Issue - meetings

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management, the Director of Development & Regeneration and Director of Strategy.

The report presents the Year-End Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Communities, Culture & Sport and Parks, Highways & Transport Services Portfolios. The Year-End Reports focus on delivery of the portfolio priorities from October 2023 to March 2024. They include forecast performance and financial data (where this is available) for the portfolios, along with an update on the portfolio savings programmes.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to

(1)  Consider the Year-End Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports;

(2)  Review the progress against delivering key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2023/24

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

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

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

Officer contact: Alan Lawson on 0161 474 5397 or email alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Place Management, Director of Development & Regeneration and Director of Strategy submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the Year-End Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Communities, Culture & Sport and Parks, Highways & Transport Services Portfolios. The Year-End Reports focussed on delivery of the portfolio priorities from October 2023 to March 2024. They included forecast performance and financial data (where this was available) for the portfolios, along with an update on the portfolio savings programmes.

The following comments were made/ issues raised: -

Communities, Culture & Sport

·         Members asked about the roll-out of Open+ to libraries across Stockport and requested an update on the addition of library services including allowing residents to pay for services and use out of hours printing in libraries. In response it was reported that the roll out of Open+ had been positive with an increase in library usage since the Open+ pilot. All users had been automatically signed up to Open+. Furthermore, teething issues such as anti-social behaviour during Open+ hours had been dealt with swiftly. As to out of hours printing, it was reported that an order for printers was scheduled for the coming months.

·         It was noted that the numbers of visitors to the borough’s museums, libraries and outdoor events was higher than the target figures and were almost at pre-covid levels.

·         Members requested additional information and better connections with 'Team Around the Place’ captains.

·         It was confirmed that funding for the Marple Communication Hub had included a matched contribution from the council. That scheme was due for completion in the winter of 2025-26

·         Members commented on the success of the Town of Culture and expressed a wish to see its legacy develop across the borough.

·         Members also commented that many of the heritage and culture events which took place across the borough were run by community groups, many of which were free.

·         Members commented on the value of community activities for young people in engendering community pride and also noted the great progress made by the council in investing in its relationships with the voluntary sector. An independent State of the Sector report was requested.

·         Members noted the performance measures for activity in young people had revealed that the numbers able to participate in 30 minutes of activity three times per week were low. Members commented on the importance of physical activity which impacts upon health and wellbeing now and in later life.

·         It was reported that a number of initiatives were in place designed to increase activity such as badminton and litter picks. The intended message was that activity was for everybody.

·         The quality of provision for football in some of the borough’s pitches was not as good as it could be. It was agreed that, whilst improvement was required, a balance was to be struck between the provision of 3G pitches and environmental concerns.

·         The numbers of residents registered with the Volunteer Hub did not capture the total number of volunteers; the State of the Sector report which had been produced at Greater Manchester level had identified 57,488 volunteers in Stockport who had volunteered 213,536 hours per week, valued at 105 million pounds per annum. The Volunteer Hub had been developed during the pandemic and was a good resource for people who were interested in becoming involved in volunteering.

·         In relation to the GMI Community Safety Survey it was noted that the numbers of residents who felt a strong sense of belonging to their local community was higher than it had been the previous year. The data was based on a small sample and it was not possible to analyse the data in terms of different areas within the borough. Further perception surveys and analysis would be supported within the coming year.

·         In terms of the statistics on crime and antisocial behaviour, it was reported that it was difficult to demonstrate trends due to system  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4