Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

Following discussion about consultation in relation to Medium Term Financial Plan proposals shared with the Committee in January, a request was made for a report to be submitted to a future meeting on progress with implementing the recommendations of the previous Scrutiny Review on the Council’s approach to consultation. This report responds to that request.

This report provides an update on progress with recommendations made by this Committee following its review undertaken in 2016 and reporting in February 2017. It also provides details of response rates in relation to Medium Term Financial Plan proposals.

Scrutiny Members are asked to consider and comment on the progress with recommendations made by this Scrutiny Committee following its review undertaken in 2016 and information provided on response rates in relation to Medium Term Financial Plan proposals.

Officer contacts: Lisa Wright / Holly Rae, lisa.wright@stockport.gov.uk / holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk, 0161 474 3030 / 3014

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on actions taken in response the recommendations contained in the Scrutiny Review ‘The Council’s Approach to Consultation’.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was commented that the printed Stockport Review was a useful tool to reach every household and provided a source of factual information and it was queried how the Council encouraged subscription to the online Review. In response it was stated that residents using MyAccount were encouraged to subscribe and the current number was approximately 50,000. It was further commented that developing simple app technology that brought together all Council activity and messages would enhance the MyAccount offer.

·         Caution was urged in the choice of consultation methods being used as this could often influence the outcome.

·         It was commented that the Council did not appear to use opinion polling in its consultation activity.

·         Comment was made that feedback from users of services was often more useful than general public consultation data in the development of services.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.