Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Quarter 3 Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Finance & Resources Portfolio is presented for consideration by the Committee.

The Portfolio Reports are based on the 2022/23 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements (PPRAs), which were considered by the Committee on 6 September and approved by Cabinet on 28 September 2022.

The Quarter 3 update focuses on highlights and exceptions in relation to delivering the portfolio priorities since the Mid-Year Report presented to the committee on 22 November 2022 . 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 2022/23;

(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 at alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk or Stephen Pate at stephen.pate@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had already been circulated) setting out the Quarter 3 Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Finance and Resources Portfolio. The Quarter 3 update focused on highlights and exceptions in relation to delivering the portfolio priorities since the mid-year report presented to the Scrutiny Committee on 22 November 2022. The report 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 Finance and Resources, Councillor Malcolm Allan, attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         A Cost of Living Task Force were meeting regularly and beginning to review the council and partner response to the cost of living crisis.

·         Members were advised that staff in the council’s finance department were offered high quality learning and development opportunities in supporting recruitment and retention.

·         It was noted Stockport Council had a 98% council tax collection rate, and that collection rates were continuously monitored by the relevant department.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.