The Scrutiny Review Panel met to discuss the past operations of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Seed Fund and CAN Catalyst Fund, with the aim of developing recommendations for future iterations. The panel reviewed the aims and outcomes of previous funds, discussed how to build legacy into funded projects, explored different approaches to the fund, and began developing recommendations for its future structure and delivery.

Operation of the CAN Seed Fund and CAN Catalyst Fund

The panel reviewed the history and outcomes of the CAN Seed Fund and CAN Catalyst Fund, which were established to engage residents in climate action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Stockport. The first CAN Fund, launched in 2021, was a ward-based fund where applications were assessed by the CAN team and decided upon by ward councillors. Its aims were to engage residents with the CAN strategy, provide funding for micro-projects to reduce or mitigate local greenhouse gas emissions, and increase climate action by reaching new groups.

Learnings from the first fund led to adjustments for the second iteration, which included the CAN Catalyst Fund for larger, more ambitious, multi-ward projects, and the continued CAN Seed Fund for smaller, local projects. The Catalyst Fund's applications were assessed by the cabinet member, while Seed Fund applications were reviewed by area committees. This shift aimed to improve administration and speed up the approval process.

Discussions highlighted challenges encountered, including difficulties in administering the ward-based fund and issues with applicants obtaining land use permission for projects like tree planting. It was noted that a significant number of schools accessed the first CAN Fund, indicating high levels of climate engagement within educational institutions. A recurring issue was that the funds tended to be accessed by groups already engaged in climate action, raising questions about how to reach a wider audience.

Members discussed various approaches for future iterations of the CAN Fund. Ideas included a community tender approach, where practical and deliverable ideas are presented to the community for feedback and buy-in, potentially using a voting system similar to the Tesco blue token scheme. The possibility of proactively identifying and offering suitable council-owned plots of land for climate action projects was also raised as a way to overcome land use permission challenges.

The panel considered how to build legacy into CAN-funded projects, with a preference for projects that demonstrate longevity, such as installing insulation or solar panels, or tree planting, rather than those with more uncertain long-term impact. The potential for larger, multi-ward projects was seen as a way to increase impact and involve more people. The role of the upcoming CAN Summit on 4 November was identified as an opportunity to engage the public, gather feedback, and potentially run workshops to discuss future iterations of the fund.

Further discussions explored the inclusion of broader environmental themes beyond carbon emissions, such as water conservation, flood resilience, and waste reduction, aligning with the new CAN strategy. The potential for offering match funding and releasing larger capital sums over several years to support long-term projects was also discussed as a way to encourage greater longevity and impact. Allotments were identified as a group that had not yet applied for funding but could benefit from it for projects like compost toilets or wildlife ponds.

The panel agreed to compile the ideas and recommendations discussed during the meeting to be circulated ahead of the next session, which will focus on communication and public engagement. Future meetings are scheduled for Monday, 17 November 2025, and Tuesday, 13 January 2026.