Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 June 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.

The following interest was declared:-

To consider call-in items (if any)

There were no call-in items to consider.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the exempt information in the ‘not for publication’ report to agenda item 14 ‘Outline Business Case – Review of the Future Redevelopment of Central Library’

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

The report provides the priorities articulated within the Portfolio Agreements, which form the basis for regular in-year reporting with the Agreements being aligned with new Cabinet Portfolio Responsibilities agreed at Annual Council in May. Work has since been undertaken to review and update portfolio priorities in conjunction with the new Cabinet.

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

Officer contacts:

Peter Owston, Strategy and Performance Manager peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk

Stephen Pate, CSS Manager (Specialist) Finance

stephen.pate@stockport.gov.uk 

The Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the priorities articulated within the Portfolio Agreements, which form the basis for regular in-year reporting with the Agreements being aligned with new Cabinet Portfolio Responsibilities agreed at Annual Council in May. Work has since been undertaken to review and update portfolio priorities in conjunction with the new Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Members enquired about the ‘average time taken in calendar days to process Housing Benefit new claims and change events’ and the increase in the target for 2022/23 and how sickness levels were being managed. In response, it was stated that it was a very complex issue and the increase in the target for 2022/23 was in line with other Councils and it was a specialist area that needed the appropriate recruitment and new staff to be trained.

·       It was noted that around 15,000 households across the borough were experiencing some level of food and/or fuel poverty.

·       Clarification was sought regarding the ‘Council awarded funding’ to recruit the Energy Advisor to help households with accessing energy support and the expectations.

·       It was stated that the figures were not available and that a written response will be provided to the Committee.

·       It was commented that the turnover rates in Public Health were high with the ending of Covid testing and vaccination activity which meant that a number of temporary contracts came to an end.

·       Members enquired about the scales where the turnover was occurring for 2021/22. In response, it was stated that the turnover rates reflected in the figures was for all the posts.

·       It was noted that the outputs for the engagement survey and ‘Engaging Managers’ was 78% and concern was expressed relating to the impact of people speaking up. It was noted that a report with more details relating to the engagement survey would be submitted to a future meeting.

·       Clarification was sought regarding people not being confident to speak up and what was being done to address this. It was reported that it was not across the whole authority, but a detailed action plan was being collated that would include further details for heads of service to work with their teams going forward.

·       Members enquired about the volume of unsecured personal loans and reducing the levels. It was noted that support has been put in place to support the vulnerable residents through the Citizens Advice Bureau, Credit Unions and other activities.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That a written response be provided to the Committee relating to the  ‘Council Awarded Funding’ figures and the Energy Advisor role and the  expectations for this role.

To consider a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The report provides an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of July 2022 (Quarter 1+) and also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and updates to the Capital Programme.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and: -

a)    recommend for approval the virements to the Revenue Budget;

b)    note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 1+;

c)    note the HRA and DSG forecast positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 1+;

d)    note the forecast position for the 2022/23 Capital Programme; and

e)    note the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of scheme during Quarter 1+.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or by email at jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of July 2022 (Quarter 1+) and also provided an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and updates to the Capital Programme.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members noted the Section 151 Officer’s comments in the report relating to advising Members of his concern that the forecast deficit may grow significantly as the current financial year progresses and further risks were crystalised.

·       It was commented that there has been a financial impact on residents with an allocation of a corporate contingency budget of £2.830 during the quarter.

·       It was noted that the in-year surpluses for 2022/23 were being ring-fenced for Stockport Homes management fee pressures and for Project Phoenix.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer).

The report provides the details relating to the annual treasury report reviewing treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2021/22 and meets the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and recommend to Cabinet to:

a)    Approve the actual 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators in this report; and

b)    Note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2021/22.

Officer contact: Lorna Soufian on Tel: 0161 474 4026, lorna.soufian@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the details relating to the annual treasury report reviewing treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2021/22 and meets the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

Clarification was sought relating to all the capital projects and the Council’s satisfaction with its status. In response, it was noted that all of the capital expenditure goes through three tests of prudence, sustainability and affordability and it was always the intention of the Council to seek growth in the local economy.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Scrutiny Committee recommend to Cabinet to:

a)    approve the actual 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators in this report; and

b)    note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2021/22.

To consider a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

The report provides the outcome of the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2021/22 outturn position.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and:

a)    Note the annual review of Council’s 2022/23 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held;

b)    Recommend for approval the adjustments and reclassification of earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts; and

c)    Recommend for approval the proposed 2022/23 Reserves Policy.

Officer Contact: Jonathan Davies, 0161 218 1025 or by email on jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the outcome of the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2021/22 outturn position.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       It was noted that further resources in addition to those already identified held in earmarked reserves could be made available to support the Council’s ongoing financial response and recovery over the medium-term period if needed.

·       Members commented that the reserve policy was also monitored by the Audit Committee and the external auditors and it has been good to date.

·       It was explained that the Council has always taken a strategic approach and never made an investment just for a financial return but mainly for a regenerative outcome for residents.

·       Schools across the borough need work and improvement, but the Council are unable to borrow against those assets as there would be no income stream return from repairing those schools.

·       It was noted that the policy dictates how the money was managed and what it could be used for.

RESOLVED – That the Scrutiny Committee:

a)    notes the annual review of Council’s 2022/23 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held;

b)    recommends for approval the adjustments and reclassification of earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts; and

c)     recommends for approval the proposed 2022/23 Reserves Policy.

To consider a report of the Director of Strategy.

The report includes the background and context information relating to Integrated Care Systems (ICS), including the opportunities for Stockport –

·       The Greater Manchester ICS model

·       The emerging Stockport integrated Health and Care model including;

o   The Stockport Locality Board

o   Transition arrangements for the Stockport Locality Team

o   The work of the Provider Partnership

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and note the progress that has been made and the arrangements in place.

Officer contact: Patrick McGee, by email on patrick.mcgee@nhs.net

The Director of Strategy submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the background and context information relating to Integrated Care Systems (ICS), including the opportunities for Stockport, the Greater Manchester ICS model, the emerging Stockport integrated Health and Care model including, the Stockport Locality Board, the transition arrangements for the Stockport Locality Team and the work of the Provider Partnership.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the report and the involvement of Karen James from the Foundation Trust.

·       Clarification was sought relating to the democratic representation and accountability and the patient input. In response, it was stated that there were two levels of accountability including the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board and the Integrated Care Partnership that was not yet established, but the draft terms of reference was being collated and would be circulated. There was also political involvement through the ten Greater Manchester leaders.

·       It was noted that the NHS and local government operate two different accountability frameworks and as such the Leader of the Council was the Chair of the Stockport Locality Board which highlights the local accountability.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report in response to a Council Motion considered on 14 July 2022, sets out the appraisal of the Council’s financial resources in the context of the cost of living crisis, with particular reference to how a reduction in Council Tax could impact on this.

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

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

The Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) in response to a Council Motion considered on 14 July 2022, setting out the appraisal of the Council’s financial resources in the context of the cost of living crisis, with particular reference to how a reduction in Council Tax could impact on this.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

Members welcomed the report, the response and actions identified.

It was noted that advanced talks and a full property review were already underway.

Clarification was sought on who the commentators were that was referred to in the report. In response it was noted that these were local government finance officers and other financial consultants with a specific focus on local government finance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Estates and Asset Management.

The report details the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee in respect to ‘The Council’s Property Portfolio – the Next 5/10 years’ and the proposed recommendations.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and approve the recommendations.  

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

The Strategic Head of Estates and Asset Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee in respect to ‘The Council’s Property Portfolio – the Next 5/10 years’ and the proposed recommendations.

Councillor Lisa Smart (Lead Councillor) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised: -

·       Members welcomed the report and the scrutiny conducted by the Review Panel into the Council’s Property Portfolio.

·       It was noted that the recommendations proposed were mainly internal but the key recommendation was about the strategy and focus on the assets and in particular the heritage assets.

·       Funding for assets was a challenge and needed to benefit the community with a long term plan to maintain the use.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and recommended to Cabinet.

To consider the scoping report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer).

The scoping report provides the aims and objectives of the proposed scrutiny review.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to: -

a)    comment on and note the report; and

b)    appoint members to sit on the scrutiny review.

Officer contact: Charles Yankiah, 0161 474 3206, Charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) submitted a scoping report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the aims and objectives of the proposed scrutiny review into a “Review of Local Government Financial and Governance Sustainability.”

Members welcomed the report and its contents.

RESOLVED – That Councillors Mike Hurleston, Jilly Julian, Tom McGee, Janet Mobbs and Carol McCann be nominated to sit on the proposed scrutiny review panel.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Services).

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: Charles Yankiah on 0161 474 3206 or email:

charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

Councillors are encouraged to submit questions on the Performance and Resources reports prior to the meeting in order to enable a detailed response to be available at the meeting. Questions should be submitted to Charles Yankiah; tel: 0161 474 3206 or email: charles.yankiah@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 relevant Forward Plan items.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance).

The report details a proposal to transfer certain responsibilities within the Right to Buy (RTB) service from the Council to Stockport Homes Limited.

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

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

The Director of Place Management and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) proposing to transfer certain responsibilities within the Right to Buy (RTB) service from the Council to Stockport Homes Limited.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Item including information ‘Not for Publication’

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

The report present the next steps for the redevelopment of Central Library following the opening of Stockroom in late 2023 and provides an update on the ongoing progress of the Stockroom Project.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to: -

a)    Note the progress update on the Stockroom Project.

b)    Note the update on Central Library Redevelopment Strategy and recommend for approval the proposals.

c)    Recommend for approval the release of up to £400k in reserves to fund the development of the project through to planning and construction tender in line with the steps covered in section 11 of this report.

d)    Recommend that authority be delegated for the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance to enter into any required professional services and construction contracts and bring forth any necessary planning applications related to the refurbishment of Central Library.

e)    Recommend that authority be delegated for the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance and Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to take the necessary steps to implement the strategy set out in this report.

Officer contact: James Kington, Strategic Head of Estates and Asset Management by email on james.kington@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive and the Corporate Director of Corporate & Support Services and the Director of Development & Regeneration submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the next steps for the redevelopment of Central Library following the opening of Stockroom in late 2023 and provides an update on the ongoing progress of the Stockroom Project.

Members welcomed the report and generally supported the next steps being proposed but expressed concern relating to the disabled access and facilities including the access into and out of the building.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.