Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 July 2012

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 30 July 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to:-

(i) Under Minute 14 - ‘Individual Electoral Registration’ the addition of the following words to the end of the third paragraph “Members expressed concern about…..and that the scheme would be costly and less effective than the current system”; and

(ii) Under Minute 19 the inclusion of Councillor Suzanne Wyatt in the membership of the “Preparing for the introduction of the Universal Credit regime Scrutiny Review Panel”.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the appendices marked confidential which contain information “not for publication” as part of item, 13 (Bradshaw Hall Phase 5, Cheadle Hulme) by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any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RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to the following item should the content of this appendix need to be discussed:-

Agenda Item 13 - ‘Bradshaw Hall Phase 5, Cheadle Hulme’ by virtue of Category 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) (see Minute 5 below)

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

Following the re-marketing of this site, the report seeks authority from the Executive to enter into a contract with the highest bidder that will lead to the disposal of the site, subject to the grant of planning permission for a suitable residential scheme. In the event that the highest bidder withdraws authority is requested to enter into contract with the second highest bidder.

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

Officer contact: Murray Carr, 0161 474 3649, murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Scrutiny Committee that following the re-marketing of the Bradshaw Hall site, the Executive would be asked to consider at its meeting on 1 October 2012, entering into a contract with the highest bidder that would lead to the disposal of the site, subject to the granting of planning permission for a suitable residential scheme. In the event that the highest bidder withdrew it was proposed to enter into a contract with the second highest bidder.

(NOTE: the report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within an appendix that had been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only)

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That this Scrutiny Committee has no objection to the disposal of this site subject to there being a requirement for the developer to provide affordable housing being added as a condition of the sale of the land.

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, Strategy, Policy, Partnerships and Transformation

The report provides an overview of the Community Right to Bid, introduced in the Localism Act 2011, which will become live on 12th October.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on the issues outlined in this paper.

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

A representative of the Assistant Chief Executive, Strategy, Policy, Partnerships and Transformation submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with an overview of the Community Right to Bid, introduced in the Localism Act 2011, which would become live on 12 October 2012.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the definition of “Community Value” should be clear and specific.

(3) That a report be circulated to Area Committees on the issue identified in the report and setting out any new responsibilities.

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

The purpose of this report is to inform the Scrutiny Committee on the operation and effectiveness of the Council's Treasury Management function for 2011/12.

The Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 approved the recommendations in the report.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting:

·         Approve the actual 2011/12 prudential and treasury indicators in this report;

·         Note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2011/12;

·         Note the changes to the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices to reflect the Council’s amended insurance and creditworthiness policies for 2012/13.

Officer contact: Lorna Salvage, 0161 474 4026, lorna.salvage@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider the operation and effectiveness of the Council’s Treasury Management function for 2011/12 and recommending revisions to the Council’s Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices.

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

The Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 had approved the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

·         approve the actual 2011/12 prudential and treasury indicators in the report;

·         note the annual treasury management report for 2011/12;

·         note the changes to the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices to reflect the Council’s amended insurance policy and revised creditworthiness policy for 2012/13.

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

The report is to inform the Scrutiny Committee on the operation and effectiveness of the Council's Treasury Management function for quarter one 2012/13.

The Treasury Management Policy Statement, approved by Council on 23 February 2012 outlines that reporting on Treasury Management will be undertaken quarterly and as such the Council is embracing best practice in accordance with CIPFA's Code of Practice. 

A ‘key highlights’ summary for quarter one is provided at the front of the comprehensive report.

The Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 noted the report.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note the contents of the report.

Officer contact: Lorna Salvage, 0161 474 4026, lorna.salvage@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider performance of the Treasury Management function for the first quarter of 2012/13.

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

The Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 had approved the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

Following the approval of Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements and the re-configured Council Plan and Budget at the Executive on 9 July 2012, the report includes the first Corporate Performance and Resource Report for 2012/13. It is supported by the ten Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) and summarises progress during the first quarter of the financial year in delivering the Council’s priorities, revenue budget and capital programme. It also highlights progress on implementing key strategic projects and managing corporate risks.

Where significant activity or decisions have been made since the end of the quarter, these have been included to ensure that the report remains timely. These will also be included within the comprehensive mid-year report.  

The PPRRs can be accessed via the Council’s website at:

http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=10678

The Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 approved the recommendations in the report.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to;

(a)  Review progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget forecasts contained within the report.

(b)  Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2 of the report

(c)  Note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2012/13 as set out in sections 2.3, 2.5 and 2.6 of the report;

(d)  Note the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report;

(e)  Approve the contributions to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report.

(f)   Note the forecast outturn for the 2012/13 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report

(g)  Approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in paragraph 3.1.7

(h)  Approve the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4

(i)    Identify key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast issues or risks.

Officer contact: Andrea Stewart/ Christine Buxton, 474 3243/ 4124, andrea.j.stewart@stockport.gov.uk / christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider the first quarter position in delivering the Council’s priorities, revenue budget and capital programme for 2012/13 and highlighting progress on implementing key strategic projects and managing corporate risk.

The forecast at the end of the quarter was of a surplus of £2.9m for the revenue budget. There remained challenges being forecast for the Adult Care Services budget and investigations were continuing into Solutions SK finances. Overall performances trends remained positive with more than four out of five indicators set to improve or maintain performance.

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

The Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 had approved the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED – (1) That the progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget forecasts contained within the report be noted.

(2) That the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2 of the report be noted.

(3) That the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2012/13 as set out in sections 2.3, 2.5 and 2.6 of the report be noted.

(4) That the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report be noted.

(5) That the contributions to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report be noted.

(6) That the forecast outturn for the 2012/13 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted.

(7) That the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in paragraph 3.1.7 of the report be noted.

(8) That the resourcing of the Capital Programme as set out in section 3.4 of the report be noted.

(9) That the average number of working days lost due to sickness absence per employee be provided to members of this Scrutiny Committee broken down by Service area together with a breakdown between short term and long term sickness and comparative data for previous years.

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

The first quarter Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports for the new Policy, Reform & Finance and Governance & Corporate Services Portfolios, which fall within the remit of this Scrutiny Committee, are presented for consideration by the Committee. These provide an early summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, budgets and capital programmes for 2012/13.

These reports are based on the Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements for 2012/13 which were considered at the 30 July meeting of the Committee.  

Where significant activity or decisions have been made since the end of the quarter, these have been included to ensure that the report remains timely. These will also be reported within the mid-year review for 2012/13 at the 3 December meeting of the Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to:

a)         Consider the first quarter Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports;

b)        Review the progress against priorities, performance and budgets for 2012/13;

c)         Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast performance or resource issues:

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

Officer contacts, Paul James, Business Services Manager, paul.james@stockport.gov.uk (474 5430) or Susan Wood, Strategic Accountant (CSS/OCE) susan.wood@stockport.go.uk (218 1032)

Additional documents:

•           Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports for 2011/12

•           Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements for 2012/13

•           Council Plan and Budget for 2012/13

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the first quarter Portfolio Performance and Resource reports for the new Policy, Reform & Finance and Governance & Corporate Services Portfolios, which fall within the remit of this Scrutiny Committee. The reports provided an early summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, budgets and capital programmes for 2012/13.

The reports were based on the Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements for 2012/13 which were considered by this Scrutiny Committee on 30 July 2012.

Where significant activity or decisions had been made since the end of the quarter, these had been included to ensure that the report remained timely. These would also be reported within the mid-year review for 2012/13 to this Scrutiny Committee on 3 December 2012.

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services

From April 2013 the national Council Tax Benefit Scheme will be abolished and replaced with localised Council Tax Support arrangements. Funding for the scheme will be at least 10% lower than is currently provided. It is up to each local authority to establish its own local scheme and decide how to address the reduction in funding. The report will set out options for the local scheme.

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

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk  

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Scrutiny Committee that from April 2013 the national Council Tax Benefit Scheme would be abolished and replaced with localised Council Tax Support arrangements. Funding for the scheme would be at least 10% lower than is currently provided. It was up to each local authority to establish its own local scheme and decide how to address the reduction in funding. The report set out options for the local scheme in Stockport.

The Executive at its meeting on 7 September 2012 had approved the recommendations in the report.

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

Concern was expressed regarding the following element of the proposed Council Tax Discount Scheme:

·         Properties and empty for refurbishment should receive a 100% discount for the first two months in the same way as it was proposed for empty and unfurnished properties

Concern was expressed regarding the following elements of the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme:

·         Restricting the amount of Council tax used in the calculation to a maximum of band A for smaller households and band B for larger households.

·         Reducing the capital cut off from £16,000 to £8,000

·         Setting the minimum amount of Council Tax Support payable at £1 per week.

·         Assuming a minimum income of the national minimum wage level for self-employed claims after twelve months of trading.

Mr Houston offered to provide additional information or illustrations to members of the Scrutiny Committee and suggested that such requests should be made to the Head of Revenues and Benefits.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the proposed Council Tax Discount Scheme being proposed by Manchester City Council be circulated to members of this Scrutiny Committee for information.

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

The Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 adopted the response to the ‘How the Public Contact the Council’ Scrutiny Review as set out in the report.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the report.

Officer contact: Adrian Moores, 0161 474 5409, adrian.moores@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Executive’s response to the ‘How the Public Contact the Council’ Scrutiny Review adopted by the Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012.

RESOLVED – That the Executive’s response be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director, Place Management (To follow)

The report provides the committee with an update on the progress of the Customer Contact – Street Lighting and Highways Business Improvement, Transformation and Efficiency (BITE) Review this was initiated by the Customer Contact Review in 2009.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the positive changes and progress made as a result of the review.

Officer contact Stuart Jackson on 474-3504 or email: stuart.jackson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director, Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with an update on the progress of the Customer Contact – Street Lighting and Highways Business Improvement, Transformation and Efficiency (BITE) Review which had been initiated by the Customer Contact Review in 2009.

RESOLVED – That the positive changes made as a result of the review be noted and that any further progress reports be submitted to the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee rather than this Scrutiny Committee.

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

The report provides a further update on progress being made regarding the action plan to implement the agreed recommendations and also to provide information for the key performance indicators critical to controlling the cost of public liability claims.

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

Officer contact Andrew Pollard – Head of Financial Support Services on 0161 474 4018 or andrew.pollard@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a further update on progress being made regarding the action plan to implement the agreed recommendations of the Insurance Services Scrutiny Review and also to provide information for the key performance indicators critical to controlling the cost of public liability claims.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report and progress be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services be requested to circulate the protocol in relation to the inspection and repair of pot holes to members of this Scrutiny Committee.

(3)That the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services be requested to submit a further report to this Scrutiny Committee on 11 March 2013 which included a breakdown of claims received.

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

The report details progress with the Review since the issue was last considered by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee on 6 March and the Executive on 12 March 2012.

This report will also be considered by the Executive 7 September 2012.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the report

Officer contact: Barry Khan, 0161 474 3202, barry.khan@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing progress with the Review since the issue was last considered by this Scrutiny Committee on 6 March and the Executive on 12 March 2012.

The Executive at its meeting on 7 September 2012 had approved the recommendations in the report.

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report details a proposal to amend PR5 Finance Procedure Rule of the Council’s Constitution to include reference to Maintained Schools being permitted to make use of the Corporate Credit Card Scheme and Business Charge Cards.

The Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 recommended that the Council Meeting approve the change to the Constitution as outlined in the report.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and recommend that the Council Meeting adopt the proposed amendment.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth, 0161 474 3204, craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider a proposed amendment to the Financial Procedure Rules of the Council’s Constitution to broaden the coverage of the Corporate Credit Card procedure rules to allow maintained schools to use business charge cards, with appropriate financial controls.

The Constitution Working Party on 25 July 2012 and the Executive at its meeting on 20 August 2012 had endorsed the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to amend paragraph 9 of PR5 Financial Procedure Rules of the Council Constitution to include the following paragraph:

“9.20 Maintained Schools are permitted to make use of the Corporate Credit Card Scheme and may also use Business Charge Cards in accordance with the usage policy set down on credit cards/ charge cards in the Scheme for Financing Schools.”

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.               

The report sets out planned agenda items for the next meeting 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: Craig Ainsworth, Democratic Services Manager, telephone number 474 3204, email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

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

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.