The Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee of Stockport Council met on Monday 14 October 2024. The meeting's agenda included discussions on plans for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the adoption of a new Playing Pitch Strategy, updates on equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, the annual report on the Armed Forces Covenant, and the committee's future work programme.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, which aims to provide electric vehicle charging facilities for residents who do not have private off-street parking. The report detailed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Stockport Council was recommended to sign with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and other local authorities. This MOU would facilitate the procurement and installation of on-street charging points across Greater Manchester, with funding provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). The report highlighted that the funding is intended to support residents without driveways, potentially having a differential impact across wards depending on housing types. The committee was recommended to note the report and provide comments before it progressed to the Cabinet.

Adoption of the 2024 Playing Pitch Strategy and Update on Local Football Facilities Plan

A report was presented regarding the adoption of the 2024 Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) and an update on the Local Football Facilities Plan (LFFP). The PPS aims to summarise the supply and demand for sports pitches, including those for football, rugby, cricket, hockey, and lacrosse, to inform policy and investment decisions. The report indicated a significant shortfall in grass pitches for football, rugby, lacrosse, and Sunday cricket, as well as a deficit of 10 Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs), specifically 3G pitches. While acknowledging environmental concerns regarding microplastic infill from AGPs, the report suggested that improving existing grass pitches and developing new AGPs could help alleviate these shortfalls. The committee was recommended to note the findings of the PPS and that the Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport and the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transportation Services would be recommended to formally adopt it. The commencement of the LFFP refresh was also to be noted.

Annual Report - Armed Forces Covenant 2023/24

The committee was scheduled to review the council's annual report on its work and support for the Armed Forces Covenant during the 2023/24 municipal year. The report outlined the vision and four key priorities for the Stockport Armed Forces Covenant: supporting transitions for service members and their families, connecting the armed forces community to available support, promoting and celebrating the armed forces community, and providing leadership and advocacy. Achievements highlighted included the council being awarded the Ministry of Defence's Gold Award in its Employer Recognition scheme, continued collaboration with Greater Manchester on armed forces initiatives, and strong partnership working with the Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO). The report also detailed financial allocations and expenditure related to supporting the armed forces community. The committee was asked to note the report.

Stockport's EDI Action Plan: Update

An update on the council's ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) was presented, outlining progress made within the organisation and the community. The report referenced the One Stockport, One Future vision and the council's equality objectives, which run until 2027. It detailed the structure for EDI leadership and oversight, including the Corporate Leadership Team and the Corporate Equality Steering Group. The report highlighted that following incidents of discrimination, the council had reflected on and enhanced its EDI work. The refreshed EDI Action Plan was structured into four pillars aligned with the equality objectives, focusing on creating a fair and inclusive borough, supporting staff potential, understanding diverse community needs, and addressing inequality in services. The report detailed progress made in areas such as community engagement, workforce development, and service delivery, and the committee was asked to note the plans, progress, and achievements.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee was invited to consider the planned agenda items for its future meetings and forward plan items within its remit. The report listed upcoming topics, including the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, the Annual Flood Resilience Report, and the Inspection Policy and Plans for Highway and Public Rights of Way. The committee was asked to put forward any additional agenda items for future consideration.