The Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee of Stockport Council met on Thursday 28 November 2024 to discuss the Draft Stockport Local Plan, the council's response to its Medium-Term Financial Plan, and mid-year performance reports for key portfolios. The meeting also covered proposals for a compulsory purchase order, the renewal of a contract for collecting water charges, and updates on various regeneration and climate change initiatives.

Draft Stockport Local Plan Update

A report was scheduled to be considered regarding the Draft Stockport Local Plan. This report outlined the work undertaken since the pause of the Regulation 18 consultation, which was initiated due to proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The report was expected to provide updated information on the revised NPPF and propose the next steps for the local plan. The committee was requested to note the report.

Responding to the Medium-Term Financial Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider a report detailing the strategic approach to responding to the council's Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP). This report, to be read in conjunction with MTFP update reports presented to the Cabinet on 18 September 2024, outlined budget proposals aimed at addressing financial and demand challenges, enabling longer-term transformation, and ensuring the delivery of strategic partnership ambitions. The committee was asked to comment on the report and its proposals relevant to the committee's remit, and to note the report.

Portfolio Performance and Resources Reports

Mid-year performance and resource reports for the Climate Change & Environment and Economy, Regeneration & Housing portfolios were scheduled for discussion. These reports provided an update on progress against key projects, priority outcomes, targets, and budgets for 2024/25. The committee was asked to consider these reports, review progress, highlight areas for corrective action, feed back significant issues to the Cabinet, and identify areas of good practice that could be shared across other services.

Collection of Water Charges on Behalf of United Utilities

A report was scheduled to outline a proposal to renew the contract for Stockport Council to continue collecting water charges on behalf of United Utilities. The current contract was set to expire at the end of March 2025. The report detailed the success of the existing agreement, including benefits for tenants such as annual bill reductions and support for social inclusion initiatives funded by commission monies. The proposal was for a five-year extension of the agreement until 31 March 2030. The committee was asked to note the report and provide comments on the proposed extension.

Proposed Compulsory Purchase Order: Land at Higher Hillgate/Higher Barlow Row

The committee was scheduled to consider a report seeking approval to progress with a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for land at Higher Hillgate/Higher Barlow Row, Stockport. The purpose of the CPO was to enable Stockport Homes Group to develop 24 affordable homes within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The report detailed the background of the site, including its current state, previous unsuccessful attempts to secure development through agreement, and the legal advice that a CPO was the best mechanism to secure clear title for the proposed development. The committee was asked to note the report and provide comments.

Update on the Work of Scrutiny Review Panels

An update was scheduled to be provided on the work of the various Scrutiny Review Panels.

Work Programme

A report was scheduled to set out the work programme for the Scrutiny Committee, detailing any forward plan items that fall within the committee's remit. The committee was asked to consider the report and any agenda items for future meetings, and to note the report.

Bus Franchising Depot Update

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the bus franchising depot. This item was designated as including information 'not for publication' and would be considered with the exclusion of the press and public. The committee was requested to note the report.