The Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee of Stockport Council met on Monday 25 November 2024 to discuss the council's medium-term financial plan, portfolio performance reports, and flood resilience. The committee also reviewed a report on the Greek Street Bridge renewal project, streetworks, and underground assets, as well as plans for redesigning thriving neighbourhoods services and updates on the playing pitch strategy.

Responding to Our Medium-Term Financial Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider a joint report outlining the council's strategic approach to responding to the medium-term financial plan (MTFP). This report was intended to be read in conjunction with MTFP update reports previously presented to the Cabinet. The committee was recommended to comment on the report and any proposals relevant to its remit. The report detailed draft proposals totalling £8.937 million, aimed at addressing financial and demand challenges and ensuring the delivery of shared strategic ambitions. Feedback from the committee was sought to inform ongoing work on these proposals, with updates to be presented to the Cabinet in January 2025.

2024/25 Mid-Year (Quarter 2) Portfolio Performance and Resources Reports: Communities, Culture & Sport and Parks, Highways & Transport Services

A joint report was presented for consideration, focusing on the delivery of portfolio priorities from April to September 2024. These reports were based on the 2024/25 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements (PPRAs) and included forecast performance and financial data, along with an update on portfolio savings programmes. The committee was recommended to consider these reports, review progress against key projects, outcomes, targets, and budgets, and highlight areas for corrective action. They were also asked to identify significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet and to identify areas of strong performance and good practice that could be shared across other services.

Fourth Annual Flood Resilience Report

This report provided an update on the council's roles and responsibilities concerning flooding and flood resilience. It covered the council's functions as the Lead Local Flood Authority, Highway Authority, and landowner of greenspace, as well as its work with Stockport Homes regarding its housing assets. The committee was recommended to note the work undertaken to improve flood resilience in Stockport and to support continued partnership working and investment in this area.

Greek Street Bridge Scrutiny Report

This report provided an update on the works required and the schedule associated with the Network Rail-led Greek Street bridge renewal project. It included an overview of potential subsequent disruption and proposed mitigation works. The committee was recommended to request that the Cabinet approve entering into the Bridgeguard 3 agreement and making necessary payments to Network Rail. They were also asked to agree that decisions related to diversion routes and the final highway layout on the new structure be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services, in conjunction with officers and following member engagement and consultation.

Streetworks and Third-Party Underground Assets Report

This report detailed the highways of Stockport, noting the significant number of utilities running underneath them, including supply mains for water, gas, electricity, phone, and broadband connections, as well as drainage and sewers. The report highlighted the need for planned and reactive maintenance to ensure resident and business safety and access. The committee was recommended to note and comment upon the report.

Thriving Neighbourhoods Services Redesign

This report updated members on a reorganisation of the Thriving Neighbourhoods teams. The teams were established in 2018 to align officers to geographical footprints under a manager covering central, east, or west areas of the borough, aligning with area committees. The redesign aimed to strengthen neighbourhood focus and ensure all service managers are responsible for a neighbourhood as well as their specialism, leading to better co-ordination with partners operating on similar geographic footprints.

Update on 2024 Playing Pitch Strategy and Local Football Facilities Plan

This report provided details about the 2024 Playing Pitch Strategies (PPS), summarising the supply and demand of pitches for football, rugby, cricket, hockey, and lacrosse. It aimed to provide a sound basis for developing policy and making informed decisions for sports development and investment. The committee was recommended to note the completion of the 2024 PPS, its methodology, and the approach to developing new third-generation artificial pitch provision. They were also recommended to note the formal adoption of the 2024 PPS by the Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport and the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transportation Services.

Scrutiny Work Programme

This report set out planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items that fall within its remit. The committee was invited to consider the information in the report and put forward any agenda items for future meetings.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and declarations of interest.