Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED – That Councillor Malcolm Allan be elected Chair for the duration of the meeting.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider a presentation by the Democratic Services Manager.

The presentation will provide details on the history of area governance in Stockport and information on the powers and duties of the Area Committee and specified in the Scheme of Delegation.

Officer Contact: Stephen Fox on Tel: 474 3206 or email: stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager made a presentation in respect to the history of area governance and Area Committees in the borough, their decision making powers and role and the opportunities and constraints specified in the Council Constitution.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted and the issues raised be used to inform the discussions for agenda item 3 ‘Area Committees and Community Engagment.’

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.      (To be tabled)

The report provides a summary of research undertaken to establish what area working arrangements were in place at a sample of other Local Authorities, how those meetings were advertised and how the public were able to engage.

Also attached is a report submitted by the Cabinet to Area Committee at their July cycle which may aid the review.

The Panel are requested to determine a scope for the next two meetings of the review utilising the information presented at agenda item 2, the information supplied as part of the research undertaken with other local authorities and the report submitted by the Cabinet.

Officer Contact: Stephen Fox on Tel: 474 3206 or email: stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of research undertaken to establish what area working arrangements were being undertaken at a sample of other Local Authorities including delegated powers, public participation and the publicity associated with those bodies.

A wide ranging discussion ensued covering a number of topics including the promotion of the Area Committee through social media, utilising the opportunities in the Constitution to better engage with the public and the format of Area Committee meetings to name but a few.

It was agreed that the Democratic Services Manager undertake further research in respect to the issues raised and that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the working group.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to investigate issues raised during the discussions and submit a report to the next meeting of the working group.

Future meetings are scheduled to take place on:-

Wednesday 13 September 2017 at 6.00pm

Wednesday 11 October 2017 at 6.00pm

RESOLVED – That the next meeting be held on Wednesday 13 September at 6.00pm in Marple Senior Citizens Hall.