The Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee of Stockport Council met on Tuesday 26 November 2024 to review the council's financial performance, resource allocation, and strategic plans. Key discussions were scheduled to focus on the Medium Term Financial Plan, corporate performance, treasury management, business rates and council tax, and the review of polling districts.

Responding to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update

The committee was scheduled to consider a report outlining the council's strategic approach to addressing its medium-term financial plan. This report, which should be read alongside previous updates presented to the Cabinet, details the financial challenges facing councils nationally, including the cost of living crisis, increasing demand for services, and workforce and adult social care costs. The report was expected to outline proposed budget adjustments and change proposals totalling £8.937 million, aimed at achieving a balanced budget position. The committee was recommended to comment on the report and its proposals relevant to its remit.

2024/25 Mid-Year Corporate Performance and Resources Report

A report from the Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services was scheduled to provide a summary of the council's progress in delivering its priority outcomes up to 30 September 2024. This report was intended to be read alongside individual portfolio performance reports and was expected to include an overview of key delivery and performance issues across the council's seven portfolios, alongside a detailed financial update on revenue and capital outturns. The committee was recommended to note key delivery and performance issues, the proposed approach to reviewing the Council Plan, progress against priorities and capital schemes, financial outturn positions, appropriations to/from reserves, the capital programme, and to identify areas for further investigation.

2024/25 Mid-Year Portfolio Performance and Resources Report: Finance and Resources

This report, also from the Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services, was set to focus on the delivery of priorities within the Finance and Resources Portfolio from April to September 2024. It was expected to include forecast performance and financial data, as well as an update on the portfolio's savings programme. The committee was asked to consider the report, review progress against key projects, outcomes, targets, and budgets, and highlight areas requiring corrective action. It was also intended to identify significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet and to identify how strong performance and good practices could be shared across other services.

Treasury Management and Annual Investment Strategy Mid-Year Review Report 2024/25

The Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) was scheduled to present a mid-year review of the council's Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2024/25. This report, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice, was expected to provide an economic update for the first six months of the financial year, detailing how this impacts interest rate predictions, investment portfolio performance, and borrowing strategies. The committee was recommended to note the report, the treasury activity, and the revised interest rate forecasts for PWLB rates.

Consultation Report 2025/26 Treasury Strategy

This report, also from the Director of Finance, was intended to seek the committee's views on the development of the council's Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy, and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2025/26. These strategies are crucial for managing the council's borrowing and investment activities and ensuring financial sustainability. The committee was asked to consider the questions within the report to inform the development of the final strategy.

Business Rates and Council Tax Discounts Annual Review

The Director of Finance was scheduled to present the annual review of the local scheme of reliefs and discounts applicable to Business Rates and Council Tax. The report was expected to outline the current arrangements and any proposed changes, covering funding arrangements, Business Rates relief, Council Tax discounts and premiums, Council Tax Support, Council Tax discretionary support, and the Council Tax base. The committee was recommended to note and comment on the proposals within the report.

Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations

The Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance was scheduled to present a report seeking the committee's views on proposed polling arrangements for Stockport. This review is a statutory requirement to ensure that electors have reasonable facilities for voting, with a particular focus on accessibility for disabled persons. The report was expected to detail current arrangements, proposed changes, and the comments of the Returning Officer. The committee's views were sought to inform recommendations to the Cabinet and Council meetings.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance was scheduled to present a report outlining the planned agenda items for the committee's future meetings and Forward Plan items within its remit. The committee was invited to consider this information and propose any additional agenda items for future meetings.

Land Transaction at Booth Street (Not for Publication)

A report from the Deputy Chief Executive concerning a land transaction at Booth Street, Edgeley, was scheduled for consideration. This item was designated as 'not for publication' and was to be discussed in private session.