Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 2 June 2016 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 and Prejudicial Interest

Personal Interests

Oliver Johnstone                   That part of agenda item 5 ‘Portfolio Performance

                                                and Resources – Draft Portfolio Agreements 2016/

17’ which relates to regulating the private rented housing sector as a tenant of a privately rented property.

John McGahan                      That part of agenda item 5 ‘Portfolio Performance

                                                And Resources – Draft Portfolio Agreements 2016/

17’ which relates to regulating the private rented housing sector as a landlord of a privately rented property.

To consider call-in items (if any).

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides information to support scrutiny committees in the oversight of the work of the Safer Stockport Partnership.  The report will be accompanied by a presentation which will outline key performance trends, the proposed SSP priorities for 2016/17 and recently agreed changes to governance arrangements for the Partnership.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Consider the proposed themes for the 2016/17 SSP Plan set out in Section 3 of the report.

(2) Note the proposed governance arrangements for the SSP set out in section 4 of the report.

(3) Comment on key data trends and information within the presentation.

 Officer contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 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 providing information to support the Scrutiny Committee in providing oversight of the Safer Stockport Partnership. A presentation was also made outlining key performance trends, the proposed Safer Stockport Priorities for 2016/2017 and the recently agreed changes to the governance arrangements for the partnership.

The Scrutiny Committee received a presentation from Steve Skelton, Head of Policy, Performance and Reform and Superintendent Jo Rogerson outlining key performance trends in 2015/16 and priorities for 2016/17.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         How the general increase in the amount of hate crime as a result of the outcome of the EU Referendum was determined.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the figures reported for protecting vulnerable children, particular those relating to children who were reported as missing from children’s homes. A Member requested that the figures were broken down by each children’s home.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the number of offenders who re-offended and the Scrutiny Committee was advised that this information would be provided on an area committee basis in future.

·         More innovative schemes needed to be examined, for example the deployment of more Police Community Support Officers to ‘hot spots’ on a rota basis.

RESOLVED – (1) That the representatives of the Deputy Chief Executive and Greater Manchester Police be thanked for their report and presentation.

(2) That the proposed governance arrangements for the Safer Stockport Partnership, as set out in Section 4 of the report, be noted.

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

The report updates the Scrutiny Committee on the proposal to develop a Stockport Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and outlines the decisions facing the Council to enable a Stockport Town Centre BID ballot to be held in October 2016.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to consider and comment on the report and proposals.

Officer Contact: Graeme Vout on 0161 474 4562 or email: graeme.vout@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 the proposal to develop a Stockport Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and outlining the decisions facing the Council to enable a Stockport Town Centre BID ballot to be held in October 2016.

The Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration) (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issuers raised:-

·         The cost of the BID had increased, but was budgeted for.

·         Concern was expressed regarding research that had indicated that large organisations did not tend to vote positively in BID ballots.

RESOLVED -  That based on the draft BID proposals and subject to a further report following receipt of the final BID proposals and business plan in July 2016, it is recommended to the Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration):-

·         that, on the basis of the draft proposal, the Council would not wish to veto the BID proposals.

·         that, subject to receipt of the final proposals, consideration of whether they conflict with Council policy and agreement not to veto the final proposals, the Chief Executive as Returning Officer and “Ballot Holder” agrees to hold a ballot for the proposed Stockport Town Centre BID, upon receipt of a formal request to do so by Vision Stockport.

·         that, subject to receipt of the final proposals, consideration of whether they conflict with Council policy and agreement not to veto the final proposals, the Council agrees to complete the necessary legal agreements required for the operation of the BID Levy, ballot and service arrangements and any other necessary matters for the proposed BID in consultation with the appropriate officers.

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

The report presents the draft 2016/17 Agreements for the Communities and Housing, Economy and Regeneration and Education Portfolios (Appendices 1, 2 and 3) for consideration and comment by the Committee.

Policy priorities for the year ahead are set out within the Agreements, incorporating the existing Council and Borough Plan priority outcomes alongside specific priorities of the new Executive.

The Agreements will form the basis for regular in-year reporting. Portfolio and Corporate Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs and CPRRs) will assess progress against key objectives, priorities, outcomes and budgets, enabling Scrutiny Committees to hold the Executive to account and for the Executive to identify current and future risks to delivery.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to review and comment on the draft Portfolio Agreements.

Officer Contacts: Joe Conmee/Kora Yohannan on 0161 474 5396/4032 or email: joe.conmee@stockport.gov.uk/ kora.yohannan@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the draft 2016/17 Agreements for the Communities and Housing, Economy and Regeneration and Education Portfolios (Appendices 1, 2 and 3) for consideration and comment by the Scrutiny Committee.

The policy priorities for the year ahead were set out within the Agreements, incorporating the existing Council and Borough Plan priority outcomes alongside specific priorities of the new Executive.

The Agreements would form the basis for regular in-year reporting. Portfolio and Corporate Performance and Resources Reports (PPRRs and CPRRs) would assess progress against key objectives, priorities, outcomes and budgets, enabling Scrutiny Committees to hold the Executive to account and for the Executive to identify current and future risks to delivery.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Housing) (Councillor Sheila Bailey) and Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration) (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

Communities and Sustainability

·         The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) confirmed that the performance indicators in her portfolio were being re-examined for their suitability.

·         The Executive Councillor (Communities and Housing) confirmed that she had approved the allocation of £708,000 from the 2016/17 Transition Fund to support improvements in the Borough’s greenspaces. £615,000  would be directed towards the improvement and replacement of play areas based on the findings of the Play Review undertaken in 2015. The remaining sum of £93,000 would be directed towards surfacing works at destination/neighbourhood parks that had severely deteriorating access routes.

·         The Borough Treasurer’s review of the Council’s earmarked reserves was expected to be completed by the end of July 2016.

·         A Member enquired whether it would be possible to install more cameras at ‘hot spots’ for fly tipping.

·         The Capital Programme for the Leisure Strategy for 2016/17 was primarily for the construction of the new leisure centre in Brinnington.

·Economy and Regeneration      

·         Work on the new Stockport Independent Quarter was in its early stages and the Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration) agreed to submit a report to the Scrutiny Committee as work on it progressed.

·         In response to a Member’s question, the Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration) confirmed that Bramall Hall would remain in the ownership of the Council.

·         A Member expressed support for the scheme to provide discounted bus travel to local residents in order to ensure that everybody could access public transport, and the partnership working with bus operators and Transport for Greater Manchester to support areas of employment, education and leisure.

There were no comments made or issues raised on the Education Portfolio Performance and Resources Agreement 2016/17 insofar as it related to the remit of this Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the draft Portfolio Agreements for the Communities and Housing, Economy and Regeneration and Education Portfolios be noted.

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

The report provides an update on the flooding incidents in the Stockport area that occurred on 11 June 2016, the immediate response of the Council and ongoing work to support residents affected and review the potential causes.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the report and comment on the information provided.

Officer Contact: Caroline Simpson on 0161 218 1940 or email: caroline.simpson@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 flooding incidents in the Stockport area that had occurred on 11/12 June 2016, the immediate response of the Council and ongoing work to support residents affected and review the potential causes.

The Executive at its meeting on 14 June 2016 had requested that Officers commission an independent review in order to understand more fully what happened over the weekend of 11/12 June in terms of flooding. The review would include engagement with all stakeholders, a review of any potential underlying issues in relation to gulley emptying, flood management and any impact of ongoing developments and road schemes. The review would be reported to a future meeting of this Scrutiny Committee.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Housing)(Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A Member drew the Scrutiny Committee’s attention to that part of the report which stated that flooding was already a significant risk for the United Kingdom, with climate change projections suggesting that this would only increase in the future.

·         There would be extensive discussions with neighbouring local authorities and other authorities in Greater Manchester.

·         Skips should have been made available to local residents affected by the flooding as soon as it occurred, although it was acknowledged that damage to furniture had to be assessed by insurance companies in the first instance.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the condition of one of the sewers at Bramhall Green roundabout prior to the flooding occurring and that this may have exacerbated the problems there.

·         Concern was expressed that the Council’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy had only recently been approved by the Executive.

·         The Environment Agency should be requested to re-examine its policy on obstructions in rivers such as abandoned tyres and the impact of these obstructions on the flow of rivers.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the report on the independent review on the flooding that occurred in the borough during the weekend of 11/12 June 2016 be submitted to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.

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

The report details proposals to transfer Cheadle Hulme and Werneth Recreation Centres to Cheadle Hulme High School and Werneth High Schools respectively in line with the provisions of the final Business Case for the Investing in Stockport: Leisure Facilities project which was agreed by the Executive in February 2015.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested on the report, prior to its consideration by the Executive at its meeting on 19 July 2016.

Officer Contact: Peter Ashworth on 0161 474 2392 or email: peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to transfer Cheadle Hulme and Werneth Recreation Centres to Cheadle Hulme High School and Werneth High Schools respectively, in line with the provisions of the final Business Case for the Investing in Stockport: Leisure Facilities which had been agreed by the Executive Meeting in February 2015.

The report highlighted that there was a risk that the schools, as the proposed new operators of the Recreation Centres, could seek to reduce public access. The risk was regarded as marginal given the income generated from public use. However, it was proposed that the risk was mitigated by appropriate safeguards in the legal documentation underpinning the transfers, including a joint approach to be taken by the Council and the school in the event of underperformance of the public element of the facility.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Housing) (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Under the terms of the proposed transfer of Cheadle Hulme Recreation Centre to Cheadle Hulme High School, there would be an obligation to continue to provide public access to the facility. The same hours of operation, and fees and charges would remain as at present, and the use of the Leisure Key system would continue. The same would apply at Werneth Recreation Centre and at Hazel Grove Recreation Centre which had previously transferred to Hazel Grove High School under a similar arrangement.

·         The provisional agreement with Cheadle Hulme High School referred to public access to the facility being maintained for over one hundred years.

·         Members requested Officers to note that in taking forward negotiations with Cheadle Hulme High School there was scope for significantly reducing the actual level of contribution by the Council through negotiation of a range of options relating to ownership and income benefits derived from the Council’s solar panels at Cheadle Hulme Recreation Centre.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Meeting be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the detailed proposals to be submitted to the Executive Meeting regarding the proposed transfer of Cheadle Hulme and Werneth Recreation Centres to Cheadle Hulme High School and Werneth High School respectively, subject to public access to the facilities being maintained.

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

The report provides an analysis of the performance of the pilot phase of the Working Well programme in Greater Manchester and Stockport, and provides an update on the expansion phase of the programme.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the information contained in the report and continue to support the delivery of the Working Well programme in Stockport.

Officer Contact: Richard Mortimer on 0161 474 3864 or email: richard.mortimer@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding an analysis of the performance of the pilot phase of the Working Well programme in Greater Manchester and Stockport, and providing an update on the expansion phase of the programme.

The Working Well pilot began delivery in March 2014 and was designed to tackle a range of barriers to employment in order to achieve more sustained job outcomes through intensive and personalised support that was fully integrated and sequenced, as part of a wider transformation of public services across Greater Manchester. It was a co-funded and co-designed service between the local authorities in Greater Manchester and the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A Member drew attention to the comparatively small percentage of successful job starts and the fact that it was now proposed to expand the programme from that starting point. He felt that the expansion phase of the programme was too ambitious.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the continuation of the delivery of the programme in Stockport be supported.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The report outlines a suggested process for the selection of Scrutiny Review topics for 2016/2017.

The Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report prior to it being circulated to the July cycle of Scrutiny Committees.

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 the process for the selection of Scrutiny Review topics by Scrutiny Committees to be carried out during the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED –  (1) That provisional approval be given to undertaking a Scrutiny Review on “A Refresh on the previous Mills Strategy 2005’ and that the Adult Care Services and Housing Scrutiny Committee be requested to consider whether it would wish to undertake a joint review with this Scrutiny Committee on this topic.

(2) That the issue be considered further at the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.

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.