Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 August 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 August 2015 were approved as a correct record.

Councillors and Officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

To consider call-in items (if any).

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides a factual overview of parking tariffs and policies in neighbouring district centres and provides an overview of the options available in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Lawrence on 0161 474 4515 or email: paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of parking tariffs and policies in neighbouring district centres and providing an overview of the options available in Stockport.

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The Scrutiny Committee debated whether it should recommend that a trial, perhaps in certain areas of the borough, should take place over a six months’ period to assess the impact of free parking in the district centres and how it may act as a stimulus to attract people to the district centres. Although some support was expressed for the principle, the Committee generally felt that in the context of the scale of the budget savings that the Council would have to make over the next few years and the significant sum of money which would have to be found to offset the reduction in the Council’s revenue budget, this should not be pursued as a viable option at this moment in time.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report updates the Scrutiny Committee on progress with the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration Strategy.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Nicola Turner on 0161 218 1635 or email: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on progress with the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration Strategy.

Although significant progress had been made in the Market Place and Underbanks area over recent years as a result of dedicated partnership working from a wide range of committed stakeholders, the report highlighted that the area remained very fragile with low footfall, particularly on non-market days, issues of security and safety remained, and problems of vacant and derelict properties still existed. Awareness of the area was still low and it lacked a critical mass of shops, businesses, housing tenures or other reasons to visit.

In addition, it was recognised that an overall framework for intervention was required in order to support and deliver the strategy and outcomes for the area. To take this forward, regeneration consultants Urban Vision had been commissioned to develop a vision and an urban design plan prepared to regenerate the core Market Place and Underbanks area. In summary, the report proposed generating a critical mass of uses, activities and people by:

·         Creating destinations: things worth travelling to and staying for

·         Encouraging pedestrian and cycle through movements: A to B via the Market Place and Underbanks

·         Creating active nodes and anchors: enticing people beyond to the next street

·         Increasing a resident home audience: live/work/play

With the agreement of the Chair, various questions were submitted from market traders regarding the following issues:-

·         What would happen to market traders who were unhappy with the new location for the market

·         Whether there would be any compensation for market traders unwilling or unable to move to the new location for the market

·         The benefits of specialist traders who currently operated in the market hall

·         The effect on business for the market traders after the market was relocated

·         Who would run the market in the future

·         Details of the arrangements for the operation of the market after it was relocated

·         Whether the Council would pay for the relocation costs to the new location of the market

·         Whether the Council would have a budget to promote the new location for the market until it was firmly established,

·         Whether all the traders in the current market hall would be guaranteed units at the new location for the market

·         The opening and closing times of the market after it was relocated

·         Whether there would be improved signage to the new location for the market

·         How the negative issues highlighted in the report would affect the market and how the Council would support market traders

·         Why market traders had not been consulted on the report

·         The provision of a lift or escalator from Warren Street to the current market.

The Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) responded to the questions.

With the agreement of the Chair, Mr John O’Mara was permitted to address the Scrutiny Committee on behalf of market traders.

The following comments were made/issues raised by market traders:-

·         The market traders in general were not opposed to the relocation of the market, just the uncertainty as a result of the proposals and the need to find the right location for the market and the right package of proposals.

·         The traders requested that they be allowed to run the market.

·         The original idea for ‘Foodie Friday’ from market traders was for it to run from lunchtime on Fridays through to 7.00pm. It was Council Officers who had decided to start the event at 5.00pm at a time when the market was shut and market traders had been working since early in the morning. The perception amongst market traders was that the Council had agreed to events being carried out that benefited the Market Place, not the Market traders.

·         The Vintage Village took place on a day of the week when the market was not open.

The following comments were made/issues raised by the Members and Officers:-  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report sets out the Council’s revised Statement of Community Involvement which explains how it will engage local communities and other interested parties in producing its Local Plan and determining planning applications.

(Appendix 2 to the report, which will set out representations received and changes to the Statement of Community Involvement subsequently recommended, is ‘to follow’).

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report and recommend that the revised Statement of Community Involvement be adopted.

Officer Contact: Richard Wood on 0161 474 4386 or email: richard.wood@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Council’s revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) which explained how it would engage local communities and other interested parties in producing its Local Plan and determining planning applications.

The consultation version of the revised SCI was appended to the report as Appendix 1. Before a new SCI could be formally adopted and then implemented by the Council it must first be the subject to a six weeks period of consultation. Appendix 2 to the report set out the representations received and proposed amendments to the consultation version of the revised SCI which it was recommended be made in response to the representations.

The Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) (Councillor Patrick McAuley) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the adoption of the revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), as set out in Appendix 1, subject to the amendments set out in Appendix 2.

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

At its meeting on 18 August 2015, the Executive received 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 should the previously identified level of cash limit reductions be achieved.

In response to those forecasts, and in line with its previous proposals and statements of intent, the Executive brought forward the set of proposals for 2016/17. These have been informed by the strategic framework and are designed to address the budget reduction requirement. At the meeting on 18 August Executive Councillors agreed to present to each scrutiny committees the relevant proposals relating to each committee’s remit, including the specific detailed business cases.

The Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee is therefore receiving the following specific business cases or project updates which are appended to the report:-

· Leisure Facilities

· Markets, Museums and Cultural Attractions

· Highways and Engineering

· Public Safety and Protection Services

· Public Realm and Solutions SK

· Facilitating Accelerated Growth

· Locality Working (draft enabler business case)

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the proposals that fall within the remit of the Committee.

Officer contact: Paul Lawrence on 0161 474 3501 or email: paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk

A report of the  Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) relating to the Executive proposals in relation to the ‘Investing in Stockport Programme’.

At its meeting on 18 August 2015, the Executive had received 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 should the previously identified level of cash limit reductions be achieved.

In response to those forecasts, and in line with its previous proposals and statements of intent, the Executive was now bringing forward a set of proposals for 2016/17. These had been informed by the strategic framework and were designed to address the budget reduction requirement.  At the meeting on 18 August Executive Councillors had agreed to present to each scrutiny committee the relevant proposals relating to each Committee’s remit, including the specific detailed business cases.

The Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee received the following specific business cases or project updates:-

-       Leisure Facilities

-       Markets, Museums and Cultural Attractions

-       Highways and Engineering

-       Public Safety and Protection Services

-       Public Realm and Solutions SK

-       Facilitating Accelerated Growth

-       Locality Working (draft enabler business case)

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 The following comments were made/issues raised:-

Investing in Stockport Leisure Facilities project

·         It was noted that a complex range of financial, legal and operational issues had been identified which required resolution prior to final agreements and leases being implemented. Although Officers remained confident of achieving the original projected savings, the timescale for the implementation of the new agreements may be later than originally anticipated.

·         As each Dual Use site had unique issues, the project was being progressed on a site by site basis. Significant work had taken place with Hazel Grove High School over the past year and negotiations were at a final stage for the operation of the leisure centre at the site to transfer from Life Leisure to the school from 30 September 2015. It was anticipated that the new arrangements would be in place at Cheadle Hulme High School High School, Priestnall School and Bramhall High School by 31 March 2016 although there were outstanding issues which needed to be resolved.

·         Negotiations with Life Leisure with regard to the length of the lease periods for the facilities were ongoing.

Draft  Business Case for Markets, Museums and Cultural Attractions

·         The Corporate Director confirmed that this business case was primarily about the services operating with a reduced revenue budget within existing delivery models at this stage.

Draft Business Case for Highways and Engineering

·         A Member enquired how Members would retain control of the highways service through the proposed Highways Shared Service. The Corporate Director confirmed that the Council would not delegate its role as a Highway Authority.

·         It was imperative that local democratic accountability was maintained in Stockport after the Highways Shared Service was in operation.

·         As a result of the insistence of Officers from Stockport Council in resolving a number of detailed issues, there may be a delay in implementing the shared service from April 2016.

Draft Business Case for Public Realm and Solutions SK

·         The Executive Councillor advised that there was likely to be staffing reductions and reduction in hours worked by staff at Marple Memorial Park and Torkington Park.

·         Whilst the Committee expressed appreciation for the work carried out by the Friends of Parks Groups, some of the reductions in the Parks Service would lead to increased work for Friends of Parks Groups who were having their support from the Council reduced.

·         A Member expressed concern about the possible transfer of up to 13 f.t.e. Public Realm Inspectors and Highway Safety Inspectors to Solutions SK.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides an update on the strategic approach to transport asset management that has been adopted by the Council and provides an overview of the proposed Transport Asset Management Strategy.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the proposed strategy and the recommendations to be considered by the Executive.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the strategic approach to transport asset management that had been adopted by the Council and provided an overview of the proposed Transport Asset Management Strategy.

The Transport Asset Management Strategy provided the guiding principles, objectives, processes, actions and current estimated investments that were needed to ensure that the performance of Stockport’s transport infrastructure could support the Council’s corporate aspirations whilst maintaining long term financial sustainability over the period from 2015 to 2034. It clarified the links between the Council’s approach to the management of transport assets and specific objectives for economic growth, environmental sustainability and the promotion of greater independence of people in Stockport to enable them to get out and about. The strategy identified a preferred approach to investment but highlighted that further work was required to clarify funding requirements for certain types of assets and that additional funding mechanisms would need to be investigated to achieve the investment required.

The Transport Asset Management Strategy and associated documents needed to be central to the way that the highway network was managed and formed the basis for determining levels of service that:-

·         minimised safety risks;

·         met expectations;

·         met affordability criteria;

·         built resilience into the network; and

·         could be sustained for future generations.

There were four main highways structures where significant highway works were required over the next few years, namely Merseyway Precinct, A6 Wellington Road South viaduct, Greek Street bridge and Queens Road bridge in Cheadle Hulme.

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed about the works required to the A6 Wellington Road South viaduct and Greek Street bridge in terms of the closure of the A6 and the effect on the Town Centre Access Package respectively. The works would, of course, be carried out at such a time as to minimise their effect on motorists.

·         Concern was expressed about the major works required to highways structures in the town centre at a time when major developments such as Redrock and Stockport Exchange were being constructed.

·         Such was the scale of the works to some highways structures over the next few years, the Council should put greater emphasis on maintaining existing highways structures.

·         The importance of bidding for external funding to enable the works to be carried out was crucial.

·         The decline in public satisfaction with the condition of the roads in Stockport from 43.7% in 2009 to 25.6% in 2013 was highlighted.

·         A Member suggested the formation of a Stockport Infrastructure Partnership to ensure regular dialogue with other agencies.

·         The Highways Investment Programme aimed to mitigate the revenue pressures on the reactive maintenance and insurance budgets by improving the % of Category 3 modelled condition (widespread damage to the road surface) to 10% for carriageways and footways. This had required additional investment in reactive maintenance and a total capital investment of approximately £100.6m over a nine year delivery period.

RESOLVED – That the principles behind the Transport Asset Management Strategy be supported and the strategy be recommended to the Executive Meeting on 6 October 2015 for approval.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides an update on the ongoing discussions with Highways England regarding the property along the route of its former A6 (M) scheme which is now part of the proposed SEMMMS Relief Road A6 to M60 scheme. The report also provides information on the Government’s funding for a study into this scheme.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to support and comment on the proposed approach to the Highways England property and the A6 to M60 SEMMMS Relief Road Study, and the review and updating of the SEMMMS Strategy.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the ongoing discussions with Highways England regarding the property along the route of its former A6 (M) scheme which was now part of the proposed SEMMMS Relief Road A6 to M60 scheme. The report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 6 October 2015.

In March 2015 the Government had announced that it would provide £350,000 of funding to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to undertake a study which would consider the economic and financial case for a A6 to M60 SEMMMS Relief Road, ensuring that it would provide good value for the taxpayer, and would give proper consideration to the environmental impacts.

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A transport model would be used to measure the impact of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road once it was in use.

·         A Member enquired when the last traffic count was carried out of traffic accessing the M60 along the A560 in Bredbury and asked for a copy of the information.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager

The report sets out planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items that fall within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

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

Officer Contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or email: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out planned agenda items for the Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items which fell within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.