Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27 October 2015.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 October 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair on any matters within the powers and duties of the Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice. (Questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the card provided. These are available at the meeting. You can also submit questions via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.)

No public questions were submitted.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of agenda item 6 which contains information “not for publication” by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest,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would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ agenda items – 6 ‘Finance Report’ and 7 ‘Managing Directors’ Report’ below.

To consider a report of the Finance Director, Solutions SK Ltd.

The report provides for comment:

i)             Finance Report

ii)            The half year forecast 2015/2016;and

iii)           An update in respect to ISSK Members Voluntary Liquidation

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

Officer Contact: Stephen Morris by email: stephen.morris@solutionssk.co.uk

The Finance Director, Solutions SK Ltd, submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the finance and performance report as at 31 December 2015.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The business continued to trade positively for the nine months to 31 December 2015 which was a good result for the business in challenging trading conditions.

·         Debtors had seen an improvement due to better quality collection activity and cash generation remained positive.

·         Tangible fixed assets was slightly higher than forecast and stock was slightly lower. Stock continued to be closely monitored and remained under control.

·         Councillors discussed the implications for the business as Community Meals and Passenger Transport come to an end.

·         The development of Highways, Street Lighting, Arboriculture and School Meals would be essential to performance in 2016-2017.

·         It was suggested that Group Leaders should meet to discuss the policy for allocating work and contracts to Solutions SK Ltd as opposed to other companies.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Managing Director, Solutions SK Ltd.

The report provides an update on issues relating to Solutions SK Ltd relating to i) Community Meals/ Community Transport and ii) FBE update.

There will also be a presentation in relation to:-

·         SSK Management perception as at 31 December 2015

·         Change to Risk Profile 2016/2017 onwards

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

Officer Contact: Stephen Morris by email: stephen.morris@solutionssk.co.uk

The Managing Director, Solutions SK Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary overview on company business. The report provided information in respect to i) Community Meals and Community Transport and ii) the FBE contract.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Community Meals Service closed on Saturday 31 October 2015 and all members of the workforce had left Solutions SK Ltd with many successfully securing employment elsewhere.

·         The Passenger Transport Service closed on Friday 15 January 2016 and all members of the workforce had left Solutions SK Ltd with all those staff who aspired to jobs elsewhere successfully attaining positions.

·         It was likely that mediation would commence in Feb/March 2016 in respect to the FBE contract.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Chief Executive reported that in the near future, he would present members with a report concerning issues relating to the future of the Solutions SK Board.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.