The Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 09 June 2025 to review year-end performance reports for the Communities, Culture & Public Protection and Parks, Highways & Transport Services portfolios, and to consider draft portfolio agreements for the upcoming year. The committee also discussed the selection of topics for future scrutiny reviews and the committee's work programme.

Portfolio Performance and Resources – Year-End Reports 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to consider the Year-End Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Communities, Culture & Public Protection and Parks, Highways & Transport Services portfolios. These reports provided an overview of the delivery of portfolio priorities from October 2024 to March 2025, including performance and financial data, and updates on savings programmes. The committee was recommended to review progress against key projects, outcomes, targets, and budgets for 2024/25, highlight areas for corrective action, and identify areas of strong performance that could be shared across services.

Portfolio Performance and Resources – Draft Portfolio Agreements 2025/26

The committee was also scheduled to review the draft 2025/26 Portfolio Agreements for the Communities, Culture & Public Protection and Parks, Highways & Transport Services portfolios. These agreements outline the policy priorities for the upcoming year, aligned with the refreshed Council Plan 2024-27 and cabinet portfolio responsibilities. The committee was recommended to review and comment on these draft agreements.

Scrutiny Review Topic Selection 2025/26

A report was presented outlining the process for selecting topics for Scrutiny Reviews for the 2025/26 municipal year. The report detailed the framework for undertaking reviews, the sources for identifying potential topics, and the pitfalls to avoid. Members were invited to nominate themselves to sit on Scrutiny Review Panels and to consider potential topics for future in-depth examination.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee was presented with a report detailing planned agenda items for future meetings and Forward Plan items within the committee's remit. Members were invited to put forward any additional agenda items for future meetings.

Stockport Crematorium and Cemetery – Business Case

A joint report from the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place Management provided an update on the conclusion of a business case for the redevelopment and refurbishment of the Stockport Crematorium and Cemetery site. The report outlined a recommended option, estimated to cost approximately £14 million, which included extensive refurbishment of all buildings, replacement of cremators, construction of a new car park, and an extension to the crematorium building. The proposed works were to be delivered over a phased, three-to-four-year period. The committee was asked to note the report and provide any comments.

Policing Update

An urgent item was added to the agenda to receive a policing update from Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes of Greater Manchester Police. This update was intended to provide the committee with current information on policing matters relevant to the borough.