Agenda item

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.