Issue - meetings

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

The report provides an update on the Stockport Local Fund with a focus on programme investments and impact; updates from the wider programme of work to support a thriving third sector and early analysis from the State of the Sector report 2020; and sets out priority areas for development and next steps in delivering investment into the third sector in 2021/22.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Note the progress and impact of delivering the SLF in 20/21

(2) Support the ongoing development of the related programme of work including:-

·         The strategic investment in Sector3

·         Closer alignment of small grants with Sector3

·         Development of thematic networks and investment to support emerging priorities

·         Endorse the alignment of the Stockport Local Fund to the One Stockport brand

·         Support the launch of phase 6 in autumn

·         Receive a further update on the State of the Sector

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

A representative of the Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Stockport Local Fund with a focus on programme investments and impact; updates from the wider programme of work to support a thriving third sector and early analysis from the State of the Sector report 2020; and setting out priority areas for development and next steps in delivering investment into the third sector in 2021/22.

The Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods (Amanda Peers) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The allocation of funding to community groups and organisations was welcomed and was an approach that Stockport could be proud of.

·         Varying levels of monitoring of expenditure and outcomes was undertaken depending on the level of the allocation made.

·         There was a set criteria used for the allocation and distribution of funding.

·         It was confirmed that at present funding was delegated to Sector3 which ensured that the Council retained a degree of oversight.  It was suggested that the current wording the report be amended to properly reflect that relationship.

·         It would be useful for members to better understand the geographical spread of function allocations.

·         It was suggested that ‘One Stockport’ did not have the ‘profile and resonance’ suggested in the report.

·         There needed to be improved dialogue with local members in relation to the Stockport Local Fund as some members felt disconnected or unengaged with the process.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.