Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration

The Cabinet has previously set out its approach to responding to the opportunities, challenges and uncertainty outlined within the review of the medium-term financial plan at its meeting on 21st September 2021. This was shared for further discussion and comment with scrutiny committees in October 2021.

Following these discussions further development of proposals have been undertaken and these are now being shared again with Scrutiny for comment and consideration.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the proposals within the four business cases alongside feedback from consultation and equalities analysis.

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

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Cabinet’s proposed approach to responding to the opportunities, challenges and uncertainty outlined within the review of the Medium Term Financial Plan presented at the Cabinet meeting on the 21 September 2021.  The Scrutiny Committee had been provided with an opportunity to make initial comments on the proposals at its meeting in October 2021.  Following these discussions further development of the proposals had been undertaken and these were now being shared again with the Committee for comment and consideration.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Scrutiny Committee debated Key Project 6 in the Robust Corporate Governance Programme with regard to a proposed increase in the income target charge uplift across a number of areas, for example the lease of electronic billboard sites on major routes and in the town centre. Concern was raised as to whether the use of electronic billboards aligned with the Council’s ‘green’ agenda. Members were advised that there was an expectation that electronic billboards would be energy efficient and they were generally extremely energy efficient, dependent on their source of energy. The Director agreed to provide further information on the efficiency of electronic billboards, their source of energy and any impact they may have on light pollution from light emitted from the boards.

·         It was suggested that an exercise be undertaken on the Council’s energy sources to ensure energy was supplied in the most efficient way.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.