Issue - meetings

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

The report details the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Review Panel's review of Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic, and sets out the panel's key findings and recommendations to Cabinet.

The Cabinet is recommended to consider the report and consider how it might respond to the report’s findings and recommendations.

Contact officer: Helen Walters on 0161 474 3734 or email: helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk 

The Chair of the Economy & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Oliver Johnstone) attended the meeting to present the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel – ‘Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic’ (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

The Leader of the Council reiterated the importance of Stockport’s district centres and that the ongoing and much-needed investment in the town centre should not be at the expense of the districts.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) stated that there was consensus around the Council on the value of the district centres and that residents had shown a strong desire to support local traders.  It was noted that while the district centres had vacancy rates below the national average with a diverse range of independent retailers, there remained issues that needed to be addressed.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Director of Place Management be requested to prepare a response to the “Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic” 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 ‘Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic’ and others involved in the Review.

To consider a report of the Scrutiny Review Panel Lead Councillor.

The report details the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Review Panel's review of Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic, and sets out the panel's key findings and recommendations to Cabinet.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and approve the final report for submission to the Cabinet.

Contact officer: Helen Walters 0161 474 3734 | helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk 

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report on behalf of the Scrutiny Review Panel Lead Councillor. The report detailed the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Review Panel's review of Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic, and set out the panel's key findings and recommendations to Cabinet.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The report framed the discussions that the Panel had had in relation to district centres.

·         The appointment of two District Centre Managers was a welcome development in supporting Stockport’s district centres.

·         It was requested that an update report which set out implemented recommendations and reviewed outcomes be brought back to the Scrutiny Committee in 6 months’ time. It was noted that Cabinet were required to provide a formal response to the report of the panel.

·         It was requested that the District Centre Managers make contact with members that had not yet been contacted, to discuss their local district centres.

·         An update on the work (phase 2) of the Institute for Place Management (IPM) would be brought back to a future meeting of the committee.

·         It was suggested that a lighting programme for Christmas lights in district centres be considered.

Thanks were expressed to officers for their support to members in carrying out the review.

RESOLVED – That the final Scrutiny Review Panel report be recommended for submission to Cabinet.