Agenda

Councillors who require a substitute to be appointed should inform Democratic Services by 4.00pm on Friday, 17 January 2024 (Councillors who wish to arrange their own substitute should inform Democratic Services of their substitute prior to the commencement of the meeting).

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 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 Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

Following the November meetings of the 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 comment upon the report and proposals presented that are relevant to the committee’s remit.

Officer contact: Gill Lawton on 0161 474 3686 or email gill.lawton@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

The report provides an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn as at the end of November 2024 (Quarter 2+). The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Collection Fund, Reserves and Capital Programme as at Quarter 2+. 

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note and comment upon the report, including the recommendation to Cabinet.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk 

To consider a report of the Director of Finance.

The report sets out the progress of the 2024/25 Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme, the programme of work for inclusion in the 2025/26 financial year and the indicative programme up to 2028/29.

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

Officer contact: James Kington at james.kington@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

The Stockport Council Plan 2024-2027 is the council’s main strategic document. It describes the key role the council plays in supporting the borough through the provision and delivery of services that are essential to everyday life. The plan also outlines the council’s four big ambitions for the upcoming years, that will create opportunities for everyone within the borough. The report outlines how the refreshed plan, which accompanies this report, has developed from the original version.

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

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

To consider a report of the Director of Finance.

The report proposes a change to the current management arrangements between Stockport Council and Stockport Active CIC (trading as Life Leisure). 

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

Officer contact: Peter Ashworth on 07891 949 473 or email peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

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

The report sets out The Council’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Policy which must be considered by elected members annually to set the Policy and to ensure that if the Council is using its RIPA powers, it is doing so appropriately and complying with its own Code of Practice when carrying out covert surveillance.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:

(1) note that the Council has not exercised its RIPA powers since the last report; and

(2) approve the RIPA Policy/ Code of Practice for the forthcoming year.

Officer contact: Michelle Dodds on 0161 474 3257 or email michelle.dodds@stockport.gov.uk

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

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: Jacqueline Kramer on 0161 474 2978 or email: jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk   

To consider a report of the Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services.

This Pay Policy Statement (the ‘statement’) sets out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011. The statement also has due regard for the associated statutory guidance including supplementary guidance issued in February 2013 and the Local Government Transparency code 2014. The statement also incorporates the Council’s Gender Pay Gap (GPG) information in order to fulfill the Council’s obligation to publish this on an annual basis under the GPG reporting requirements.

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

Officer contact: Andrea Steward on 07891949054 or email: andrea.steward@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a propsal to write off arrears of rent, insurance and service charges in the sum of £175,753.19 that are now deemed irrecoverable associated to the subject property.

(NOTE: Appendices to the report contain information ‘not for publication’ that have been circulated to members of the Scutiny Committee only).

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

Officer contact: Sam Holdcroft on 07356 111176 or by email: sam.holdcroft@stockport.gov.uk