked to explore issues such as these and that the importance of retaining the scrutiny was recognised.

·      Raised concerns in relation to challenges of partnership working and coordinated services.

·      In response, Members were advised that the council recognised the challenges that may face as part of an integrated system and felt that key to successful integration was shared vision, ambition and culture, underpinned by strong working relationships, which would enable partners to work together to resolve disputes.

·      Welcomed a future update report on the Integrated Care System and requested that information be included in relation to the future arrangements for staff with a shared role across the council and NHS and overall flexibilities and constraints envisaged.

·      Members enquired about the impact of the system on the voluntary sector. In response it was stated that there were currently shadow arrangements in place with voluntary sector representation overseeing the transition and that the People and Communities Subgroup was focussed on engagement with the community and incorporating the views of local people.

·      Commented on the opportunity that an integrated system presents in relation to exploring more creative and innovative solutions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services and Education.

The report provides an update on progress with developing shared leadership for the early years functions of the School Improvement Teams across Stockport and Tameside Councils. This report builds on previous updates to scrutiny committee and provides further information and assurance on the stages taken for due diligence in development of shared services proposals.

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

Officer contact: Tim Bowman, tim.bowman@stockport.gov.uk  or Carolyn Anderson, carolyn.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services and Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with developing shared leadership for the early years functions of the School Improvement Teams across Stockport and Tameside Councils. This report built on previous updates to scrutiny committee and provided further information and assurance on the stages taken for due diligence in development of shared services proposals.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Expressed disappointment in relation to delay in reporting on the Shared Services Programme to the Committee.

·         It was noted that shared services had a number of benefits.

·         Members queried the line management responsibility of staff working across the shared service and governance structure.

·         In response it was stated that there was currently three posts funded through Stockport and one post funded through Tameside across the Shared Service Programme and that dependant on which authority funded the post, determined the line management responsibility of this member of staff.

·         Raised concerns in relation to the ward boundaries, large scale housing developments and the impact on the offering of school places.

·         In response it was stated that whilst there would be an increase in demand for school places, there was only a limited number of spaces available in Stockport schools and once the school had reached its published admission number it would not be able to admit any children in addition to those allocated.

·         Requested assurances that feedback the in relation the consultation would be received and acted upon. In response Members were assured that all feedback would be listened to, however the outcome determined would be in the best interest for residents as a whole.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance)              

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: Georgia Latham on 0161 474 3229 or email: georgia.latham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and any Forward Plan items.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services (Deputy Chief Executive) be requested to submit reports to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee on the Integrated Care System and Shared Services.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report outlines Stockport County’s vision to grow the Club over the next 5-10 years and the opportunities to maximise the social and economic impact that it has within the local community.  

(Note: This item includes a ‘not for publication’ appendix that has been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only)

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider and comment on the proposals to:

·       Note the progress to date by the Club in bringing forward investment in players and facilities and developing community partnerships.

·       Note the Club’s vision for the growth and development of the Football Club and its associated community activities for the long-term benefit of residents, the wider area, and the town as a whole.

·       Give approval the proposal to create a Strategic Partnership between the Council and the Club based on the principles set out in this report.

·        Delegate Authority to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources Commissioning and Governance to approve the final terms of a long lease of Edgeley Park to Stockport County 2010 Ltd in return for a premium of £2.157m

·       Delegate authority to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

Officer contact: Paul Richards on Tel: 0161 474 2940 or by email paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining Stockport County’s vision to grow the Club over the next 5-10 years and the opportunities to maximise the social and economic impact that it had within the local community.

Members welcomed the proposals including the focus on protecting the club as a heritage asset and commented on the benefit that it provided for communities.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.