Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides an update on progress with the delivery plan for the One Stockport Economic Plan since its launch and sets out the proposed next steps to create a second delivery plan and to reflect how best to respond to the current local economic context, conditions and challenges.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to:

1.    note the report; and

2.    endorse a review of the current delivery plan, and the production of a second delivery plan.

Officer contact: Richard Mortimer 07800 617932 | richard.mortimer@stockport.gov.uk   

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the progress of the first delivery plan for the One Stockport Economic Plan since its launch and set out the proposed next steps to create a second delivery plan.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The plan was expected to be agile, responsive and align with the council’s priorities. It would also reflect how best to respond to the current local economic context, conditions and challenges.

·         Members commended the new Skills Plan. This Skills Plan was a critical piece of work supporting the One Stockport Economic Plan, and part of this work was to connect people with the investment taking place in the borough. Since arriving in Stockport, it was noted that KAO Data had been supporting a local college with lesson resources for pupils. It was also advised that there could be an opportunity for the heat generated from the data centre to be used in the District Heat Network scheme. The team worked closely with the Education department at the council to ensure joined up working on the Skills Plan.

·         It was suggested that electric vehicle (EV) charging points be installed at Life Leisure facilities across Stockport as ‘medium stay’ locations. It was noted that EV charging points were being installed across the borough in phases and updates on this piece of work would be reported to the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee.

·         It was queried as to how many employees were benefitting from their employers being signed up to the Good Employment Charter. This information would be sought and circulated to the Scrutiny Committee for their information. The team continued to encourage employers to sign up to the charter.

·         It was noted that the council were reliant on Office for National Statistics data for the numbers of people in work, which was based on local surveys and samples.

·         Work to deliver job fairs in local communities was commended. It was noted that the council sought good employers for the fairs.

·         In response to a question as to how the council supported students where there were concerns around the potential for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), it was noted that a new manager was in post with NEET oversight and the team regularly liaised with employers on work in this area.

·         In relation to the Good Employment Charter, it was suggested that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee detailing the views of businesses on the pros and cons of the real-living wage from their perspective.

·         It was noted that the MDC supported impactful social value work locally and helped contractors to focus their efforts.

·         Stockport’s Climate Action Now (CAN) Summit 2024 was scheduled to be held on Friday 22 November 2024 at Stockport Town Hall.

RESOLVED – (1) that the report be noted; and

(2) that a review of the current delivery plan and the production of a second delivery plan be endorsed.