The Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee of Stockport Council met on Tuesday 02 September 2025 to review the council's financial performance, policies, and operational reports. Key discussions were scheduled around the Q1 budget monitoring, the reserves policy, treasury management, and the annual workforce report.

2025/26 Q1 Budget Monitoring Update

The committee was scheduled to consider a report providing an update on the council's revenue budget forecast outturn as at the end of June 2025 (Quarter 1). This report, prepared by the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, also included updates on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Reserves, and the Capital Programme for the first quarter. The Scrutiny Committee was recommended to note and comment on this report.

2025/26 Reserves Policy

A report detailing the outcome of the annual review of the council's Reserves Policy was scheduled for consideration. This review followed the reporting of the council's 2024/25 outturn position. The Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources presented this report, which aimed to ensure the council's reserves remained aligned with its ambitions and priorities. The committee was recommended to note and comment on the report, including any recommendations made to the Cabinet.

Treasury Management Annual Report 2024/25

The committee was set to review the Treasury Management Annual Report for the financial year 2024/25. This report, from the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), was intended to review treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for the year, in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities. The committee was recommended to note this report.

Treasury Management Q1 Report 2025/26

An update on treasury management activities for the first quarter of 2025/26 was also scheduled. This report from the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) aimed to ensure the council was implementing best practice in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management. The committee was recommended to note and comment on this report.

Annual Workforce Report

The committee was scheduled to consider the Annual Workforce Report for 2024-25. This report, from the Executive Director (Corporate and Support Services), was intended to highlight the council's progress in recruitment, development, wellbeing, inclusion, and values, showcasing achievements under the One Team People Plan and outlining priorities for 2025-26. The committee was recommended to note and comment on the progress made and the strategic focus for the next 12 months.

Update to the Constitution to Incorporate Updated Contract Procedure Rules

A report was scheduled to be considered regarding proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs) within the council's Constitution. These amendments were intended to reflect new procurement legislation, specifically the Procurement Act 2023, as agreed by the STaR Joint Committee. The report, from the Assistant Director of Governance, was to be considered by the committee before proceeding to Cabinet and then the Council Meeting. The committee was recommended to consider the proposed amendments and endorse the report for further progression.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee was invited to consider a report outlining the planned agenda items for its next meeting and Forward Plan items within its remit. This report, from the Statutory Scrutiny Officer, aimed to gather input from committee members for future discussions. The committee was invited to consider the information and put forward any agenda items for future meetings.

Asset Management Report

A report detailing the proposed disposal of a strategic asset was scheduled for discussion. This report from the Deputy Chief Executive was noted to contain information 'not for publication' and was circulated to committee members only. The committee was recommended to comment on and note the report.