Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The Mid-Year Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Economy and Regeneration Portfolio is presented for consideration by the Committee. This provides a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programmes and other key projects in the first half of the year, with a particular focus on the second quarter (July to September). It includes forecast performance and financial data (where this is available), along with an update on the portfolio savings programmes.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

(i)           Consider the Mid-Year Portfolio Performance and Resource Report;

(ii)          Review the progress against delivering key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2019/20;

(iii)        Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

(iv)        Highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report;

(v)          Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Office Contacts: Alan Lawson/Lisa Joy on 0161 474 5397/4044 or email: alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk / lisa.joy@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Mid-Year Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Economy and Regeneration Portfolio for consideration by the Committee. This provided a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programmes and other key projects in the first half of the year, with a particular focus on the second quarter (July to September). It included forecast performance and financial data (where this was available), along with an update on the portfolio savings programmes.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• A Member highlighted progress on the development plans for the Underbanks, including the former White Lion public house and the former Winter’s Wine Bar.
• A number of capital programme schemes had a zero entry for 2021/22, with road safety near schools being highlighted. This was a reflection of there not being a clear programme ahead rather than schemes coming to an end in 2020/21. The Pothole Programme was a a one-off pot of money for 2019/20.
• A Member enquired what the plans were to tackle youth unemployment which appeared to be on the increase. In addition, points were raised about the impact of more customers starting to claim Universal Credit, with more people coming into scope being required to look for work. These issues would be referred to the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods to respond.
• There was a concern that Stockport would not get the benefits from the bus reform which were being undertaken in Greater Manchester and concern that the Council would not be able to fundamentally change the proposals through the consultation process. A report on the consultation would be submitted to the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.
• The Government had committed to subsidising existing commitments in the short term following the loss of the European Social Fund should the United Kingdom leave the European Union.
• Officers were thanked for their work with residents following the recent flooding incidents in the borough.
• In response to a Member’s question, the Scrutiny Committee was advised that there were six/eight Officers working in the Spatial Planning team which included work on the Local Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan. Specialist, expert support would be brought in as and when required. The Local Plan would be aligned with the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework and would be developed up until 2037.
• The budget for drainage investigations and repairs, and carriageway resurfacing was continually being reviewed in order to use resources as effectively as possible. As the results of the Flood review came through, responses would be made through the consultants.
• Support was given to the success of the Travis Brow Link Road in speeding up journeys by motorists.
• A Member asked what the 6% increase in movements into the Covered Market Hall was in terms of footfall.
• It was suggested that drones could be looked at as means of assisting planning enforcement.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.