Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee.

The report details the review carried out by the Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change Scrutiny Review Panel into ‘District and Local Centres - best practice and building upon it’ and the proposed recommendations.

That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to prepare a response to the District and Local Centres - best practice and building upon it scrutiny review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

Officer contact: Helen Walters 0161 474 3734 | helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

Councillor James Frizzell attended the meeting to present the final report of the Scrutiny Review into the District and Local Centres - best practice and building upon it (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         During the course of the review, the Panel heard from external partners that the borough was held up as an example of good practice in relation to its approach to district and local centres.

·         The work of the district centre managers was highlighted as a significant positive development.

·         Supporting the vibrancy and development of district and local centres did not have an easy fix and required enduring partnerships between businesses, landlords, the community and other groups.

·         The Council was rightly proud of its interventions in Stockport town centre, however the vibrancy of its many communities and its districts was part of what made the borough a great place to live and work.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to prepare a response to the ‘District and Local Centres - best practice and building upon it’ scrutiny review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

(2) That the gratitude of the Cabinet be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel ‘District and Local Centres - best practice and building upon it’ and others involved in the Review.’

To consider a report of the Chair of the Scrutiny Review Panel.

The draft final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel is presented for consideration. The final report and recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Panel is expected to be considered by Cabinet at their meeting scheduled to be held on 18 March 2025.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:

(1) consider and note the draft final report; and

(2) endorse the draft final report for onward submission to Cabinet, subject to any amendments.

Officer contact: Helen Walters 0161 474 3734 | helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

The Chair of the Scrutiny Review Panel submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel on district and local centres and how best practice could be used to support them.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There were several comments regarding the leadership of the Chair of the panel and thanks given for the work undertaken.

·         The recommendations were welcomed as being sensible and achievable recommendations which could be applied in the Borough.

·         It was suggested that further mention could be made around the promotion of Community Right to Buy as to ensure the information and resources are promoted as widely as possible.

RESOLVED – (1) That the draft ‘District and Local Centres - best practice and building upon it’ be approved and adopted.

(2) That the thanks of the Scrutiny Committee be extended to all those who took part in the Scrutiny Review.