Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The update will build on the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update report presented to the Cabinet meeting in October to ensure the MTFP forecasts and assumptions continue to be robust and based on the latest information. This will include an update on the financial impact of announcements made since October including:

·                The ongoing national and local response to the COVID19 pandemic; and

·                The Government’s 2020 Spending Review.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Michael Cullen on 0161 474 4631 or email: michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Resourcing, Commissioning and Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) building on the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update report presented to the Cabinet meeting in October to ensure the MTFP forecasts and assumptions continued to be robust and based on the latest information.

The report included an update on the financial impact of announcements made since October including the ongoing national and local response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Government’s 2020 Spending Review.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Council’s savings proposals for 2021/22 appeared manageable and concern was expressed that that more far reaching proposals would be put forward for 2022/23.

·         The Cabinet would be considering its proposals for the Council Tax early in the New Year.

·         Questions were raised and responded to regarding:-

-       The management of inflationary increases aligned to external contracts in the Adult Care & Health portfolio

-       With regard to the Citizen Focus and Engagement portfolio, removing duplication across a number of areas in Information Advice and Guidance, and creating a simpler and more streamlined approach for service users

-       Vacancy management and the deletion of long-term, vacant posts.

·         With regard to the comment that the Greater Manchester 100% Business Rates Retention Pilot would continue in 2021/22, a Member enquired about the level of business rates it was envisaged that the Council would collect.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.