Agenda item

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with the Final Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRRs) for the Reform & Governance Portfolio.

The report provided a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects since the mid-year report, with a focus on the third quarter of the year (October to December), including forecast performance data and projected financial data for the Portfolio, and an update on the portfolio savings programmes.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Concern was expressed about the potential levying of a precept for the Greater Manchester (GM) Mayor. Assurance was given that concerns about this were recognised but that it would allow for much needed resources to be raised to support important activity in the conurbation.

·         Clarification was sought on project management capacity to support Stockport Together. In response it was stated that the initial capacity had been resources through Transformation Fund resources and that this was due to expire shortly, so partners would be considering how to fund this need moving forward.

·         Clarification was sought on the Compulsory Purchase Powers of the GM Mayor as these were key element in supporting devolution.

·         It was queried why the roll-out of Open Plus to libraries other than Bramhall had not taken place. In response it was stated that this was due to funding difficulties as a recent bid for external funding had been unsuccessful.

·         Concern was expressed that the priorities contained in the GM Mayor’s policing plan were not reflective of public concerns around burglary and car theft for example. Assurance was given that local priorities would be reflected in the Safer Stockport Plan.

·         Further information was requested about the Community Investment Fund and it was suggested that there was an opportunity to work with Trustees of the Brookfield Park Shiers Trust on areas of common concern. In response it was stated that the application process for the Fund was currently subject to testing.

·         Clarification was sought on whether the change of the Business Rates Retention Scheme to a 75% rate rather than 100% would result in an increased savings requirement for the Council. In response it was stated that although the provisional funding settlement for the Council had indicated a possible reduction to 75% the Council planned on the basis of £50% retention so that it still expected to receive a financial benefit from the scheme.

·         Further information was sought on the One Public Estate Phase 6 funding. In response it was stated that £50k has been secured for feasibility work at railway stations in Stockport, looking at opportunities for development in these areas.

·         Assurance was sought that preparations were underway for the new Data Protection Regulations in May 2018, including the appointment of the appropriate Statutory Officer. In response assurance was given that preparations were in hand and an appointment would be made in time to ensure compliance.

·         Further information was sought on the GM / Digital Catapult strategic alliance. In response it was stated that there was little detail currently, and it was not expected for there to be any cash benefit to the Council although it was expected that the Council would benefit from the research and development work associated with the initiative.

·         Comment was made about the recent Joseph Rowntree Foundation Report into poverty, and whether its findings of a reversal of previous downward trends was applicable to Stockport. In response it was stated that the report highlighted a national phenomenon, and that intergenerational poverty was a particular area of increase.

·         Improvements in levels of sickness absence were acknowledged and welcomed, but it was suggested that seeking to learn from partners such as Stockport Homes might allow the Council to improve further. In response the differences between organisations and the demands on staff was emphasised, although the importance of striving for improvement was acknowledged.

·         Councillors welcomed the positive engagement of the Cabinet Member with the Scrutiny Committee during his tenure.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to provide a written response to the Scrutiny Committee on the status of the Greater Manchester Mayoral Compulsory Purchase Powers.

(3) That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to clarify the ownership of Stockport Railway Station.