Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 February 2016 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 which they had in any of the items on the agenda 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 whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda item which contains information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendices to the following agenda items in the event that the content of these appendices need to be discussed:-

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

 To support Investing in Stockport the Executive, in August 2015, agreed to invest in the Digital by Design (DbD) programme, in order to:

·         Support services to implement the wide-ranging changes required to meet planned spending reductions over 2015-17

·         To improve customer and service user experience, and

·         To establish a platform to support further organisational change and spending reductions post-2017

 DbD will develop digital services and ways of working that the vast majority of residents, and our workforce, will choose to access by preference, and which others will be assisted to use, including full assistance for the most vulnerable and elderly groups. The report updates the Committee on progress with this programme and in particular sets out (at Appendix 1) those measures that will improve services and arrangements that are within the remit of this committee, or that have already done so.  

The Scrutiny Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Steve Skelton on 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on progress with the Digital by Design programme to support services to implement the wide-ranging changes required to meet planned spending reductions over 2015-17, to improve customer and service user experience, and to establish a platform to support further organisational change and spending reductions post-2017.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and 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 had paid significant regard to the Information Commissioner’s views with regard to ‘Privacy Impact and Information Governance’ and the Council was in the process of recruiting additional staff to help ensure that data was kept securely.

·        There were currently six members of staff working in the essential Digital by Design programme team, but this would increase to thirty five during the course of the programme.

·         The Council was researching barriers from customers to its services by engaging with user groups, for example people with visual impairments, and making it easier for older people to access Council services online. In addition, the Council was providing equipment and support at Fred Perry House and at libraries to assist customers.

·        How the Council would address those residents who were reluctant to access services online or were unable to attend Fred Perry House or a library remained a priority.

·        There was maybe certain areas where if people contacted the Council via its website they would be guaranteed a quicker response.

·        A Member felt that the Council needed to advertise the Digital by Design service more extensively.

·        The Council’s website was being developed to capture information regarding people’s previous interaction with the Council

·        The impact on staff who worked at the Contact Centre also needed to be considered.

·     

 RESOLVED – That the report and developments with the Digital by Design programme relevant to the remit of this Scrutiny Committee be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report sets out the outcome of the Play Review which was specifically to assess current provision and considers how play areas should be managed in the future.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the Council’s proposed actions in response to the Play Review recommendations.

Officer Contact: Richard Booker on 0161 474 4829 or email: richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the outcome of the Play Review which had been undertaken specifically to assess current provision and how play areas should be managed in the future.

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions. He advised that following the transitional grant received by the Council from the Government, the Executive had decided to allocate £400,000 of that money towards the partial implementation of some of the issues raised in the report.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·        The Scrutiny Committee welcomed the fact the Executive had agreed to earmark £400,000 of the transitional grant from the Government towards the partial implementation of some of the issues raised in the report.

·        Concern was expressed that, although the consultants’ report was useful, it had not provided any new information and could perhaps have been provided by Council Officers at a cheaper cost.

·        A Member requested a list of the 33 Active Friends of Park Groups and 12 inactive Friends of Park Groups. He felt that that the individual Friends of Park Groups should have been consulted on the proposals, not just the Greenspace Forum.

·        It was contended that the report started from the premise of making savings.

·        As a result of insufficient maintenance funding it was no longer viable for the Council to take on responsibility for new play sites that resulted from new residential development. If a developer went bankrupt, for example, there was potentially no-one to maintain or support the site. Even if a developer maintained play equipment for, say, twenty five years, there was no guarantee that they would do so in perpetuity. A lot of play equipment was only guaranteed for between five and ten years.

·        Concern was expressed that the balance of the report was moving too far away from the installation of new play equipment.

·        A Member requested examples where natural play could provide the same level of excitement for young people as play equipment.

·        There was support for the proposal for Local Areas of Play (LAPs) to have a more natural environment, However, some Wards were dominated by LAPs with, for example, eleven out of the sixteen play areas in the Cheadle Hulme South Ward being LAPs and a number being of limited value as a play facility. Nevertheless, it was felt anecdotally that parents throughout the borough often preferred their children to go to a nearby LAP than a playground.

·        The view was expressed that commuted sums should be used to support current play areas, rather than develop new ones.

·        The Scrutiny Committee welcomed Play England’s objective to ‘imagine a play space where disabled and non-disabled children play together’.

·        Concern was expressed that the report proposed to focus on a smaller number of ‘key equipped play spaces’.

·        The report lacked any reference to creative ways to fund open spaces, for example Lottery funding or health funding streams.

·        The report needed to address the procurement of play equipment as some of the suppliers had changed.

·        A Member requested an update on the play area at Devonshire Park (Macclesfield Road), Hazel Grove.

·        There were opportunities to liaise with the contractors for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road to seek monies to improve play areas in the vicinity of the road.

RESOLVED – That the Executive consider the Scrutiny Committee’s comments on the Council’s proposed actions in response to the recommendations of the Play Review.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to consider the Council’s Fees and Charges relating to carnivals and comment on the proposal to introduce a £250 flat rate fee.

Officer Contact: Ian O’Donnell on 0161 474 4175 or email: ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the fees and charges for carnivals and fairgrounds held on parks and greenspace land.

It was reported that historically fees and charges relating to carnivals and fairgrounds had been subject to a degree of discretion dependent upon the existence of a charitable dimension to the event. There had been inconsistency in the amount being paid to charities in the past. On December 2013 a decision had been made that there would be no charity discount for fairgrounds but 50% of the fee would be donated to the relevant Friends of Parks Groups if there was one. In 2015 representations had been made on behalf of carnival organisers that introducing the fees for fairgrounds associated with the carnivals meant that money that would be donated to good causes through them was being paid in costs to the Council. As a result no charges had been made for carnivals in the last financial year.

For carnivals which served a particular community and re-invested money into the local community without making a commercial profit, it was proposed that a one off charge of £250 to cover any administration costs involved in arranging the event or attending on the day should be made. It was also proposed that fairgrounds operating on a commercial basis should pay at the previously agreed rates.

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

Members debated the proposal including whether there should be a fee for carnivals which served a particular community, whether it was the right amount, what the fee was to cover and the legality of the fee.

It was then:-

RESOLVED – (Eight for, one against) That the Executive Meeting be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the introduction of a £250 flat rate fee for carnivals.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

A joint report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services was submitted seeking the Scrutiny Committee’s views on a proposal for the Council to participate in further town centre investment.

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

RESOLVED – That Executive Meeting be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the proposal.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report provides an update on the recent consultation on the Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) Phase 2 and the proposed amendments to these schemes following more detailed appraisal and the consultation feedback.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the proposed schemes to be included in the TCAP Phase 2 and support their inclusion in the final business case.

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

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the recent consultation on the Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) Phase 2 and the proposed amendments to these schemes following more detailed appraisal and the consultation feedback.

The report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting to be held on 22 March 2016.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·        A combined TCAP Phase 2 and Stockport Interchange leaflet had been distributed to approximately 28,000  properties within the town centre nine exhibitions had been held , presentations made to stakeholder groups and consultation signs erected by the roadside  in an attempt to advise as many people as possible of the schemes.

·        The majority of the schemes had received positive support and were being progressed to final design for inclusion in the business case. Two schemes had received a number of comments highlighting concerns, namely the A6 Wellington Road scheme and the Eastern cycle links. The comments from both these schemes was being considered and further work undertaken to develop final schemes to be included in the business case. A number of schemes would require planning permission including Travis Brow and the Eastern Cycle Links schemes and planning applications for these schemes would be submitted in late spring/summer.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Meeting be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the inclusion of the proposed schemes to be included in the Town Centre Access Plan Phase 2 and their inclusion in the final business case.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report describes the road traffic management control schemes which are currently being considered for inclusion within the Town Centre Access Plan Phase 2 . The Executive will be requested to make any necessary compulsory purchase powers and side roads orders pursuant to the Highways Act 1980.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the recommendations which will be submitted to the Executive, as detailed in the report.

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

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the road traffic management control schemes which were currently being considered within the Town Centre Access Plan Phase 2. The Executive at its meeting on 22 March 2016  would be requested to make any necessary compulsory purchase powers and side roads orders pursuant to the Highways act 1980.

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

RESOLVED – That the Executive Meeting be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the detailed recommendations in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report provides details of the transportation capital programme for 2016/17 and 2017/18 and requests the Scrutiny Committee to comment on the proposed programme prior to its consideration by the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places).

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4451 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details of the proposed transportation capital programme for 2016/17 and 2017/18, prior to a decision being made by the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places).  The programme comprised a number of integrated programmes funded from a variety of sources including specific grants, central government funding, developer funded schemes and growth deal schemes.

There were two major transportation schemes funded by the Greater Manchester Growth Deal and central government funding which would continue to be implemented in 2016-18; the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road (A6MARR) and the town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) Phase 1. The report provided details of the proposed programmes for highway structures, street lighting, drainage, public rights of way, Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan and SEMMMS improvement schemes and development funded schemes.

A report on the Cycle City Ambition Grant 2 package to develop a cycle friendly district centre at Cheadle Hulme would be the subject of a report to the meetings of the Cheadle Area Committee and Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee on 15 March and 17 March 2016 respectively.

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

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the proposed Transportation Capital Programme for 2016/17 and 2017/18, as detailed in the report.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The Council has a duty under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to develop and consult on a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for Stockport. The strategy is intended to demonstrate the Council’s understanding and role in managing the flood risk within the borough of Stockport and its role in working with other key stakeholders and the local community.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the draft strategy in Appendix 1, including its proposed objectives and measures.

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

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. The Council had a duty under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to develop and consult on a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for Stockport. The strategy was intended to demonstrate the Council’s understanding and role in managing the flood risk within the borough and its role with other key stakeholders and the local community.

The report was part of the consultation process for the draft strategy which would include consultation with area committees and the public, and would be the subject of a report to the Executive Meeting on 22  April 2016.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·        The Council did not see the detailed DG5 register which water companies kept of property flooding, but was provided with an overview of affected areas.

·        The approach to local flood risk management needed to take account of population projections at a Greater Manchester level.

·        Rising groundwater levels were an issue in certain areas of the borough.

·        Highway gullies that were reported as blocked were logged and left until the normal routine maintenance date unless they were causing a health and safety issue where they would be prioritised as urgent gulley cleansing works.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Meeting be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for Stockport.

To consider a joint report of the Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services

The purpose of this report is to invite the Scrutiny Committee to comment upon the report to the Executive on 22 March 2016 inviting the Executive to:

·         To confirm as surplus to requirements an area of community land currently used as Public Open Space.

·         To consider any representations received following the publication of an intention to dispose of an area of Public Open Space for development.

·         To approve the appropriation of land to planning purposes pursuant to S.122 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972.

·         To reaffirm the intention of the Executive of the 17 December 2013 to the disposal of land to Eric Wright Construction and Your Housing Group

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment upon the above recommendations.

Officer contacts Murray Carr/ Andy Kippax on Tel: 0161-474-3019/4319 or by email on murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk/andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services was submitted inviting the Scrutiny Committee to comment upon the report to the Executive on 22 March 2016 inviting the Executive:-

·        to confirm as surplus to requirements an area of community land currently used as Public Open Space.

·        to consider any representations received following the publication of an intention to dispose of an area of Public Open Space for development.

·        to approve the appropriation of land to planning purposes pursuant to S.122 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972.

·        to reaffirm the intention of the Executive of the 17 December 2013 to the disposal of land to Eric Wright Construction and Your Housing Group.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Meeting be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the recommendations as detailed in paragraph 5 of the report.

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.