Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides an update on Stockport’s preparations for the UK’s departure from the European Union.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 0161 474 3014 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on Stockport’s preparations for the UK’s departure from the European Union.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides an update on Stockport’s preparations for the UK’s departure from the European Union.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Holly Rae, 0161 474 3014, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on the Council’s preparations for the UK’s departure from the European Union, building on previous updates submitted to the Scrutiny Committee.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The Cabinet Member reported that there was a scheduled conference call between local authorities and the Secretary of State taking place on Monday, and regular discussions with the GMCA on region wide planning. The LGA had also made representations to the Government on the need for greater clarity on the expectations on local government in terms of preparedness.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was commented that contingency planning was usually in response to external events, rather than due to actions of a Government. In response it was confirmed that the Council was acting to ensure that its citizens were protected.

·         Concern was expressed that there were too many ‘unknowns’ to plan for, and further information was sought on where the Council was focussing on to mitigate the short term impact of ‘no-deal’. In response it was stated that the focus was on the most vulnerable in the borough.

·         Councillors discussed the potential impact on older people and care provision in the event of large numbers of workers leaving the UK, with some disagreement about the scale of any potential departures. In response, it was commented that Stockport had a diverse range of care providers that should help mitigate any risk.

·         In response to questions it was confirmed that there was no direct central Government engagement with Stockport’s planning although there were regional coordinators cascading information to local authorities.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides an update on Stockport’s preparations for the UK’s departure from the European Union.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 0161 474 3014 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Council’s preparation for the UK’s departure from the European Union.  The report builds on those previously presented to the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee in January and April 2019 that provided the latest update at the time on the Council’s preparations for Brexit.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         In response to a query about the work that had taken place to ensure that those members of staff that were EU nationals had applied for the EU Settlement Scheme, it was stated that the Council had commenced a communications programme targeting al EU nationals in Stockport that also included the Council’s own staff.

·         Work was taking place across Greater Manchester to ensure that a consistent and co-ordinated approach was being taking across the conurbation.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the late circulation of the report for presentation at this committee meeting.

RESLVED – That the report be noted.