The Housing, Economy & Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 03 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's climate and nature strategy, housing needs, and waste collection services. Key decisions made included the endorsement of the Climate and Nature Annual Report and the introduction of an Article 4 Direction to control the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The committee also discussed the reversal of the decision to reduce blue bin collections to monthly.

Climate and Nature Annual Report 2025-26

Councillor Jake Austin, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, introduced the Climate and Nature (CAN) Annual Report 2025-26, highlighting significant progress in emissions reduction, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and community engagement. Notable achievements included the successful delivery of the CAN Summit, the engagement of over 2,000 young people through the Youth Climate Assembly, and the growth of the Stockport Green Network. The report also detailed efforts to decarbonise council operations, improve low-carbon buildings, and expand renewable energy initiatives, such as the development of a town centre district heat network.

Councillor James Frizzell raised concerns about the increasing impacts of climate change, referencing events in Tibet and Nepal, and questioned the council's preparedness for at-risk neighbourhoods and assets. Councillor Austin and Nick Leslie, Head of Climate and Nature, assured members that climate adaptation was a core part of the strategy, but acknowledged the reliance on external funding and the challenges of identifying all at-risk areas. They also highlighted ongoing work on civil contingencies and tabletop exercises, including one planned around extreme heat events.

Councillor Frizzell also stressed the urgency of decarbonising buildings and transport, to which Councillor Austin responded by detailing progress on the district heat network, including the appointment of Vital Energi as a development partner. Councillor Claire Vibert inquired about the challenges surrounding low-carbon buildings, specifically the Warm Homes Local Grant and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Nick Leslie explained that while the Warm Homes Plan is underway, the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund has been limited for Stockport Homes due to their high EPC ratings achieved in previous years.

Councillor Dena Ryness questioned the two-year delay in adopting a policy on cross-pavement electric vehicle charging, highlighting it as a low-cost, high-impact measure. Councillor Austin explained the complexities involved, including archaic legislation, liability concerns, and the need to consider accessibility for disabled individuals. Councillor Asa Caton welcomed the proactive work with schools through the Green Education Collective and Youth Climate Assembly.

The committee noted and commented on the progress achieved and endorsed the publication of the report.

Cabinet Response to 2025/26 Scrutiny Review - Operation of CAN Funds

Councillor Jake Austin presented the Cabinet's response to the Scrutiny Review Panel's recommendations on the CAN Seed and Catalyst Funds. The Cabinet accepted most of the recommendations, which focused on improving signposting, strengthening partnerships, emphasising project legacy and monitoring, and mapping green initiatives. Councillor Will Dawson and Councillor Asa Caton welcomed the acceptance of these recommendations, highlighting the importance of momentum and enablement for community groups. Councillor James Frizzell suggested making green funding opportunities more prominent on the council website. The committee noted the report.

Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant 26/27 Update

Councillor Michaela Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, introduced the report on the Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant Fund. Stockport received £1.3 million from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), with £909,000 allocated through competitive grant applications. Two direct awards were made: £250,000 to Stockport Libraries for refurbishment and expansion of the Stockroom programme, and £160,000 to the eight district centres for locally identified community projects. Demand for the fund was high, with 75 applications requesting nearly £1.9 million. 38 projects were funded, primarily supporting cultural engagement, community participation, and well-being.

Councillor Claire Vibert requested more detail on the geographical distribution and socio-economic impact of the funded bids, noting that some locations were listed randomly. Councillor Meikle explained that the distribution aimed to reflect where bids were based and who would benefit directly, and that socio-economic impact was part of the scoring criteria. The committee noted and commented on the report.

Introduction of an Article 4 Direction Relating to Small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

Councillor Jake Austin presented a report proposing the introduction of an immediate, borough-wide Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for changes of use from dwellinghouses to small HMOs. This would require planning permission for such conversions, allowing the council to assess impacts on local amenity, housing balance, parking, and waste. The report highlighted a significant increase in HMOs, particularly in areas like Davenport and Kilgreen, Edgeley, and Reddish.

Councillor Asa Caton welcomed the proposal, acknowledging the issues raised by residents and the need for recognition of HMOs' role in the housing strategy. Councillor Claire Vibert broadly welcomed the report but expressed frustration about the lack of joined-up thinking across reports and requested an Integrated Impact Assessment. Councillor Austin agreed to work with officers to see if an assessment could be completed before the Cabinet decision. Councillor James Frizzell questioned the goal of the Article 4 Direction, and Councillor Emma Curle, Director of Placemaking and Planning, clarified that it was to manage concentrations and ensure quality, not to stop HMOs entirely. The committee noted the report.

Homelessness and Housing Need, including the Out of Borough Placement Review and Discharge of Duty into Private Rented Sector Policy

Councillor Jake Austin introduced reports on homelessness and housing need, including a review of the Out of Borough Placement Pilot and the proposed Homelessness Strategy 2026-31. He noted the significant pressures on housing, with 9,500 households on the waiting list and temporary accommodation costs exceeding £2 million. The Out of Borough Placement Pilot had successfully rehoused 30 households, mostly within Greater Manchester.

Councillor Claire Vibert expressed concerns about the pilot's effectiveness, particularly regarding the distance of placements, the number of families housed, and the presence of households with Band 1 needs. She requested an extension of the pilot for further monitoring rather than permanent adoption. Councillor Austin explained that placements were based on personal connections and suitability, and that the pilot was necessary to discharge the council's duty. Councillor Will Dawson suggested a 12-month review period for the adopted policy, which Councillor Austin agreed to consider. Councillor Pete West raised concerns about the impact of moving families on children and asked for sensitive placements. Councillor Niki Meerman inquired about considerations for neighbouring boroughs regarding travel for work. Councillor James Frizzell criticised the market's role in housing and called for more government support. The committee noted the reports.

Stockport Homes Group Performance Update

Councillor Jake Austin introduced the Stockport Homes Group (SHG) performance update, noting strong overall performance but highlighting areas for improvement, particularly the backlog of fire risk assessments. He praised SHG's increased transparency and willingness to use data to address concerns. Councillor Claire Vibert questioned the reporting of damp and mould hazards, expressing surprise at the high figures. Paul Woodinson, Director of Property at Stockport Homes, explained that new software and retraining were being implemented to improve data accuracy and that initial categorisations might have been overly cautious. Councillor Joe Barratt welcomed the report but highlighted ongoing underperformance in areas like caretaking, maintenance, and repairs, questioning when these would be fully addressed. Councillor Frizzell sought clarification on the numbers related to high-risk fire risk assessment actions, and Paul Woodinson provided an update on the ongoing work, investment in fire safety, and the complexities involved with tall buildings. The committee noted the report.

Stockport Homes Group Delivery Plan Outcomes Report 2025-26

Councillor Jake Austin introduced the report on SHG's Delivery Plan outcomes. Members welcomed the level of detail and the identification of areas needing improvement. Councillor James Frizzell inquired about the reason for changing the door entry system in Brinnington Towers. Paul Woodinson stated he would find out the definitive reason but suggested it was likely due to the system's age and the programme of upgrades. Councillor Asa Caton asked about what services would be stopped, and it was noted that difficult decisions might need to be made regarding investment in blocks as part of the asset management plan. The committee noted the report.

Housing Regulation Self-Assessment 2025-26 and SHG Annual Compliance Report 2025-26

Councillor Jake Austin presented reports on SHG's Housing Regulation Self-Assessment and Annual Compliance Report. Members welcomed the increased realism and transparency in the reports, acknowledging the strong performance alongside areas requiring improvement. Councillor James Frizzell sought clarification on the numbers related to high-risk fire risk assessment actions, and Paul Woodinson provided an update on the ongoing work, investment in fire safety, and the complexities involved with tall buildings. Councillor Asa Caton noted the increase in non-emergency repairs and questioned resource allocation. It was explained that the increase reflected customer demand and improved reporting, and that the new baseline would be used for future comparisons. The committee noted the reports.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed the proposed work programme for future meetings. Councillor Jake Austin noted that the work of the Housing Task and Finish Group would be revisited. Councillor Claire Vibert requested a report on glyphosate usage and its environmental impacts, which Councillor Austin agreed to bring forward. Councillor James Frizzell requested an update on High Street Rental Auctions. The committee noted the report and put forward agenda items for future meetings.

Update on Bin Services

Councillor Dena Ryness requested an update on bin services, specifically the recent decision to reverse the reduction in blue bin collections. Councillor Austin explained that the decision was prompted by resident feedback and in-year budget flexibility. Councillor Vibert questioned the decision-making process, while Councillor Asa Caton welcomed the swift action and resident responsiveness. Councillor Joe Barratt also welcomed the decision, highlighting its positive impact for residents, particularly around Christmas. Councillor Asa Caton expressed concern about the potential for future reversals if the decision was not confirmed in the budget process. The committee noted the update.

The meeting concluded at 9:07 pm.