Members to give notice of any interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

No declarations were made by Executive Members.

The Leader of the Council noted that this was the last meeting of the Executive which would be attended by Wendy Marston, Corporate Director, Transformation and Resources, prior to her leaving the Council’s service. On behalf of the Executive, he expressed thanks to her for her contributions to the Council’s work, and best wishes for the future.

To receive and, if so determined, to approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 24th September 2014.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting held on 24^th September 2014 be approved as a correct record.

To consider any matters referred by the Council or by the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

Further to the Executive’s agreement on 20^th October of its draft revenue budget proposals for 2015/16, Councillor Mitchell reported that arrangements for budget scrutiny were in hand, and that dates for directorate-based scrutiny would be confirmed in the near future.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Children’s Services.

Consideration of this item was deferred to a future meeting.

To consider a report by the Executive Member for Economic Growth and Planning.

PLEASE NOTE: Appendix 1, containing the 5 full appraisal documents, is very extensive, and is thus not being circulated in hard copy. It is available on the Council’s website with the agenda papers; and hard copies are available to Members on request, in case of need, from the Strategic Planning Service. Appendix 2 is also available on the website; and colour hard copies will be available for consultation at the meeting.

1. That the consultation responses and amendments made to the Conservation Area Appraisals be noted.

2. That the five Altrincham Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisals be adopted as Supplementary Planning Documents, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

3. That responsibility for approving any minor amendments to the wording of the documents be delegated to the Corporate Director for Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure, prior to their publication.

The Executive Member for Economic Growth and Planning submitted a report summarising the responses received to the publication of the draft Altrincham Conservation Area Appraisals and seeking approval of the final documentation for their adoption as Supplementary Planning Documents.

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That the consultation responses and amendments made to the Conservation Area Appraisals be noted.

(2)        That the five Altrincham Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisals be adopted as Supplementary Planning Documents, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

(3)        That responsibility for approving any minor amendments to the wording of the documents be delegated to the Corporate Director for Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure, prior to their publication.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Environment and Operations.

1. That the content of this report be noted. 

2. That the required additional capital funding of £150k be prioritised within any re-profiling of the Council’s approved capital programme in 2014/15.

The Executive Member for Environment and Operations submitted a report providing an overview of the Environment and Operations services within the Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure Directorate, following a review undertaken by the Corporate Director and her Senior Management Team and Executive Member. It also provided a comprehensive summary for each service, and set out proposals for investment and a delivery plan with timescales.

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That the content of this report be noted. 

(2)        That the required additional capital funding of £150k be prioritised within any re-profiling of the Council’s approved capital programme in 2014/15.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Economic Growth and Planning.

1. That the Stretford Masterplan Governance proposals be approved, and the Terms of Reference (Appendix One to the report).

Following the approval of the Stretford Town Centre Masterplan by the Executive in January 2014, the Executive Member for Economic Growth and Planning submitted a report setting out new governance arrangements which aimed at securing wider private sector and community input which would be critical in delivering the revitalisation of Stretford Town Centre.

RESOLVED - That the Stretford Masterplan Governance proposals be approved, and the Terms of Reference (Appendix One to the report).

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance.

1. That the latest forecast and planned actions be noted and agreed.

The Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance submitted a report setting out the current position in relation to the monitoring of the Council’s Revenue Budget for 2014/15. An opportunity was provided for Members to ask questions regarding the report’s content.

RESOLVED - That the latest forecast and planned actions be noted and agreed.

To receive for information a report referred to Accounts and Audit Committee on 25/9/14.

The Executive Member for Finance submitted a report which outlined the Council’s responsibilities in respect of benefit fraud, provided details of performance and outcomes during 2013/14 and set out plans for 2014/15.

            RESOLVED – That the content of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Transformation and Resources.

1. That Members be provided with a Windows 8 tablet (with keyboard and laptop type capability) and a smartphone and that the current ICT package options be withdrawn.

2. That the Corporate Director for Transformation and Resources prepare detailed implementation plans to roll out the new provision.

The Executive Member for Transformation and Resources submitted a report which set out the conclusions and recommendations arising from the review of ICT provision for Members by and ICT Task and Finish Group comprising Members from all political groups on the Council; and which gave details of a preferred option. Members were advised that training for Members was planned; and that there would be an opportunity for them to familiarise themselves with the hardware prior to implementation.

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That Members be provided with a Windows 8 tablet (with keyboard and laptop type capability) and a smartphone and that the current ICT package options be withdrawn.

(2)        That the Corporate Director for Transformation and Resources prepare detailed implementation plans to roll out the new provision.

The Executive received for information details made by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the Joint GMCA and AGMA Executive, at their meetings held on 26^th September 2014; and the latest update of the GMCA Forward Plan of Strategic Decisions. It was noted that the latter was being circulated to Members to enhance the visibility of AGMA issues. The Leader advised that the question of AGMA governance would be brought to Council in due course, and indicated that he would welcome discussions with members on the matter.

RESOLVED – That the content of the decision summaries and Forward Plan be noted.