Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 November 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

There were no call-in items to consider.

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

The Cabinet is developing its medium term strategy, which frames the choices the Council will make about its budget both next year and in future years.  This strategy focuses on five key themes, and specific proposals have been set out for changes in 2019/20.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to discuss the proposals appended to the report.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Cabinet’s medium term strategy which framed the choices the Council would make about its budget both next year and in future years. The strategy focused on five key themes and specific proposals had been set out for changes in 2019/20.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Public consultation on the proposals did not start until 7 December 2018, yet the Cabinet would be considering the proposals on 18 December 2018. It was clarified that the outcome of the consultation would be reported back to the Cabinet meeting on 5 February 2019.

·         The consultation would be conducted via an online questionnaire published on the ‘Have Your Say’ pages of the Council’s website. Paper copies of the questionnaire would be provided at libraries and at the Fred Perry House Reception.

·         The proposal to cease funding for the free Stockport Metroshuttle service after the current contract ended on 27 April 2019 would impact  on the less affluent members of society and would also impact on the Council’s proposals to expand town centre living. The Cabinet Member clarified that other means of funding for the shuttle bus were still being explored and a Member suggested that discussions continued with Transport for Greater Manchester to try and find a replacement for the shuttle bus.

·         A Member requested clarification on paragraph 7.11 of the report regarding the implementation of Universal Credit changes benefit entitlement causing more pupils to be eligible.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report updates the Scrutiny Committee on the proposed response to the opportunities and challenges through the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), or other suitable entity, as the delivery vehicle and recommends that the Council formally agrees to the principles on which any MDC, or equivalent, would be created.

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

Officer contact: Paul Richards on             0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) on the proposed response to the opportunities and challenges through the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), or other suitable entity, as the delivery vehicle to unlock the regeneration potential of Stockport Town Centre West. The report also set out work which was underway to produce a masterplan and set a long-term strategic vision for the area along with interim governance arrangements that would provide Members with the opportunity to guide the agenda as it moved forward.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED – (1) That the general proposals be welcomed and the principles set out by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in paragraph 2.5 of the report which would inform the creation of any Mayoral Development Corporation in Stockport be noted, in particular that:-

·         operating costs will be borne by the Council

·         planning powers will be retained by the Council as Local Planning Authority for the MDC area.

·         the statutory roles of Chef Finance Officer and Chief Legal Officer will be provided by the Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority respectively.

(2) That it be noted that a report will be submitted to the meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on 11 January 2019 for a decision by the Greater Manchester Mayor about going out to consultation in January and February 2019 on the proposal to create a Mayoral Development Corporation in Stockport.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides information on the process on the applications submitted to the Council in October 2018 under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 (as amended) seeking to establish Mellor, Marple, Mill Brow and Compstall Neighbourhood Forum; and Mellor, Marple, Mill Brow and Compstall Neighbourhood Area.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the report and comment on the proposed neighbourhood area and forum.

Officers Contact: Melanie Craven or Vincent Mcintyre or email: melanie.craven@stockport.gov.uk or vincent.mcintyre@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information on the process on the applications submitted to the Council in October 2018 under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 (as amended) seeking to establish Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall Neighbourhood Forum; and Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall Neighbourhood Area. Members noted that the proposals, as submitted, met the legislative requirements , that the Council had undertaken the necessary publicity on the proposed Neighbourhood Forum and on the proposed Neighbourhood Area, and that no issues had been raised through the process to date.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet be requested to recommend the Council Meeting to approve the applications to establish the Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area and formally designate the Forum and Area.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.                                                          

The report sets out planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items that fall within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and put forward any agenda items for future meetings of the Committee.

Officer Contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or email: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out planned agenda items for the Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items which fell within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.