The Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 12 October 2026 to discuss the Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report, an update on the Pride in Place programme, and the Fair and Inclusive Annual Report. The committee also reviewed the scrutiny work programme.

Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2025/2026

The committee considered the Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report for 2025/2026, which detailed the council's work with stakeholders to support the borough's armed forces community. Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, presented the report, highlighting key achievements and ongoing challenges.

Councillor Oliver noted that staff members who are cadet instructors now receive an additional 10 days of leave. He also mentioned the success of the bid for Operation Valour funding across Greater Manchester, with SAFCO acting as the primary delivery partner in Stockport. An exhibition celebrating the contributions of peacekeepers in Kosovo, partly funded by the council, was also highlighted as a significant cultural event.

Moz Perkins, Secretary of SAFCO, spoke about the organisation's efforts in recognising volunteers and the challenges ahead, particularly regarding the delivery of Operation Valour and digital inclusion for older veterans. Vicky Bates, the Council's Chief Governance Officer, added that SAFCO's work with the NHS to make health services more accessible was a key focus.

Councillor David White raised the importance of preserving the legacy of veterans and ensuring their stories are passed down to future generations, suggesting the need for digital records and continued engagement with schools. Councillor Dominic Hardwick inquired about the council's progress in finding suitable premises for an armed forces community hub, a challenge that SAFCO also highlighted. Councillor Christine Carrigan asked about any other significant concerns for SAFCO, beyond premises and digital exclusion, and was informed that testing the effectiveness of veteran accreditation in GP surgeries was a priority. Councillor Rachel Wise asked about SAFCO's partnership working, noting that while many organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, engagement with them needs to be improved. Councillor Jeremy Neill raised concerns about the implications of the extension of the legal duty in the Armed Forces Bill, particularly regarding historical operations and the protection of service personnel.

The committee noted the report.

Pride in Place Update

Councillor Dan Oliver presented an update on the Pride in Place programme in Brinnington, a £20 million government investment initiative designed to place residents at the centre of decision-making. He declared an interest as a member of the Pride in Place Board. Councillor Oliver emphasised that the council's role is as the accountable body, primarily for financial matters, and that the programme is fundamentally resident-led.

Councillor Taya Clarke asked about the possibility of extending similar funding and support to other neighbourhoods in Stockport, such as Ardwick and Bridgehall. Councillor Oliver agreed that other areas across the borough also need investment and highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach, rather than pitting areas against each other. Councillor David White expressed his support for the Brinnington initiative but argued for a broader investment in public services across all areas, noting that some neighbourhoods have historically missed out on funding. Councillor Rachel Wise hoped that the programme would develop expertise in community consultation and stressed the importance of delivering regular wins to maintain resident engagement. Councillor Carrigan, who is heavily involved in the programme, expressed her satisfaction with the progress and noted that Pride in Place is working towards becoming its own organisation to increase resident confidence.

The committee commented on and noted the report.

Fair and Inclusive Annual Report

Councillor Dan Oliver, alongside Jilla and Tom, presented the Fair and Inclusive Annual Report, which integrates updates on the Council's Anti-Poverty and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) objectives. Councillor Oliver expressed pride in Stockport's achievements but stressed the ongoing need to tackle deprivation and inequalities. He welcomed government measures such as free school meals and cost of living support but stated that more is needed.

Councillor Megan Axon raised concerns about the limited mention of LGBTQ+ people in the report and asked about the council's specific support for this community. Councillor Oliver apologised for the oversight and offered to bring a full update on LGBTQ+ support to a future meeting. Councillor Taya Clarke requested more detail on the schools engagement process mentioned in the report. Councillor Wise praised the integration of anti-poverty and EDI objectives, highlighting the importance of addressing multiple identities and the positive use of AI in homelessness prevention. She also enquired about the return of warm spaces initiatives. Councillor White reiterated his concerns about funding disparities between different areas of Stockport and asked how the council would address poverty in underserved communities with diminished resources.

The committee commented on and noted the report, providing feedback on plans, progress, and achievements in EDI and anti-poverty efforts.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed the scrutiny work programme, noting planned agenda items for future meetings. Several member-requested reports were discussed, including updates on CCTV, pothole funding, the council's estate, vacant buildings in parks, car parking charges, and community safety. Councillor David White raised the issue of scrutinising policing matters, suggesting that current mechanisms were not effective. Councillor Singleton clarified that policing scrutiny falls under the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, and that relevant local issues would be addressed through area committees or direct meetings with the Chief Superintendent. Councillor Wise enquired about the timeline for the scrutiny review on rail and light rail, and it was confirmed that the aim is to report back in March. Councillor Taya Clarke was proposed as a member of the scrutiny review panel for Opportunities for Rail and Light Rail in Stockport, replacing Councillor Alice Delemare, which was agreed.

The committee noted the report and put forward suggestions for future agenda items. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 23 November 2026.