The Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 2 September 2026 to discuss a range of important council matters. Key decisions included the endorsement of an Anti-Racist Organisation Framework and Action Plan, and the noting of a report on the council's enforcement of parking. The committee also discussed progress on local electric vehicle infrastructure and the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Preferred Supplier

The committee received an update on the procurement process for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, a Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) initiative aimed at increasing electric vehicle charging points across England. Councillor Grace Bainham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, explained that the LEVI programme, funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), would see approximately £1.3 million invested in Stockport for charging infrastructure. While the committee was unable to discuss the confidential appendix detailing the preferred supplier, Councillor Rachel Wise raised concerns about the long-term fitness for purpose of a 20-year contract in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Councillor Bainham assured members that break clauses and performance requirements were in place to protect the council. The committee noted the report and commented on its contents.

Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Annual Update

Joe McGrath, CEO of Sector 3, and Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, presented the annual update on Stockport's VCFSE Strategy. The report highlighted the sector's significant contribution to the local economy, estimated at £136 million annually, and its crucial role in supporting the council's Live Well ambitions. Councillor Oliver emphasised that the VCFSE sector is now seen as integral to public service delivery, not merely an add-on. The report detailed progress across three key priorities: investment, capacity building, and community power. Significant investment, including approximately £11 million from the council into the voluntary sector, was noted, with Sector 3 directing £2.5 million into the sector in 2025-2026. Challenges such as resource constraints and short-term funding were acknowledged. Councillor Taya Clarke inquired about how grant opportunities are communicated to new groups, and Joe McGrath outlined outreach efforts, accessible application processes, and meet the funders events. Councillor Alice Delamere raised questions about future-proofing the sector and preparing for demographic changes, particularly regarding volunteer recruitment. Councillor Christine Carrigan expressed concern about the lack of a comprehensive list of community groups and the ability to identify service gaps, questioning the equity of the neighbourhood model. Councillor David White also voiced concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the distribution of funding. Councillor Oliver and Ms. McGrath clarified that while detailed financial data for funded projects is available, a complete overview of all 1,800 VCFSE groups and their informal activities is not feasible. The committee noted the report and commented on its achievements, risks, future priorities, and progress.

Anti-Racist Organisation Framework and Action Plan

Councillor Dan Oliver and Ruth Wilson, a qualified social worker and nurse, presented the council's Anti-Racist Organisation Framework and Action Plan. Councillor Oliver stressed that this was about action as well as words, building on a commitment made by Deputy Leader Councillor Julian to become an anti-racist organisation. Ruth Wilson shared her personal experiences of racism and her desire to create a better journey for others in Stockport. Councillor Alice Delamere asked how the framework would improve services for residents, not just internally for the workforce. Councillor Oliver and Ms. Wilson explained the strong link between internal culture change and external service delivery, citing the global majority leadership development programme and the importance of diverse representation on decision-making bodies. Councillor Taya Clarke enquired about the frequency of surveys and how data from the Report and Support tool would be used, as well as concerns about why some individuals do not report racist incidents. Councillor Oliver and Ms. Wilson acknowledged that the current number of reports (28) felt low and that psychological safety was crucial for encouraging reporting. Councillor Christine Carrigan raised questions about the community cohesion programme, baselines for trust and safety, and identifying areas of greatest cohesion pressure. Councillor Oliver assured members that the budget amendment work was progressing and that engagement activities would help establish baseline data. Councillor Delamere asked about the framework's commitment to strengthening anti-racist practice in schools, and Councillor Oliver highlighted ongoing work through the Safeguarding Partnership and school effectiveness teams. The committee endorsed the framework and action plan, supporting its implementation, monitoring, and governance arrangements.

Strategic Investment Assets: Scheme of Delegation

Councillor Dan Oliver and Luke Green, Assistant Director for Assets and Community Infrastructure, presented a report proposing updates to the scheme of delegations for Strategic Investment Assets. The aim is to allow for more agile decision-making in property transactions, similar to the existing arrangements for Merseyway Shopping Centre. Councillor Alice Delamere questioned the level of democratic oversight and reporting back to scrutiny or Cabinet. Councillor Oliver and Mr. Green explained that Cabinet member consultation and regular updates would continue, with a commitment to a 12-month review report for scrutiny. Councillor Christine Carrigan expressed reservations about the lack of a financial ceiling on the proposed delegations, stating she felt icky about the unlimited authority. She also questioned the definition of substantial annual reserves for the Investment and Development Account and requested clarity on retrospective reporting to scrutiny. Councillor David White echoed these concerns, finding the term nimble and agile contrary to his recent experiences and expressing unease about delegating significant decision-making authority to officers, particularly given the amount of closed-door discussions. Councillor Oliver and Mr. Green reiterated that the proposals mirrored the existing successful model for Merseyway and that acquisitions and disposals would still require Cabinet approval. They agreed to provide a detailed 12-month review report to scrutiny. The committee noted and commented on the report, with Councillor Carrigan's feeling of being icky being officially minuted.

Scrutiny Review 2025/26 Cabinet Response - The Council Enforcement of Parking

Councillor Grace Bainham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, presented the Cabinet's proposed response to the recommendations from the scrutiny review into the council's enforcement of parking. The report outlined the council's agreement to implement most of the recommendations, including a public engagement initiative on parking enforcement and road safety, and a focus on enforcement in problem areas. Councillor Rachel Wise questioned the consideration given to pavement parking and suggested that increased enforcement staff could be self-funding. She also asked about the process for improving parking signage. Councillor Bainham explained the ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining parking enforcement officers due to abuse, but assured members that signage issues would be addressed through regular highways ward briefings. The committee noted and commented on the report.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for future meetings. Councillor Rachel Wise requested the inclusion of an annual update on estates, a report on the insourcing of facilities management, a 12-month update on car park charging, and a central library update. Councillor Alice Delamere proposed a review of vacant and disused park buildings and a strategy for their community use. Councillor David White requested an item on policing, suggesting it could be a standing item. Councillor Christine Carrigan pushed for an earlier focus on community safety, anti-social behaviour, and neighbourhood confidence, as well as a detailed report on Live Well implementation and community assets. Councillor Oliver noted that some of these topics were covered in his Portfolio Performance and Resources Reports (PPRRs) but agreed to consider specific reports where necessary. The committee agreed to the proposed additions to the work programme.