Agenda item

To consider a report of the Cabinet Members for Children & Family Services and for Education

The Cabinet has developed a four year medium term strategy based around five cross-cutting themes. These frame the choices the Council need to make about its budget both next year and in future years, the five themes are:

·           Getting the most out of our spending;

·           Improving Customer Experience;

·           Making sure we have the right property in the right places;

·           Sharing services with other organisations;

·           An organisation fit for the future.

A suite of proposals have been developed by Cabinet which forms the first phase of this programme for 19/20. Scrutiny has since received a series of updates on the development of these proposals. This report forms the latest update and in line with the update provided to committees in November, particular includes consideration of proposals for 2019/20, prior to Cabinet decision-making in February.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment upon the proposals appended to this report.

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

The Cabinet Members for Children & Families and Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the development of the budget choices for 2019/2020 for comment prior to consideration by the Cabinet.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A number of members reiterated their concerns in respect to the removal of the faith element for the provision of school bus passes even as part of a planned phased approach. It was suggested that alternatives be explored for what amounted to a relatively small saving.

·         The funding associated with the transfer of anti-social behaviour responsibilities to Stockport Homes Ltd.

·         Councillors requested further detailed information in respect to the Stockport Local Assistance Scheme.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.