Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 November 2015

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 3 November 2015 were approved as a 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 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 call-in items to consider.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded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 following item:-

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

The report sets out proposed revisions to the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

The Constitution Working Party at its meeting on 25 November made the following comments:

·         The proposed changes to the Financial Procedure Rules are supported by operational guidance.

·         The proposed changes remove outdated terminology and clear up ambiguity where there was doubt over interpretation.

·         None of the proposed changes were as a direct result of fraud or corruption within the Council.

·         The Financial Procedures Rules had been written in such a way so as to accommodate possible changes to the job titles of senior Council Officers.

·         The Financial Procedural Rules may have to be revisited to accommodate partnership working with the health service, for example changes resulting from a review of the Health and Wellbeing Integrated Commissioning Board.

·         It was confirmed that budget holders were required to ensure that financial records ie documents supporting a payment or an item of income received were retained for six years or the periods specified by statute if longer.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the proposed changes with a view to the revised Financial Procedure Rules and consequential changes, as set out in the schedules, going forward via the Executive Meeting for adoption by the Council Meeting on 28 January 2016.

Officer Contact: Steve Houston on 0161 474 4000 or email: steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and the Monitoring Office submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out proposed revisions to the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

It was reported that the Constitution Working Party at its meeting on 25 November had made the following comments:

·         The proposed changes to the Financial Procedure Rules are supported by operational guidance.

·         The proposed changes remove outdated terminology and clear up ambiguity where there was doubt over interpretation.

·         None of the proposed changes were as a direct result of fraud or corruption within the Council.

·         The Financial Procedures Rules had been written in such a way so as to accommodate possible changes to the job titles of senior Council Officers.

·         The Financial Procedural Rules may have to be revisited to accommodate partnership working with the health service, for example changes resulting from a review of the Health and Wellbeing Integrated Commissioning Board.

·         It was confirmed that budget holders were required to ensure that financial records i.e. documents supporting a payment or an item of income received were retained for six years or the periods specified by statute if longer.

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED – That the Executive be requested to recommend the Council Meeting to approve the changes to the Constitution set out in report.

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

This report sets out the progress of the Stockport Property Alliance (Council, Carillion and CBRE) and provides the summary SPA Business Plan, including its focus on delivering significant income sources to the Council. The report also outlines the achievements of the SPA and Carillion Stockport Property Service, since the report to the Executive on 11 November 2014.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to:

·         Note the Report

·         Request that updates on key savings, key projects and initiatives are provided to this Scrutiny on an annual basis.

Officer contact Murray Carr   on Tel: 0161-474-3019 or by email on murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out progress in relation to the Stockport Property Alliance (SPA) (Council, Carillion and CBRE) and providing a summary of the Stockport Property Alliance Business Plan, including its focus on delivering significant income sources to the Council. The report also outlined the achievements of the SPA and Carillion Stockport Property Service, since the report to the Executive on 11 November 2014.

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that as part of the Strategy, there was a focus on delivering significant income generation to the Council including accelerated growth of income through strategic investments.

·         In relation to Service Contracts for Facilities Management, Estates Management or Multi-Disciplinary Design, Carillion were required to take part in a competitive bid process, to demonstrating Value for Money

·         Mechanisms are in place for new projects to be delivered by the Stockport Property Alliance which have been identified since the Partnership was established and within the scope of the OJEU procurement.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

To consider a Joint Report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and Corporate Director for People.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the Draft Full Business Case prepared by the Stockport Property Alliance (SPA) for potential investment in the care home portfolio operated by Borough Care Limited.

The confidential appendices setting out the Draft Full Business Case and Portfolio Options Appraisal have been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact Murray Carr on Tel: 0161-474-3019 or by email on murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A Joint Report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and Corporate Director for People was submitted  inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider the Draft Full Business Case prepared by the Stockport Property Alliance (SPA) for potential investment in the care home portfolio operated by Borough Care Limited.

The confidential appendices setting out the Draft Full Business Case and Portfolio Options Appraisal had been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Based on the information in the report, Option 2 appeared to best protect the Council’s interest although as acknowledged in the report, more detailed consideration at the next stage of implementation was required if the proposal was agreed.

·         It was noted that the Stockport Property Alliance had worked closely with the Board of Borough Care Limited in relation to the proposals.

·         The proposed redevelopment would commence in 2017 and would take approximately three and a half years to complete. A provisional decant programme had been agreed with Borough Care but this would require refinement and consultation at the next stage of implementation.

·         Whilst the proposal would provide 423 beds against the current 420 beds which were subject to a lease between the Council and Borough Care, it was noted that significant growth in demand in Stockport was anticipated but that any significant increase in beds would need to be dealt with outside of this business case.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This item comprises the (i) Mid-Year Corporate Performance and Resources Report (CPRR) 2015/16, and (ii) the Mid-Year Leader’s Report 2015/16

The Mid-Year CPRR provides an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the first half of 2015/16, including updates on key activity during the second quarter of the year.

Project updates are largely focused around the Investing in Stockport programme, and the report also includes forecast budget and performance data, along with a comprehensive update on the Corporate Risk Register. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which were considered by Scrutiny Committees in the last Scrutiny cycle.

The Leader’s Report highlights a number of significant achievements and areas of progress over the last quarter, alongside key national and regional developments including the latest on plans for devolution to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The Executive at its meeting on 17 November 2015:

·         Reviewed progress against delivering the Council Plan’s Investing in Stockport outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report;

·         Approved the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3 of the report;

·         Noted the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast positions for 2015/16 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.5 of the report;

·         Noted the position on the 2015/16 budget savings programme set out in section 2.3.2 of the report;

·         Noted the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast positions as set out in sections 2.6 and 2.7 of the report;

·         Approved the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.8 of the report and note the forecast reserves and balances position;

·         Noted the forecast position for the 2015/16 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report;

·         Approved the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.6 of the report;

·         Approved the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3.4 and 3.3.5 of the report, and;

·         Identified key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast issues or risks.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the reports.

Officer contact: Peter Owston / Andy Moran, 0161 474 3274 / 4086, peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk / andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the second quarter of 2015/16.

The Scrutiny Committee considered:

Mid-Year Corporate Performance and Resources Report (CPRR) 2015/16 which provided an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during the first half of 2015/16, including updates on key activity during the second quarter of the year and

The Mid-Year Leader’s Report 2015/16 which highlighted a number of significant achievements and areas of progress over the last quarter, alongside key national and regional developments including the latest on plans for devolution to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

It was reported that the Executive at its meeting on 17 November 2015 had:

·         Reviewed progress against delivering the Council Plan’s Investing in Stockport outcomes and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report;

·         Approved the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3 of the report

·         Noted the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast positions for 2015/16 as set out in sections 2.3 and 2.5 of the report;

·         Noted the position on the 2015/16 budget savings programme set out in section 2.3.2 of the report;

·         Noted the Retained Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account forecast positions as set out in sections 2.6 and 2.7 of the report;

·         Approved the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.8 of the report and note the forecast reserves and balances position;

·         Noted the forecast position for the 2015/16 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report;

·         Approved the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.6 of the report;

·         Approved the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3.4 and 3.3.5 of the report, and

·         Identified key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast issues or risks.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

In response to a question, he explained that the proposals in respect of Neighbourhood Management would complement the Locality Working Model as it was recognised that a different approach was required in the Priority Areas but there was an expectation the teams would work closely.

RESOLVED – That the reports be noted

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

The purpose of this report is to provide the Scrutiny Committee with an overview of complaints, as at the 2^nd quarter (July - September) 2015/16. 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)

·         Overview of complaints referred to the Housing Ombudsman (HO)

·         Lessons learnt as a result of complaints

Within each section, complaints information is provided in relation to:

·         Numbers of complaints received

·         Percentage of complaints upheld

·         Percentage of complaints dealt with within agreed timescales

The Executive at its meeting on 17 November 2015 noted the report.

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, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with an overview of complaints received in the second quarter of 2015/16 and outlining any lessons learnt as a consequence.

 It was reported that the Executive at its meeting on 17 November 2015 had noted the report.

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED – (1) That performance in relation to complaints received in the second quarter of 2015/16 be noted.

That the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services be requested to provide further information to members of this Scrutiny Committee as to why Adult social care complaints had increased.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, 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 2015/16 approved by Council Meeting on 26 February 2015 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 2015/16 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 Councils 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 2015/16.

The Executive at its meeting on 17 November 2015 referred the report to the Council Meeting for consideration.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked 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: John Parkinson, 0161-218-1757, john.parkinson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director, 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 2015/16, and providing an economic update for the first six months of the year and the impact of this on interest rate predictions and the outlook provided in the initial Strategy.

It was reported that the Council Meeting on 3 December had noted the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year.

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The purpose of this report is to provide the Scrutiny Committee with the opportunity to comment on and discuss issues that are relevant to the development of next year’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS), Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for 2016/17. The strategy will be considered as part of the 2016/17 Budget Setting process at the Executive Meeting on 16 February 2016 and the Council Meeting on 3 March 2016.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note and comment on the issues and proposals influencing the development of the 2016/17 TMSS/AIS/MRP Policy.

Officer contact John Parkinson on telephone number Tel: 0161 218 1757 or alternatively email john.parkinson@stockport.gov.uk.

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with the opportunity to comment on and discuss issues that were relevant to the development of next year’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS), Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for 2016/17.

The strategy would be considered as part of the 2016/17 Budget Setting process at the Executive Meeting on 16 February 2016 and the Council Meeting on 3 March 2016.

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Council should continue to take a cautious approach to ‘Risk’

·         The Council should maintain adequate Reserves to ensure the Council could meet unplanned expenditure.

·         In relation to the incremental impact of new capital investment decisions on Housing Rents in respect of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the number of projected HRA dwellings should reflect the estimated number of Right to Buys.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on the half year position in terms of sickness absence. The report outlines performance in the first six months of this year and the plans to continue focusing on this area of activity in the next review period.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note and comment upon:

A half year outturn of 5.54 days per FTE and the projected out-turn of 12 days which exceeds the Council target of 9.5 to 10.5 days and the associated activity being undertaken to manage absence.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with an update on the half year position in terms of sickness absence. The report outlined performance in the first six months of this year and the plans to continue to focus on this area of activity in the next review period.

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Scrutiny Committee was concerned at the high levels of sickness especially within certain areas of the Council and noted the contributing factors to this level of absenteeism.

·         Concern was expressed at the number of Managers that had not attended the mandatory Sickness Absence Training and that Return to Work Interviews was not always carried out.

·         It was noted that an audit had been undertaken of all employees who have been off in October to ascertain whether or not the correct Policy has been applied and to ensure that the absence was accurately reported in I-Trent and that his exercise would be repeated for absence in November and December.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That a further report be submitted to this Scrutiny Committee in six months.

(3) That the results of the Audit undertaken in October, November and December be circulated to members of this Scrutiny Committee.

(4) The Deputy Chief Executive be requested to investigate whether the sickness absence figures in relation to schools could be circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee to enable a comparison to be made with the level of sickness absence within the Council.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and the Deputy Leader.

At its meeting on 18 August 2015, the Executive presented a report which included a Medium Term Financial Forecast for the period 2016/17 to 2020/21. That report illustrated the level of resources likely to be available in 2016/17 and the resulting budget position. In response to those forecasts the Executive brought forward the set of proposals for 2016/17 with the relevant proposals being considered by scrutiny committees, including the specific detailed business cases, in September 2015.

This report provides an update on each of the proposals relevant to this Scrutiny Committee and reflects completed or ongoing consultation with members, stakeholders and the public. The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the updated proposals appended to this report. Following scrutiny, proposals will proceed to the Executive on 16 December 2015 where they are presented for consideration and approval.

·         Health &Social Care Combined Business Case

·         Public Safety and Protection

·         Libraries and Management Efficiencies

·         Neighbourhood Management

·         Public Realm and SSK Operating Model

·         Information, Advice and Guidance

·         CSS

·         Locality Working

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to review the proposals and consultation findings relevant to this Committee and provide comments.

Officer contact: Laureen Donnan or Steve Houston, 0161 474 3180 / 4000

The Leader of the Council and the Deputy Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on each of the proposals relevant to this Scrutiny Committee which reflected completed or ongoing consultation with members, stakeholders and the public. The Scrutiny Committee was invited to consider and comment on the following updated proposals appended to the report:

·         Health &Social Care Combined Business Case

·         Public Safety and Protection

·         Libraries and Management Efficiencies

·         Neighbourhood Management

·         Public Realm and SSK Operating Model

·         Information, Advice and Guidance

·         CSS

·         Locality Working

Following consideration by Scrutiny Committees, the proposals would considered by the Executive on 16 December 2015.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) and Portfolio holder for Safe and Resilient Communities (Councillor Shan Alexander) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was difficult to predict the level of savings the Council would be required to make in view of the changes to Business Rates, the proposed reduction in the Revenue Support Grant and the implications Local Government Settlement which was yet to be confirmed. This may have an impact on the Business Cases currently being consulted upon.

·         The Council had the ability to raise council tax by up to 2% to cover a funding shortfall in adult social care.

·         It was noted that the results of the consultation being undertaken by independent consultants to support the Library & Information Service Review would be shared with stakeholders early in 2016.

·         The Locality Working Model would provide a ‘tool kit’ and cultural change to assist the community, councillors, Partners and Officers better engage and be involved in local decision making.

RESOLVED – That the report and Business Cases be noted.

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

The Council is required to annually review the local Discounts and Exemptions which are available in respect of Business Rates and Council Tax.  This report outlines the current arrangements and proposed changes as follows:

·         Section 3 Business Rates Discounts

·         Section 4 Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions

·         Section 5 Council Tax Support

Recommendations 

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note and comment on the report, and in particular the following recommendations to be made to the Executive:

Business Rates

·         That the CASC Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2016/17, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

·         That Charity relief remains limited to the 80% mandatory relief for the year 2015/16.

·         That Village Shop relief continues to be limited to the 50% mandatory relief for the year 2015/16 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discount be considered under the wider discretionary discount scheme outlined at 3.9.

·         That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not for Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2016/17.

·         That the local scheme for the Town and District Centres as outlined above and at Appendix 4 be continued for 2016/17.

·         That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the borough be continued for 2016/17.

·         That the continuation of a case by case approach for Business rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2016/17.

Council Tax

·         That the current scheme of Council Tax discounts and premiums in respect of empty properties be continued for 2016/17

·         That the current discounts available in respect of unoccupied property be continued for 2016/17 and that care leavers under the age of 21 be considered as a priority group for a Discretionary Council Tax Payment as described above and at section 4.4

·         That the wording of the CTS scheme be amended to clarify the treatment of Universal Credit when calculating CTS

·         That the Discretionary Payment budget be increased to £100k for 2016/17.  To support customers facing financial difficulty and care leavers under the age of 21 as referred to in section 4.4.

Officer contact Alison Blount on Tel: 0161 474 5107 or by email on

alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the current arrangements and proposing changes in relation to the following:

·         Section 3 Business Rates Discounts

·         Section 4 Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions

·         Section 5 Council Tax Support

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

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The cost of local discounts and exemptions agreed respect of Business Rates would be met by the Council.

·         The Scrutiny Committee enquired as to the impact of the current discounts for properties which are empty and unfurnished to see if this discount could be reduced further without affecting income.

RESOLVED - (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That further consideration be given to allow Registered Charities to apply for additional 20% “Top Up” relief.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer.

The report sets out proposed changes to Article 11 within the Constitution in relation to the Standards Committee.

The Constitution Working Party at its meeting on 25 November made the following comments:

·         The independent members of the Standards Committee provided a very worthwhile contribution to the work of the Standards Committee and it was imperative that their importance continued to be emphasised. This should be reflected to a greater extent in the report. It was confirmed that the Chair and Vice Chair of the Standards Committee would continue to be independent members.

·         It was suggested that training for all councillors on standards issues should be mandatory. This was also the view of the Standards Committee. The Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee had also expressed a wish for councillors to be trained when they serve on other bodies, including the Standards Committee. If substitute members were to be permitted, then it was imperative that they had been trained on standards issues.

·         If the voting members of the Standards Committee (ie, the councillors) passed a resolution that was in opposition to the views of the independent members, then this should be recorded in the Minutes. The collective views of the independent members should also be recorded in the Minutes.

·         The issue raised at a previous meeting of the Working Party with regard to whether the Independent Persons were bound by the Code of Conduct had been addressed in the report

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the proposed changes to ‘Article 11 – Standards Committee’, as set out in the appendix to the report, going forward via the Executive Meeting for adoption by the Council Meeting on 28 January 2016 subject to the inclusion of the following within Article 11:

“The Role of the Independent Member

Independent members provide an independent and impartial presence on the Standards Committee and make a real contribution to the fairness and integrity of the standards process.

The Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected at the first meeting of the municipal year for a period up to the Council’s Annual Meeting and should be one of the Independent Members. The Chair of the Standards Sub-Committee should also be one of the Independent Members

Independent Members will be treated as if non-voting Co-opted Members of the Authority for the duration of their membership of the Standards Committee.”

Officer Contact: Craig Ainsworth on 0161 474 3204 or email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out proposed changes to Article 11 within the Constitution in relation to the Standards Committee.

 It was reported that the Constitution Working Party at its meeting on 25 November had made the following comments:

·         The independent members of the Standards Committee provided a very worthwhile contribution to the work of the Standards Committee and it was imperative that their importance continued to be emphasised. This should be reflected to a greater extent in the report. It was confirmed that the Chair and Vice Chair of the Standards Committee would continue to be independent members.

·         It was suggested that training for all councillors on standards issues should be mandatory. This was also the view of the Standards Committee. The Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee had also expressed a wish for councillors to be trained when they serve on other bodies, including the Standards Committee. If substitute members were to be permitted, then it was imperative that they had been trained on standards issues.

·         If the voting members of the Standards Committee (i.e., the councillors) passed a resolution that was in opposition to the views of the independent members, then this should be recorded in the Minutes. The collective views of the independent members should also be recorded in the Minutes.

·         The issue raised at a previous meeting of the Working Party with regard to whether the Independent Persons were bound by the Code of Conduct had been addressed in the report

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED – That the Executive be requested to recommend the Council Meeting to approve the changes to the Constitution set out in report subject to the inclusion of the following within Article 11:

“The Role of the Independent Member

Independent members provide an independent and impartial presence on the Standards Committee and make a real contribution to the fairness and integrity of the standards process.

The Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected at the first meeting of the municipal year for a period up to the Council’s Annual Meeting and should be one of the Independent Members. The Chair of the Standards Sub-Committee should also be one of the Independent Members

Independent Members will be treated as if non-voting Co-opted Members of the Authority for the duration of their membership of the Standards Committee.”

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Council’s Code of Practice for carrying out surveillance under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) specifies that quarterly reports will be taken to this Scrutiny Committee to demonstrate that the Council is complying with its own Code of Practice when using RIPA.

.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note this report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton on joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk or 0161 474 3219.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update for the second quarter of the 2014/15 financial year to demonstrate that the Council’s use of directed surveillance and covert human intelligence sources complied with its own Code of Practice when using the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

The Executive Councillor (Support and Governance) (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

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 – That the report be noted.