Agenda

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2024.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

To consider call-in items (if any).

To consider a report of the Assistant Director Place Making & Planning.

The report provides a summary of the main changes to the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) from the version consulted on earlier this year.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to:

(1)  Note the report.

(2) Note that the Local Plan will have to be progressed in conformity with the updated National Planning Policy Framework

Officer contact: Steve Johnson 0161 474 3509 | steven.johnson@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the Cabinet Members for Climate Change & Environment and Economy, Regeneration & Housing.

Following the November Scrutiny Committee, the report outlines the budget proposals being considered by cabinet to address our financial challenges and balance the rising cost of delivering services to the people in our communities who need it most.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to:

(1) Note the report.

(2) Comment on the report and the proposals presented within the report relevant to the remit of the committee.

Officer contact: Gill Lawton 0161 474 3686 | gill.lawton@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report provides an update on the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, a pioneering initiative designed to elevate employment standards across the region. Launched in 2019, the Charter emerged from a collaborative effort among local leaders, businesses, and stakeholders who recognized the need for a framework to promote fair and inclusive employment practices.

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

Officer contact: Richard Mortimer on 07800 617 932 or email richard.mortimer@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a joint report of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and the Director of Place Management

The report provides the Scrutiny Committee with an opportunity to comment on an illustrative Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2025/26 including the level of rent and service charges. Cabinet will then have the opportunity to recommend it to the Council. The illustrative budget is based on a number of key assumptions set out in the report, which includes: income from rent and service charges, expenditure commitments contained within the HRA 30-year Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy, indicative spending requirements to support inflationary pressures and identified investment priorities.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment upon the report.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 0161 474 4319 or email andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides a summary of the findings and recommendations of the independent review of Stockport’s housing management arrangements which was commissioned following a Council Meeting resolution in February 2024. The report also outlines a plan of actions which the Council intends to carry out to address the priority recommendations of the review.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn 0161 474 3700 email mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

To receive an update from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Review Panels on the work of the panels.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report sets out the work programme for the Scrutiny Committee and details any forward plan items that fall within the remit of the committee for information.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to:

(1) Note the report.

(2) Consider the report and any agenda items for future meetings of the committee.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk