Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

This report presents the draft 2024/25 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 on 0161 474 5397 or email alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the draft 2024/25 Agreement for the Finance and Resource Portfolio for consideration and comment by the Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised: -

·         The free school meals project had been a single-year scheme which was approved at the 2022/23 Budget Council. The scheme had come to an end, however a programme of communication with eligible families was underway which highlighted other forms of support.

·         In relation to STAR procurement, it was reported that the scheme added demonstrable social value to the borough, with tangible results. It was also reported that there was an advantage in being able to shape the STAR programme in terms of innovation and future direction as many areas of its work had been piloted in Stockport. Data on the social value of STAR would be reported to a future meeting of this Scrutiny Committee.

·         Members welcomed the funding for children’s homes within the capital programme which would benefit children as well as the finances of the local authority.

·         The council worked closely with third sector organisations to deliver the Housing Support Fund. Third sector organisations were a gateway to support which residents found less institutional and intimidating than approaching the council directly and this approach enabled the council to directly impact those residents who most needed support.

·         The improvement in levels of staff sickness was welcomed.

·         Members noted the progress made in terms of staff retention and it was reported that staff turnover at a healthy level and work was ongoing to improve staff retention in social care. The staff survey had found that 80 per cent of council staff were motivated to make a difference in the community.

·         The council was proud to be a real living wage accredited employer.

·         Members queried the council’s proposed future investment in its leisure estate, in particular the Grand Central Life Leisure facility. In response it was reported that Grand Central required improvement and that funding options were being explored through the CIC. All necessary steps would be reported to this Scrutiny Committee.

·         Members commented that the Grand Central facility was important, with a proud history of producing sports medallists. It was, therefore, vital to invest in Grand Central.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.