The Corporate Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to review the council's Q1 budget monitoring, discuss a potential council tax discount for terminally ill residents, and examine treasury management and reserves policies. The committee also received updates on the workforce, planning reforms, and the significant decision to reintroduce fortnightly blue bin collections.

2026-2027 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Update

Councillor Julie Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented the Q1 budget monitoring update, highlighting that adults' health, well-being, and social care, along with children, families, and education, accounted for the majority of the forecast deficit. Councillor Dominic Hardwick questioned whether a surplus in the housing and environment budget would fund fortnightly blue bin collections, to which Councillor Julian confirmed this was the case, though a more robust discussion was anticipated later. Councillor Hardwick also inquired about the financial impact of the national insurance hike, with Jonathan Davis, Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer, explaining that the council had been funded for direct costs only, with indirect costs of approximately £6 million fully borne by the council. Councillor Carol McCann asked about income from taxing licensing, with Jonathan Davis stating that while the income budget was being met, detailed numbers would need to be provided separately. Concerns were raised about the impact of inflation and energy costs on the out-turn position, with officers explaining the proactive measures taken to mitigate energy price rises. Councillor Jess Meller asked about potential upticks in contractor fees due to energy price rises, and it was noted that inflationary increases were being seen, particularly in IT and technology contracts.

Council Tax Discounts for the Terminally Ill

Councillor Julie Julian introduced the report on a potential council tax discount for residents living with a terminal illness, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the topic and thanking officers for their swift work. Councillor Paul Wright queried the methodology behind the £3 million cost estimate, and officers explained that extrapolation from available data was necessary due to a lack of baseline information. Councillor Dominic Hardwick expressed concerns about the report highlighting stark problems with the idea, noting the council already provides significant support (£25 million annually) and that a new discount could be unfair to those most in need. He also raised the administrative burden and the difficulty in defining terminal illness for eligibility. Councillor Wright expressed disappointment at the comments suggesting the idea could not be pursued, stating that other councils do offer such schemes. Councillor David Meller questioned the methodology behind the £2,300 estimated number of eligible residents compared to Manchester City Council's figure of 175, and noted that Marie Curie had suggested the £3 million figure was far in excess of expectations. Councillor Julian clarified that existing schemes already support residents with terminal illnesses through Council Tax Support and discretionary hardship arrangements. The committee agreed to note and comment on the report, with a further report to be brought back in October to allow for further comments before a decision in November.

Treasury Management Annual Report 2025/26 and Q1 Report 2026/27

Councillor Julie Julian presented both the annual treasury management report for 2025/26 and the Q1 update for 2026/27, assuring the committee that all activities were in accordance with the approved Treasury Management Strategy and CIPFA Code of Practice. She highlighted the challenging economic environment and elevated interest rates, noting officers' focus on balancing risk with liquidity and value for money. Councillor Hardwick inquired about the impact of US Treasuries market fluctuations on the UK gilt market, and officers explained the global impact on markets and how this trickles through to PWLB rates. Councillor Hardwick also asked about the council's approach to interest rate rises beyond the suggested 0.25% in the next six months, and officers detailed the constant monitoring of interest rates and the fact that the vast majority of borrowing is fixed rate.

2026/27 Reserves Policy

Councillor Julian presented the annual review of the council's Reserves Policy, emphasizing the critical role of reserves for stability and sustainability, especially during times of financial pressure. She noted that the policy sets out the balance and purpose of both general and earmarked reserves. The committee was asked to note and comment on the report, including recommendations to Cabinet.

Workforce Update: Workforce Data Report

Councillor Julian introduced the Annual Workforce Report, expressing her passion for the area and appreciation for the workforce's efforts. Jennie Neill, Assistant Director for HR and Organisational Development, presented highlights from the report, noting that workforce numbers remained broadly stable but with variations across directorates. She detailed efforts in employer branding, inclusive recruitment, and learning and development, including a high apprenticeship completion rate. Councillor Dominic Hardwick requested a meeting to discuss the statistics on the ethnicity pay gap and minority ethnic staff experiences, acknowledging the stark differences between various minority ethnic backgrounds. Councillor Huma Khan welcomed the ambition for an inclusive workforce and suggested rolling out more outreach events like the one held at the CMA Children's Association. Councillor Wright asked about improvements seen since the introduction of diverse recruitment panels and if data was available to show the difference in employment numbers. Jenny Neill confirmed that data was being compiled for the GM People Inclusion Standards and that she could provide more detailed figures later. Councillor Wright also welcomed the mediation initiative and inquired about its take-up and collaboration with trade unions. He also expressed disappointment about the inability to use the apprenticeship levy for levels 6 and 7. Councillor Julian congratulated the team on Stockport Council being awarded the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter's Best for Inclusion Award.

Planning Committee Reforms and National Scheme of Delegation Implementation

Councillor Julian introduced the report on planning committee reforms, explaining that constitutional amendments were needed to align with upcoming changes to planning legislation. Suzanne, from the planning department, confirmed that the changes were mandatory by 31 October, otherwise the council would be unable to make planning decisions. Councillor Mark Jones stated that the changes were legislation and must be done, but raised questions about the time afforded for public speaking at committees and arrangements for enabling that speaking. Councillor Jeremy Meal expressed concerns about the deficit in devolution and the potential for residents to feel unheard, particularly with Area Committees no longer making decisions. Councillor Hardwick questioned the flexibility of the changes and whether there would be any change to rules regarding councillors with interests speaking on planning applications. Councillor David Meller asked about the influence of the local plan on the gateway test and the potential demand for neighbourhood plans. Emma Curle, Chief Planning Officer, addressed these points, explaining the process and the need for a consistent approach nationally. The committee agreed to note and comment on the report, with further discussions to take place at Area Committees, Cabinet, and Full Council.

Scrutiny Work Programme

Councillor Alex Wynne, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, noted that a report on bus franchising would be coming to the October meeting. Councillor Hardwick pointed out a Freudian slip in the item title and suggested setting diary dates for scrutiny review panel meetings. Councillor Meal confirmed that the TFGM late-running bus report would come to the next meeting.

Additional Item: Blue Bin Collections

Councillor David Meller requested this urgent item, expressing gratitude that fortnightly blue bin collections were being reintroduced. He inquired about the timeline and rationale behind the decision, and Councillor Julian explained that it coincided with the Q1 budget position identifying a surplus in the housing and environment budget, which enabled rapid decision-making. Councillor Meller also questioned the permanence of the measure and whether residents were effectively paying twice for a statutory service. Councillor Julian clarified that the green bin permit income funded garden waste collection costs, freeing up general fund budget for the blue bin collection proposal. Jonathan Davis, Director of Finance, further explained that the green bin permit income subsidised garden waste collection, reducing the need for general fund support, which in turn made general fund budget available for other service improvements. Councillor Jess Meller asked what prompted the change so soon after previous discussions and why a three-weekly collection had been previously turned down due to budget constraints. Officers explained that the current financial landscape and increased information on resident behaviours allowed for the change, taking advantage of the in-year budget position. Councillor Carole McCann inquired about the workforce needed for the additional collections, and it was confirmed that additional crews would be required. Councillor Wright asked about producer responsibility for waste disposal, and officers explained it was a national scheme with expected behavioural changes from producers. The committee noted the report and expressed delight at the reintroduction of fortnightly blue bin collections.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking attendees and announcing the next meeting would be on 13 October 2026.