The Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 5 September 2024 to discuss the Local Plan update, homelessness and housing need, and the Stockport UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The committee noted reports on these matters and also received updates on Stockport Homes delivery plan outcomes and the Marple Active Communities Hub.

Local Plan Update

The committee received an update on the draft Stockport Local Plan, noting that a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) had been published, leading to a halt in the proposed consultation on the plan. An updated timeline for the Local Plan's next stages is expected at the next meeting. Members were encouraged to respond to the consultation on the draft revised NPPF. The committee was informed of a government instruction for local authorities to review greenbelt land and the impending introduction of the 'greybelt' concept. Concerns were raised about the borough's insufficient brownfield land to meet projected housing needs under the proposed NPPF changes. The committee sought clarity on the NPPF's sequential test to guide release concerning Green Belt land and noted an increased emphasis on the duty to cooperate. A timeline for contributions from the Scrutiny Committee and Development Plan Working Party was requested. The committee resolved to note the report.

Homelessness and Housing Need

A report was presented detailing the current situation regarding homelessness and housing need in the borough. The committee considered a proposal to pilot an 'Out of Borough Placement' scheme, which aims to provide a more stable and sustainable housing solution for families with looser links to Stockport, moving them from temporary accommodation like hotels into permanent tenancies. While Stockport has above-average homelessness prevention rates across Greater Manchester, the council continues to support families in need. The pilot is intended to be managed with sensitivity and empathy, with offers being bespoke to individual family circumstances. Concerns were raised about the potential polarisation of communities due to a net movement to cheaper areas within Greater Manchester. The committee expressed keenness to receive an update on the pilot's progress and thanked the team for their work. The committee resolved to note the report.

Stockport UK Shared Prosperity Fund Communities and Place Grants Update

The committee received an update on the progress of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Communities and Place funding allocation for Stockport. Projects from the first round of funding were underway, and the council had completed the bidding process for a second round. It was emphasised that organisations not directly linked to the council should be able to access the fund, with a focus on ensuring funds provide additional community benefits rather than supporting existing council commitments. Future UKSPF funding is expected to be part of a devolution deal, underpinned by an investment plan. The council will reflect on the situation at the time to determine its approach to future funding. The committee resolved to note the report.

Stockport Homes Delivery Plan Outcomes 2023/24 & Mid-Term Review of the 2021-26 Delivery Plan

A report was presented to assure the council that Stockport Homes Group (SHG) is meeting its objectives and to review the 2021-26 Delivery Plan to ensure its continued relevance. SHG is reviewing lessons learned from the Grenfell report, and members were reassured that SHG properties meet all fire safety regulations and do not use unsafe cladding. Figures for the number of complaints were queried, and it was noted that this information would be cross-checked. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) levels were reported as higher in Stockport than in other Greater Manchester boroughs, which was attributed to effective reporting mechanisms and promotion of the ASB service. The demographic of the client base was acknowledged as impacting service delivery, with SHG supporting younger individuals with work and skills. An independent review of SHG is expected by Christmas, with its results informing future considerations of finance reports. The visibility of the webchat function on the SHG website was raised, and the team will take action to improve its prominence. A high-rise review is ongoing for buildings like Lancashire Hill, with resident feedback being a key component. The committee resolved to note the Stockport Homes Delivery Plan Outcomes Report 2023/24 and the Mid-Term Review of the 2021-26 Delivery Plan.

Marple Active Communities Hub

An update was provided on the progress of the Marple Active Communities Hub. Communications with stakeholders were reported as good, and this is expected to continue. The ambition for the hub to be net zero was praised, and members were assured that learning from this development would be applied across the borough. The committee resolved to note the report and the progress on the Marple Active Communities Hub.

Stockport Exchange – In Principle Use of Compulsory Purchase Powers in Respect of 72/74 Wellington Road South, Stockport

The committee considered a report requesting the use of compulsory purchase powers to acquire land and buildings at 72/74 Wellington Road South, Stockport, to facilitate Phases 6 and 7 of the Stockport Exchange regeneration scheme. The committee resolved to note the report.

Work Programme

The committee's work programme was presented, detailing forward plan items within its remit. It was noted that the Local Plan update would become the first substantive item on future agendas, and an update report for the Out of Borough Placement pilot would be added. A Scrutiny Review Panel update will also be a standing agenda item. The committee resolved to note the report and requested that the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance arrange for the mentioned items to be programmed onto future meeting agendas.