Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The report outlines the latest review of Stockport Council’s Modern Slavery Statement (2023/24) and presents the refreshed iteration of the Statement (2024/25) for Cabinet’s comment and approval.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve and adopt the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement 2024/25.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the latest review of Stockport Council’s Modern Slavery Statement (2023/24) and presenting the refreshed iteration of the Statement (2024/25) for Cabinet’s comment and approval.

RESOLVED – That the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement 2024/25 be approved and adopted.

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

The report summarises the Modern Slavery Statement review process and presents the fifth iteration (2024/25) of the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement to cover the period up to 30 September 2025.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:

(1)  Consider the draft updated statement which will run to 30 September 2025.

(2)  Subject to any necessary amendments identified by the Scrutiny Committee, agree that the statement progresses to Cabinet for approval and adoption.

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

The Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the Modern Slavery Statement review process and presenting the fifth iteration (2024/25) of the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement to cover the period up to 30 September 2025.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) attended the meeting to respond to councillor’s questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised: -

·         Members commended the council for its work on the Modern Day Slavery Statement.

·         The procurement focus of the report was noted, which aligned with legislation on slavery. Through its STAR procurement processes, the council had a responsibility to ensure that the council’s money was not spent on the exploitation of people

·         Members suggested that council staff working within Adult and Children’s Social Care and others who worked within the community on a daily basis were well placed to highlight the work undertaken to prevent modern slavery.

·         It was reported that there were now more people living in indentured slavery than there had been at the height of the transatlantic slave trade.

RESOLVED – (1) That the draft updated statement, which will run to 30 September 2025, be noted.

(2) That that the Modern Slavery Statement be progressed to Cabinet for approval and adoption.