Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 October 2014

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 28 October 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to under minute 8 - ‘Public Liability Insurance Claims’ the inclusion of the additional resolution:

“(4) That the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee be requested to monitor progress in relation to the effectiveness of the Roads and Pavements Inspection Regime in reducing insurance claims.”

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 they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal and Prejudicial Interest

Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

To consider call-in items (if any).

There were no items to consider.

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

This item consists of four reports.

·         The Leader’s Mid-Year Report highlights a number of the Council’s significant achievements over the last quarter, along with providing an update on key decisions at GM level.

·         The Mid-Year Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the second quarter of 2014/15, based on the Council Plan 2013/15 and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013/17. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which are published as background papers to this report.

·         The Portfolio Performance and Resources - Mid-Year Report 2014/15 for the Corporate, Customer and Community Services Portfolio which falls within the remit of the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee.

·         The Sickness absence update highlights sickness absence performance and issues across the Council at the half year point of 2014/15 (1 April to 30 September 2014) and provides an update on the activity undertaken to manage and reduce sickness absence across the Council including the provision of mandatory training and regular management information.  

The Executive at its meeting on 11 November 2014:

·         Noted progress against delivering Council Plan priorities, portfolio outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report.

·         Approved the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.4 of the report.

·         Noted the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2014/15 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.6of the report.

·         Noted the update on the budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 of the report.

·         Noted the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report.

·         Approved the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.9 of the report.

·         Noted the forecast position for the 2014/15 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1of the report.

·         Approved the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.4 of the report.

·         Approved the proposal that the prudential borrowing initially allocated to St Elisabeth’s be reallocated to St Thomas’ CE Primary (£3.62m in 2015/16) and the remaining £0.29m (2015/16) to Greave Primary School, as set out in 3.2.6.of the report.

Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

·         Consider the First Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report.

·         Review the progress against priorities, performance, budgets and savings targets for 2014/15.

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

·         Note the half year out turn of 5.27 days per FTE and note the projected out turn of 10.54 days per FTE which is outside the agreed corporate parameters of 9 to 10 days.

·         Note progress to date relating to clearer and more consistent polices and guidance notes, management information, occupational health provision, training and one-off initiatives such as the flue vaccination scheme and participation in Wellbeing at Work week.

·         Note the future planned activity relating to wellbeing at work including the establishment of a Wellbeing Management Steering Group, pilot activity relating to the Workplace Wellbeing Charter and the establishment of a new team with a particular focus on wellbeing in the workplace. 

Officer contact: Christine Buxton/ Peter Owston/ Sue Williams, 0161-474-4124/ 3274/ 2175 Christine.buxton@stockport.gov.uk / peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk /

sue.williams@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the Leader’s Mid-Year Report (copies of which had been circulated) highlighting a number of the Council’s significant achievements over the last quarter, along with providing an update on key decisions at the Greater Manchester level.

It was reported that the report had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 11 November 2014.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

It was commented that the Leader’s report was considered to be lighter on detail on this occasion and could have said more on the progress of the Investing in Stockport Programme on issues that are specific to this Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the Mid-Year Corporate Performance and Resource Report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the second quarter of 2014/15, based on the Council Plan 2013-15 and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-17. It was supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which had been published as background papers to this report.

It was reported that the report had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 11 November 2014.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Council needed to make provision for the potential costs which would need to be met by the Council and Schools following the recent Employment Tribunal decision in relation to payment for holidays for employees on part time and zero contract hours.

·         This Scrutiny Committee would wish to receive regular reports in relation to the implementation of Universal Credit in Stockport.

·         The Scrutiny Committee considered the impact of the additional capacity being provided to support the Contact Centre and the impact of the new home page on the Council’s website in promoting the use of inline information and transactions.

·         It was noted that it was anticipated that the funding in relation to the Better Care Fund would be received within the current financial year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted the Portfolio Performance and Resources - Mid-Year Report 2014/15 (copies of which had been circulated) for the Corporate, Customer and Community Services Portfolio which fell within the remit of this Scrutiny Committee.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members commented upon the delay in relation to the payment of invoices and noted that a high proportion of invoices were being paid outside the 10 and 30 day targets.

·         The Scrutiny Committee were reassured that it was proposed as part of the ’Locality Working Model’ that Councillors through the Area Committee structure would have greater responsibility for the services in their area and that the total spend (including by partners) was currently being assessed by area to ensure that budgets were appropriately allocated and that officers are adequetly supported in relation to the new ways of working.

·         There was a need to consider various forms of consultation including the ‘Review’ rather than an over reliance on ‘on-line’.

·         The Scrutiny Committee noted the income generated by the Revenues and Benefits Service in providing services to other Councils including Durham County Council and Hull City Council.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to the operation, governance and accountability of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) highlighting sickness absence performance and issues across the Council at the half year point of 2014/15 (1 April to 30 September 2014) and providing an update on the activity undertaken to manage and reduce sickness absence across the Council including the provision of mandatory training and regular management information.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that some of the figures in the report related to very small teams.

·         Managers were being better supported in relation to the Sickness Absence Management Policy which was now being interpreted in a more consistent way across the Council.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted, but that in future reports, where a team consists of more than10 members of staff, that number should be included in the data.

(2) That the half year out turn of 5.27 days per FTE and the projected out turn of 10.54 days per FTE be noted.

(3) That progress to date relating to clearer and more consistent polices and guidance notes, management information, occupational health provision, training and one-off initiatives such as the flu vaccination scheme and participation in ‘Wellbeing at Work’ week be noted.

(4) That the future planned activity relating to wellbeing at work including the establishment of a Wellbeing Management Steering Group, pilot activity relating to the Workplace Wellbeing Charter and the establishment of a new team with a particular focus on wellbeing in the workplace be noted.

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

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of complaints, as at the 2^nd quarter (July - September) 2014/15.

This report is structured as follows:

·         Performance overview

·         Overview of Stage 1 & Stage 2 Corporate Complaints

·         Overview of statutory Adults Social Care Complaints

·         Overview of statutory Children’s Social Care Complaints

·         Overview of complaints about Stockport Homes

·         Overview of complaints referred to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO)

·         Lessons learnt as a result of complaints

The Executive at its meeting on 11 November 2014 noted the performance in relation to complaints received in the second quarter of 2014/15.

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 Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of complaints, as at the 2^nd quarter (July - September) 2014/15. The report was structured as follows:

·         Performance overview

·         Overview of Stage 1 & Stage 2 Corporate Complaints

·         Overview of statutory Adults Social Care Complaints

·         Overview of statutory Children’s Social Care Complaints

·         Overview of complaints about Stockport Homes

·         Overview of complaints referred to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO)

·         Lessons learnt as a result of complaints

It was reported that the report had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 11 November 2014.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

RESOLVED – That the performance in relation to complaints received in the second quarter of 2014/15 be noted.

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

The report provides the Scrutiny Committee with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2014/15 approved by Council on 27 February 2014 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

The report provides an economic update for the first six months of 2014/15 and details how this impacts upon the interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.  An overview is provided of more recent forecasts and developments in the financial markets and how these are affecting the Council’s investment portfolio and borrowing strategies for the current financial year.   A review is provided of the Council’s capital expenditure prudential indicators and compliance with Treasury and Prudential Limits for 2014/15.

There are no key changes required to the Treasury Management and Capital strategies for 2014/15, which continue to be relevant and effective.

The Executive at its meeting on 11 November 2014, recommended that the Council Meeting receive the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy Mid-Year Review Report 2014/15 in line with best practice guidelines, noted the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year, and approved changes to the Council’s credit methodology whereby counterparties will no longer be able to gain a slightly higher credit score from additional viability, financial strength and support ratings.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to recommend that the Council Meeting receive this report in line with best practice guidelines and note the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year.

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

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2014/15 approved by Council on 27 February 2014 which had been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

The report provided an economic update for the first six months of 2014/15 and detailed how this impacted upon the interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.  An overview was provided of more recent forecasts and developments in the financial markets and how these were affecting the Council’s investment portfolio and borrowing strategies for the current financial year.   A review was provided of the Council’s capital expenditure prudential indicators and compliance with Treasury and Prudential Limits for 2014/15.

There were no key changes required to the Treasury Management and Capital strategies for 2014/15, which continued to be relevant and effective.

It was noted that the report had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 11 November 2014.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The training for members in relation to Treasury Management earlier in the day was welcomed.

·         It was likely that over the next 6-12 months the Council would be required to undertaking some long term borrowing should the Council’s balances reduce.

RESOLVED – That that the Council Meeting be recommended to receive the report in line with best practice guidelines and note the report and the Treasury activity in the first half of the financial year.

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

The report seeks the views of the Scrutiny Committee on the development of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS), Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for 2015/16, to be considered for approval at the Executive Meeting on 10 February 2015 and the Council Meeting on 26 February 2015.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to give consideration to the questions included in the report so that the Scrutiny Committees views can be taken account of in the development of the 2015/16 Treasury Management Strategy Statement.

Officer contact Lorna Soufian on telephone number Tel: 0161 474 4026 or alternatively email lorna.soufian@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the views of the Scrutiny Committee on the development of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2015/16, to be considered for approval at the Executive Meeting on 10 February 2015 and the Council Meeting on 26 February 2015.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Council has a statutory duty to respond to a variety of information requests as required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000, as a ‘Data Controller’ under the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998 and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004. These include requests for general information held by the Council in addition to specific information in relation to individual data subjects. The Council also has obligations to respond to requests for information from relevant professionals across a variety of third party organisations under the Children Act 1989 (CA89) and the Crown Prosecution Service Protocol 2013 (CPS).

This report provides an overview and analysis of:

•           The national and regional context

•           Management and organisational arrangements in place to process information requests

•           Volumes, frequency and different types of requests

•           Proposals to further improve efficiency and handling of requests

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to:

·         Consider and provide comment on the report.

·         Accept the recommendations in relation to continued monitoring and reporting of information requests.

Officer contact Andrea Stewart on telephone number 0161 474 3243 or alternatively email andreaj.stewart@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview and analysis of:

·         The national and regional context

·         Management and organisational arrangements in place to process information requests

·         Volumes, frequency and different types of requests

·         Proposals to further improve efficiency and handling of requests

It was reported that the Council had a statutory duty to respond to a variety of information requests as required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000, as a ‘Data Controller’ under the Data Protection Act 1998 and Environmental Information Regulations 2004. These include requests for general information held by the Council in addition to specific information in relation to individual data subjects. The Council also had obligations to respond to requests for information from relevant professionals across a variety of third party organisations under the Children Act 1989 and the Crown Prosecution Service Protocol 2013.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the recommendations in relation to continued monitoring and reporting of information requests be accepted.

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

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to the Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme for 2015/16 to 2017/18 and the funding arrangements to support the programme. At this stage, given the prospect of changes in the Council’s property requirements as the Investing in Stockport programme is developed and implemented, the Executive will be asked to approve the 2015/16 programme for implementation and funding, and to approve as indicative the programme for 2016/17–2017/18 subject to a further update and recommendations during 2015/16.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and the following recommendations that will be considered by the Executive on 16 December 2014:

·         The 2015/16 AMP programme for implementation and funding and the Indicative AMP programme for 2016/17 to 2017/18

·         The application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2015/2016 to 2017/2018; with the application of funding types (capital receipts (including total achieved from ORP) and borrowing) being delegated to the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group (ESG).

·         The ECP phase 1 for implementation, where the funding required is derived from the energy reduction measures within the programme and the matching of Salix funding capital projects where appropriate up to the proposed allocation outlined in the report.

·         That the Executive and CRMG receive annual updates, which will report progress and the effects of any other programmes, in particular investing in Stockport.

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) seeking the Scrutiny Committee’s comments on the proposed Asset Management Plan capital programme for 2015/16 to 2017/18 and the funding arrangements to support the programme. At this stage, given the prospect of changes in the Council’s property requirements as the Investing in Stockport programme was developed and implemented, the Executive would be asked to approve the 2015/16 programme for implementation and funding, and to approve as indicative the programme for 2016/17–2017/18 subject to a further update and recommendations during 2015/16.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

It was noted that through the Stockport Property Alliance a more sophisticated approach had been adopted in assessing risks and costs in the preparation of the Asset Management Plan to ensure that the priorities identified were appropriate.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive be recommended to give approval to:-

·         The 2015/16 Asset Management Plan programme for implementation and funding and the Indicative Asset Management Plan programme for 2016/17 to 2017/18

·         The application of corporate resources to fund the Asset Management Plan programme 2015/2016 to 2017/2018; with the application of funding types (capital receipts (including total achieved from Office Rationalisation Programme) and borrowing) being delegated to the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services in conjunction with the Estates Strategy Group.

·         The Energy Capital Programme phase 1 for implementation, where the funding required was derived from the energy reduction measures within the programme and the matching of Salix funding capital projects where appropriate up to the proposed allocation outlined in the report.

(2) That this Scrutiny Committee and the Executive should receive annual updates, which report progress and the effects of any other programmes, in particular ‘Investing in Stockport’.

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

The report proposes a strategic approach to planning and procuring what is considered to be essential new infrastructure technology to achieve greater benefits over individual purchasing decisions. It also outlines how the investment could be financed and the ongoing financial benefits that could be gained.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the rationale for investment set out in this report and to support the recommended investment proposal set out in option 2. Subject to the Committee’s comments and observations the proposal will be submitted to the Executive for approval.

Officer contact: Paul James, telephone number 474 5430, email: paul.james@stockport.gov.uk.

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) proposing a strategic approach to planning and procuring what was considered to be essential new infrastructure technology to achieve greater benefits over individual purchasing decisions. It also outlined how the investment could be financed and the on-going financial benefits that could be gained.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

RESOLVED – That the Executive be recommended to approve the rationale for investment set out in the report and support the recommended investment proposal as set out in Option 2 of the report.

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

The Council is required to annually review the scheme of Discounts and Exemptions which are available in respect of Council Tax and Business Rates.

The report considers the impact of both Business Rates and Council Tax discounts and makes appropriate recommendations.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the following recommendations to be considered at the Executive meeting of 17 December 2014:

Business Rates Relief

·         That support continues for Business rates relief for

•              CASC organisations as outlined at 3.3 be continued

•              not for profit organisations as outlined at 3.6

·         That further support for Charities is limited to mandatory relief (see paragraph 3.4) and that any village shop entitlement (3.5) be considered through the local business rates relief scheme.

·         That the localised discount scheme for businesses as outlined in section 3.7 and 3.8 of the report continues

·         That officers continue to explore through Investing in Stockport ways of, where appropriate, converting grants into business rates relief as outlined in 3.9 of the report.

·         That organisations and initiatives which are considered to be essential for the Council to achieve its priorities as outlined at 3.10 of the report continue to be considered for business rates relief.

Council Tax

·         That Stockport’s empty property discount scheme is maintained for 2015/16 as described at section 4.3 of the report.

·         That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2015/16 as detailed at section 4.4 and Appendix 5 of the report.

·         That the qualifying criteria for a discretionary CTS payment be amended so that it is no longer essential to have been in receipt of Council Tax Benefit on 31 March 2013 as shown at 4.5 of the report.

·         That any awards of discretionary CTS be linked to the customer receiving Personal Budgeting Support to prevent repeat applications and prepare customers for the introduction of Universal Credit. 

·         That the start date of CTS entitlement for customers in receipt of Universal Credit is aligned with the payment date for UC and awarded from the Monday of the start of the week in which payment is due as shown at 4.6 of the report.

·         That the full amount of Universal Credit is used in the CTS calculation net of housing cost as outlined at 4.6.6 of the report.

·         That if primary legislation is not passed, claims for CTS from EEA jobseekers are aligned with HB regulations and excluded from entitlement as outlined at 4.7 of the report.

·         That the treatment of War Pensions as an income in the calculation of CTS be brought in line with the Housing Benefit provision and be totally disregarded.

Officer contact Alison Blount   on Tel: 0161 474 5107 or by email on alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk  

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) considering the impact of both Business Rates and Council Tax discounts and making appropriate recommendations.

The Council was required to annually review the scheme of Discounts and Exemptions which were available in respect of Council Tax and Business Rates.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Corporate, Customer and Community Services (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         In relation to business rates, the Scheme had proved to have worked well.

·         How the Council compared to other comparable authorities in relation to Empty Property Discount and whether there was the opportunity to go further.

·         The implications of pooling Business Rates across AGMA and Cheshire East.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.               

The report sets out planned agenda items for future meetings of the Committee and Forward Plan items that fall within its remit.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and put forward any agenda items for future meetings.

Officer contact: 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 a report be submitted to this Scrutiny Committee on 7 April 2015 in relation to the operation, governance and accountability of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.