Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meetings held on 28 May and 17 June 2013

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings held on 28 May and 17 June 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject, in relation to Minute 8 - ‘Belmont Court Care Home (Boroughcare)’ of the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 May 2013, to:-

(i)         The addition at the end of bullet point two of following words “and if not they may be approached with a view to going so”

(ii)        The addition of a fourth bullet point stating: “A view was given that the land could be land banked for social housing”.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

There were no items to consider

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items:-

·         Item 10 “Review of Property Services”, which contains information ‘not for publication’ in Appendix by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out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).

·         Item 11 ‘Disposal of Hygarth House” which contains information ‘not for publication’ in the Appendix by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set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RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 by virtue of Category 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended) 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:

·         Agenda Item 10 “Review of Property Services”, as the appendix to the report contained information which was ‘not for publication’ and which was discussed throughout the consideration of the item.

·         Agenda Item 11 ‘Disposal of Hygarth House” as the appendix to the report contained information which was ‘not for publication’ and which was discussed throughout the consideration of the item.

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

This report provides an overview of progress towards achieving the Council’s priorities and budget during 2012/13, including year-end outturn financial and performance data. It is supported by ten Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports, which are published as background papers to this report.

The revenue budget is reporting a surplus of just over £3m, with reserves and balances standing at £73.081m. Progress in delivering the £67m capital programme is also reported.

Two thirds of priority measures improved or maintained performance this year, with 70% forecast to meet or exceed targets.

The report had been approved by the Executive at its meeting on 11 June 2013.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to;

·         Consider the Annual Corporate Performance and Resources report. 

·         Review the out-turn performance and budgets for 2012/13, and progress in delivering corporate priorities.

Officer contact: Peter Owston/  Christine Buxton, 0161 474 3274/ 4124, peter.owston@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) providing an overview of progress towards achieving the Council’s priorities and budget during 2012/13, including year-end outturn financial and performance data. It was supported by ten Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports, which had been published as background papers to this report.

The revenue budget was reporting a surplus of just over £3m, with reserves and balances standing at £73.081m. Progress in delivering the £67m capital programme was also reported.

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) and the Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Mark Weldon) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

It was reported that report had been approved by the Executive at its meeting on 11 June 2013.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The challenge of managing the reduction in staff whilst retaining the capacity and skills needed to maintain services and the approach being taken by the Council with regard to voluntary redundancy.

·         The improved recording of sickness absence.

·         The latest out-turn performance data showed that 67% of priority measures across then portfolios had improved or maintained performance over the year compared to a target of 75%

·         Officers were analysing the amount the Local Enterprise Partnership would receive from the ‘Single Growth Fund’.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report sets out performance for the final quarter and year end 2012/13 against the performance measures included in the Policy, Reform & Finance and Governance and Corporate Services Individual Portfolio Agreement.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to:

a)    Consider the Annual 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 performance or resource issues.

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

Officer contact Peter Owston, Assistant Head of Performance (CSS),  peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk (474 3274)

Susan Wood, Strategic Accountant (CSS/OCE) susan.wood@stockport.go.uk (218 1032)

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out performance for the final quarter and year end 2012/13 against the performance measures included in the Policy, Reform & Finance and Governance and Corporate Services Individual Portfolio Agreement.

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) and the Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Mark Weldon) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

It was reported that the Executive would consider the report at its meeting on 16 July 2013.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Council’s response to the fall in Business Rate collection to minimise the impact of empty properties.

·         Council Tax collection for 2012/13 had exceeded the amount collected in 2011/12 by 0.1% (£146,928).

·         The establishment of the AGMA Strategic Procurement Unit and the anticipated benefits the shared service between Stockport, Rochdale and Trafford would bring in relation to joint procurement.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Corporate Customer and Community Services Portfolio Agreement for 2013/14 is presented in draft form for consideration by the Scrutiny Committee. It outlines the functions within the control of this Scrutiny Committee, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects, measures and risks which will form the basis of quarterly Portfolio Reports. The draft has been informed by the new portfolio responsibilities (reported to the Council Meeting on 21 May 2013) and the draft Council Plan considered by this Committee on 22 May and the Executive on 11 June 2013.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the draft Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreement and its appendix on proposed measures.

Officer contact Peter Owston, Telephone number 0161 474 3274, email peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk.

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the draft Corporate Customer and Community Services Portfolio Agreement for 2013/14 (copies of which had been circulated).

The Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) reported that as  her Portfolio has a more strategic focus since the reduction in the size of the Executive, it was not proposed to produce a Portfolio Agreement but she would be bringing a Leaders Report  to the Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis.

The report outlined the functions within the control of this Scrutiny Committee, the revenue budget, capital programme, key objectives, projects, measures and risks which will form the basis of quarterly Portfolio Reports. The draft Agreements had been informed by the new portfolio responsibilities (reported to the Council Meeting on 21 May 2013) and the draft Council Plan considered by this Committee on 22 May and the Executive on 11 June 2013.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Mark Weldon) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

It was reported that the Executive would consider the report at its meeting on 16 July 2013.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The arrangements for the launch of the Local Information System for Stockport (MyStockport)

·         Confirmation that the Council had assisted local residents claim an extra £19m of benefits they had been entitled to but not previously claimed.

·         Details of the ‘Payment by Results’ pilot project in relation to the take-up of treatment for substance misuse.

·         It was confirmed that at least one participatory budgeting event would be held in each of the Priority 1 Neighbourhood Management Areas (plus Offerton) together with the arrangements for publicising and ensuring community groups engage in these events.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That details of how members can access the Local Information System for Stockport (MyStockport) be circulated to members of this Scrutiny Committee.

(3) That this Scrutiny Committee be kept informed in relation to the ‘Payment by Results’ pilot project.

To consider a report of the of the Assistant Chief Executive (Communications and External Relations)

The report provides an overview of complaints received in the 4th quarter of 2012/13 and provides a summary of complaints received in the year. The report covers the following complaints procedures:

·         Corporate Complaints.

·         Adult Social Care Complaints.

·         Children’s Social Care Complaints.

·         Stockport Homes’ complaints

·         Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) complaints.

 The report also outlines lessons learnt as a result of complaints.

The report had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 11 June 2013.

 The Scrutiny Committee is invited to:

·         Review performance information contained in this report, and

·         Comment on the performance measures reported and suggest any additional information that might be collected in future.

Officer contact: Anwar Majothi, 0161 474 3182, anwar.majothi@stockport.gov.uk

The Assistant Chief Executive (Communications and External Relations) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of complaints received in the 4th quarter of 2012/13 and provided a summary of complaints received in the year. The report covered the following complaints procedures:

·         Corporate Complaints.

·         Adult Social Care Complaints.

·         Children’s Social Care Complaints.

·         Stockport Homes’ complaints

·         Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) complaints.

The report also outlined lessons learnt as a result of complaints.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Mark Weldon) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

It was reported that the report had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 11 June 2013.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The number of complaints was very low and therefore any increase was statistically misleading in percentage terms.

·         Only 508 complaints had been received in relation to Stockport Homes compared with 1125 compliments.

RESOLVED – (1) That performance in relation to complaints received in the fourth quarter of 2012/13 be noted.

(2) That the Annual report of the Local Government Ombudsman be submitted to a future meeting of this Scrutiny Committee.

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

The report sets out the background to the Medium Term Financial Plan that had informed the recent decision on the 2013/14 budget. The report also details the proposed savings in relation to the Corporate, Customer and Community Services (CCCS) portfolio is provided at Appendix 1. All of the proposed savings were included in the Council’s budget for 2013/14, suitably risk assessed. An initial opportunity was provided for the Committee to scrutinise the relevant savings proposals at its meeting on 11 March 2013.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to provide any further comment on the proposal which the Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Reform & Finance and the Executive Councillor for Governance and Corporate Services will consider prior to the Executive meeting of the 16 July 2013.

Officer contact Peter Owston, Telephone number 0161 474 3274, email peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk.

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the background to the Medium Term Financial Plan that had informed the recent decision on the 2013/14 budget. The report also detailed the proposed savings in relation to the Corporate, Customer and Community Services (CCCS) portfolio as set out at Appendix 1 to the report. All of the proposed savings were included in the Council’s budget for 2013/14, suitably risk assessed.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Mark Weldon) attended the meeting to answer member’s questions.

It was reported that the Executive would consider the comments of Scrutiny Committees on 16 July 2013 when it received an update report in relation to the Executive Savings Proposals.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         To date there had been no compulsory redundancies as part of the Corporate and Support Services Review.

·         In view of the savings to be achieved through the Corporate and Support Services Review, there was a need to manage expectations and achieve a clear view around priorities across the Council involving a joined up approach to service delivery.

·         The results of the public consultation should be published on the Council’s website and in the ‘Review’ so that residents are aware of the outcome.

·         The need to ensure that residents continue to be able to contact the council by telephone or face-to-face and these methods should be publicised widely.

·         The need to invest in technology including the Council website.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the above comments be reported to the Executive for consideration.

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

The report invites the Scrutiny Committee to comment upon the proposed recommendations to the Executive to be submitted to its meeting on 16 July 2013 concerning the Review of Property Services.

The report outlines the outcomes of the recently undertaken procurement of new arrangements for property services taking into account the strategic context for the transformation of local authority estates.  The report sets out the outcomes of the procurement and the recommendations for the future provision of property services to the Council.

The Scrutiny is invited is asked to note the report and to make any comments prior to consideration by the Executive on the 16^th July 2013.

Officer contact Murray Carr on telephone number 0161 474 3649 or alternatively email murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the outcomes of the recently undertaken procurement of new arrangements for property services taking into account the strategic context for the transformation of local authority estates.  The report set out the outcomes of the procurement and the recommendations for the future provision of property services to the Council.

A copy of a letter from UNISON together with the response sent by the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services was tabled at the meeting.

It was reported that the Executive would consider the report at its meeting on 16 July 2013.

(NOTE: the report included exempt information ‘not for publication’ contained in a confidential appendix that had been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The deployment of existing NPS staff when they are transferred to the new property provider and whether they would work exclusively on Stockport Council projects

·         The views of UNISON in relation to the future arrangements for property services.

·         The matrix behind the evaluation scores.

·         The lack of information in the confidential appendix regarding the evaluations of the bidders made it difficult for the Scrutiny Committee to comment in detail on the recommendation.

·         The arrangements for conflict resolution between the council and the new property provider.

·         The need for a comprehensive review of the Council’s assets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report invites the Scrutiny Committee to comment upon the proposal to be submitted to the Executive on 16 July 2013.

The Executive will consider the sale of Hygarth House at its meeting on 18 July 2013 and be requested to

(a) endorse the sale of this surplus building for the uses specified in the report. In accordance with best consideration obligations it is proposed to proceed with Party B as the highest bidder.

(b) agree that in the event that Party B fails to complete the purchase of the building the Corporate Director Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Member (Corporate, Customer and Community Services) be authorised to secure a sale to another party in order to obtain the best possible capital receipt.

(c) should investigations reveal matters which justify a reduction in the purchase price of the building that any subsequent negotiations are delegated to the Corporate Director Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Member (Corporate, Customer and Community Services), to agree.

The Scrutiny is invited to comment on the above recommendations to the Executive.

Officer contact Murray Carr on telephone number 0161 474 3649 or alternatively email murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to comment on the proposed disposal of Hygarth House.

It was reported that the Executive would consider the report at its meeting on 16 July 2013.

(NOTE: the report included exempt information ‘not for publication’ contained in a confidential appendix that had been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

It was commented that the proposal was for the disposal of the whole site which included the car park.

RESOLVED – That the Executive be recommended to:

(a) approve the sale of this surplus building for the uses specified in the report. In accordance with best consideration obligations it is proposed to proceed with Party B as the highest bidder.

(b) agree that in the event that Party B fails to complete the purchase of the building the Corporate Director Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Member (Corporate, Customer and Community Services) be authorised to secure a sale to another party in order to obtain the best possible capital receipt.

(c) should investigations reveal matters which justify a reduction in the purchase price of the building that any subsequent negotiations are delegated to the Corporate Director Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Member (Corporate, Customer and Community Services), to agree.

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

The report outlines the proposed Fleet Replacement Strategy and to seek the views of and comments from the Committee on the provision of a rolling annuity loan arrangement between the Council and Solutions SK (SSK) to facilitate and support implementation of the strategy.

The Executive will be considering the proposal at its meeting on 16 July. The Scrutiny Committee’s comments will be reported to the Executive.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment upon the proposed Fleet Replacement Strategy set out in the report, including the provision of a rolling annuity loan facility to SSK.

Officer contact, Christine Buxton, Head of Finance, Christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk, telephone number: 0161 474 4124

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the proposed Fleet Replacement Strategy and seeking the views of and comments of the Scrutiny Committee on the provision of a rolling annuity loan arrangement between the Council and Solutions SK (SSK) to facilitate and support implementation of the strategy.

It was reported that the Executive would consider the report at its meeting on 16 July 2013.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was clarified that SK Solutions did not have borrowing ceiling.

·         The proposal provided the most cost effective option for managing the fleet renewal.

RESOLVED – That the Executive be recommended to approve the proposal.

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: 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 – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to arrange training for all members of the Council on legislative and policy areas which are likely to have a significant influence over the next 12 months in relation to the Corporate, Customer and Community Services Portfolio.