Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 8 September and 20 September 2022.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings held on 8 September and 20 September 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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.

Within the report and appendix, the council’s strategic approach in responding to the review of the medium-term financial plan is outlined. This follows on from the report presented at the Cabinet meeting on the 28 September 2022. Whilst Stockport Council continues to develop opportunities for further enhancing the lives of our residents, we are also in a period of unprecedented uncertainty. Factors include the high levels of price inflation, interest rate changes, and uncertainty around volatile energy prices certainly beyond 6 months. In addition, we are still without any means to accurately forecast the Government Settlement, Government assistance even via a levy on adult social care and wage settlements. Furthermore there are global issues, such as the war in Ukraine and energy supply generally, which are totally unpredictable. 

The report outlines the budget proposals being considered by Cabinet to address financial and demand challenges, enable longer term transformation, and ensure the delivery of shared strategic partnership ambitions. 

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report and the proposals presented within the report relevant to the remit of this committee. 

Officer contact: Holly Rae 0161 474 3014 | holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk   

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining a strategic approach in responding to the review of the medium-term financial plan (MTFP) and the budget proposals being considered by the Cabinet to address financial and demand challenges, enable longer term transformation, and ensure the delivery of shared strategic partnership ambitions.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The report outlined the budget proposals being considered to address financial and demand challenges, enable long-term transformation, and ensure the delivery of shared strategic partnership ambitions.

·         Members noted that the Cabinet considered the report and proposals at their meeting 28 September 2022.

·         Concerns over pressures relating to staffing issues in the planning department were raised, and it was asked how the MTFP would impact recruitment and retention in the service. Members noted that the council were recruiting to the service, but there had been a number of resignations recently. Options were being explored and the council were working with universities to assess opportunities to support recruitment via planning apprenticeships. Members were advised that there was a national shortage of planning professionals. It was also advised that there was no consistent reason for leavers, and that other local authorities also experienced issues in the recruitment and retention of planning professionals owing to the general shortage of those skills within the sector. It was suggested that an update on the opportunities from working with universities be circulated to members in due course as work progressed. Concerns were also raised over staffing pressures in the Enforcement Team. Members were reassured that, with regards to staffing pressures, work would be absorbed without impacting service delivery. It was suggested that further thought be given to staff retention.

·         It was requested that a report on planning recruitment and retention be submitted to a meeting of the Scrutiny Committee in the New Year for consideration.

·         It was noted that certain planning fees were dictated by statute, and others set by Local Authorities. It was requested that further detail on fee levels be circulated to members for their information.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic and Monitoring Officer) be requested to make arrangements for an item to be programmed onto the agenda for a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to planning recruitment and retention.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance).

The report sets out planned agenda items for the next meeting of the scrutiny committee, and details any forward plan items that fall within the remit of the committee for information.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

1)    consider the report and any agenda items for future meetings of the committee; and

2)     to note the report.

Officer contact: Charlie Griffin 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.griffin@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the planned agenda items for the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, and detailed forward plan items that fell within the remit of the committee for information.

The Scrutiny Committee noted that the medium-term financial plan would be considered by members at their meeting on 19 January 2023.

Members noted that the first meeting of the Scrutiny Review Panel – the Economic and Social Case for Metrolink had taken place on 12 October 2022 where members of the panel had agreed the scope of the review.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic and Monitoring Officer) be requested to make arrangements for an item to be programmed onto the agenda for the 19 January 2023 meeting of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to the medium-term financial plan.