Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Corporate and Support Services.

This report presents the draft 2023/24 Agreement for the Finance and Resource Portfolio for consideration and comment by the Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to review and comment on the draft Portfolio Agreement.

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

The Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the draft 2023/24 Agreement for the Finance and Resource Portfolio for consideration and comment by the Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members commented that the economic uncertainty referred to within the report would lead to a continual reduction of the Council’s budget and subsequent difficulties for all.

·         Members referred to the £10,000 allocation of ward funding. It was reported that the money was within the budget but not visible within the portfolio. Similar to other discretionary funding, it would be dealt with by Area Committees.

·         It was reported that there was no previous data relating to social value commitments as this was a new target.

·         In relation to other targets within the report, members noted that they had remained static and commented that they would expected a minor increase to those targets.

·         It was reported that there was an expectation that certain targets, for example, those relating to the collection of council tax and business rates, were likely to become more difficult to achieve in 2023 - 2024 because of the cost of living crisis. The aim had been to set realistic and achievable targets.

·         Members requested further information on the coming challenges related to the cost of living crisis.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.