The Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several key reports, including updates on the Draft Stockport Local Plan, the Council's Medium Term Financial Plan, and the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. The committee also reviewed the Housing Revenue Account budget for 2025/26 and the findings of an independent review into Stockport's housing management arrangements.

Draft Stockport Local Plan Update

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Assistant Director for Place Making & Planning regarding the Draft Stockport Local Plan. This report was expected to summarise the main changes to the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) from the version consulted on earlier in the year. The committee was asked to note the report and acknowledge that the Local Plan would need to be progressed in conformity with the updated NPPF.

Cabinet Response: Responding to Medium Term Financial Plan

A report from the Cabinet Members for Climate Change & Environment and Economy, Regeneration & Housing was presented for consideration. This report outlined budget proposals being considered by the Cabinet to address the council's financial challenges and the rising costs of delivering services. The committee was requested to note the report and provide comments on the proposals relevant to its remit.

Update on GM Good Employment Charter and Real Living Wage

The committee was to receive an update on the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, an initiative aimed at improving employment standards across the region. The report provided information on the Charter's progress, including the number of Stockport businesses involved, and discussed the Real Living Wage, a voluntary wage rate calculated based on the actual cost of living. The report also detailed barriers businesses face in participating in these schemes and suggested actions to improve uptake.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Report 2025/26

A joint report from the Director of Finance and the Director of Place Management was presented to allow the committee to comment on an illustrative Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2025/26, including proposed rent and service charge levels. The illustrative budget was based on key assumptions regarding income, expenditure commitments, inflationary pressures, and investment priorities.

Independent Review of Stockport's Housing Management Arrangements

The committee was scheduled to consider a report summarising the findings and recommendations of an independent review into Stockport's housing management arrangements. This review was commissioned following a Council Meeting resolution in February 2024 to assess the effectiveness of the current arms-length management organisation (ALMO) model, Stockport Homes Group (SHG). The report also outlined the Council's intended actions to address the review's priority recommendations.

Update on the Work of the Scrutiny Review Panels

A verbal update was expected from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Review Panels on the progress of their work.

Work Programme

The committee was to consider a report from the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance detailing the committee's work programme and forward plan items. Members were asked to note the report and consider agenda items for future meetings.