Here's a summary of the key items scheduled for discussion at the High Peak Council Cabinet meeting on 7 October 2025. The Cabinet is expected to discuss an Empty Property Strategy, a revised Council Tax Reduction Scheme, and a finance, performance and procurement report. They will also consider the appointment of a representative to the Leek Town Centre Youth Project @21.

Empty Property Strategy

The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the proposed Empty Property Strategy. According to the Empty Property Strategy 24092025 Resources Overview Scrutiny Panel document, the strategy aims to bring empty properties back into use, thereby increasing the supply of housing and reducing the negative impact of empty homes on communities.

The report pack states that the Resources Overview Scrutiny Panel reviewed the Empty Property Strategy on 24 September 2025.

The proposed strategy outlines several actions, including:

• Providing advice and support to owners of empty properties.
• Offering financial assistance, such as grants and loans, to help owners renovate empty properties.
• Taking enforcement action, where necessary, to bring empty properties back into use.

The strategy also sets out a number of targets, including reducing the number of long-term empty properties in the Staffordshire Moorlands area.

Appendix A and Appendix B provide additional information related to the Empty Property Strategy.

Revised Working Age Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider a report regarding a revised Working Age Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme. The Staffs Moorlands Revised Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2026- Permission to Consult document indicates that the proposed changes aim to simplify the scheme and ensure it is financially sustainable.

The report pack states that the proposed changes to the scheme include:

• Simplifying the income bands used to calculate the level of support.
• Increasing the maximum level of support available to working-age claimants.
• Introducing a minimum level of Council Tax liability for all claimants.

The report asks for permission to consult on the proposed changes.

First Quarter Finance, Performance and Procurement Report

The Cabinet is scheduled to review the First Quarter Finance, Performance and Procurement Report. The SM Update1 Summary Report 25-26 final document provides an overview of the council's financial performance, key performance indicators, and procurement activity during the first quarter of the financial year.

The report pack includes information on:

• The council's overall financial position, including income, expenditure, and reserves.
• Performance against key targets, such as those related to waste collection, planning applications, and customer satisfaction.
• Procurement activity, including details of contracts awarded and savings achieved.

Appendices A, B and C provide additional detailed financial information.

Appointment to Outside Body: Leek Town Centre Youth Project @21

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider the appointment of a representative to the Leek Town Centre Youth Project @21. The Appointment to at 21 document states that the Leek Town Centre Youth Project @21 is an organisation that provides support and opportunities for young people in Leek. The Cabinet is asked to appoint a councillor to serve as the council's representative on the project's management committee.

Forward Plan

The Cabinet is scheduled to review the Forward Plan. The SMDC Forward Plan document sets out the key decisions that the Cabinet expects to take over the coming months.