Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive. 

The Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (Quarter 3 Update) for the Economy and Regeneration Portfolio is presented for consideration.

The portfolio report is based on the 2022/ 2023 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements. The Quarter 3 update focuses on highlights and exceptions in relation to delivering the portfolio priorities since the Mid-Year Report. It includes forecast performance and financial data (where this is available) for the portfolio, along with an update on the portfolio savings programme. 

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:

a)    Consider the Quarter 3 Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report.

b)   Review the progress against delivering key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2022/ 2023.

c)    Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues.

d)   Highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report.

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

Officer contact: Alan Lawson | alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided the quarter 3 update for the Economy and Regeneration portfolio. The report was based on the 2022/ 2023 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements. The quarter 3 update focused on highlights and exceptions in relation to delivering the portfolio priorities since the mid-year report. The report also included forecast performance and financial data (where this was available) for the portfolio, along with an update on the portfolio savings programme.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee. 

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members were advised that staffing numbers had increased in the Planning Department, and specifically with the Enforcement Team which was now a team of three members of staff.

·         It was noted that the response was being drafted to the government’s current consultation on reform of the planning system in England. The proposed planning fees by government were unknown at this stage.

·         Further information would be provided to members as to the timescales for what minor and major enforcement breaches might look like in their resolution.

·         It was noted that youth unemployment in Stockport was higher than the national average.

·         Members were advised that the jobs fair held in Brinnington was a success and the input from employers in the fair was the keys to its success; it was hoped that the fair could be held again next year.

·         Members noted that Willmott Dixon had prepared a report social value which would be useful in identifying the local benefits the organisation had provided the Borough.

·         It was expected that the council would consult on the draft Stockport Local Plan once the National Planning Policy Framework consultation had concluded. Members would be kept up to date with progress.

·         It was requested that district centre occupancy rates be included within future reports.

·         Thought was being given to a future plan for highways investment following the conclusion of the current Highways Investment Plan 2023 – 2024. Concern was raised in relation to a geographic unbalance of works, and it was hoped that this could be given further consideration in the future programme of works. Members were advised that the programme of works followed a methodology.

·         It was queried as to whether highway drainage works were being reviewed following works to ensure that they remain cleared.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.