The Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 13 October 2025 to discuss a range of issues, including the controversial decision to introduce charges for previously free car parks, updates on equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, and progress on the council's anti-poverty and active communities strategies. The committee also reviewed policies on gambling, moving traffic offences, and home charging for electric vehicles.

Call-ins on Free-to-Charge Car Parking Policy

The committee spent a significant portion of the meeting considering seven call-ins related to the council's decision to introduce charges for previously free car parks. Councillors who had called in the decision expressed frustration with the process, citing insufficient justification for charging at specific car parks, concerns about the socio-economic impact on residents, and the timing of public consultations. Councillor Rachel Wise, representing Reddish North, argued that the justification for charging at car parks in her area was unsubstantiated, as the proposed charges were applied across multiple car parks despite their different locations and usage patterns. Councillor Jon Byrne, Chair of the Audit Committee, highlighted a perceived lack of transparency and a litany of errors throughout the process, suggesting that the council needed to improve its practices. Councillor Christine Carrigan of Brinnington and Stockport Central supported her colleagues, emphasizing the need for better governance and accountability. Councillor Wendy Wilde, representing Davenport and Cale Green, raised concerns about the timing of the advertisement for objections during the summer holidays and the potential displacement of vehicles onto residential streets. Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick spoke about the unique nature of Heaton Mersey Car Park, highlighting its importance to local businesses and residents, and the overwhelming opposition to charging from the community. Councillor Helen Hibbert, whose Offerton ward does not have car parks directly affected, raised concerns about the cumulative impact of such decisions on areas already facing parking issues, including the displacement of vehicles from areas like Stepping Hill Hospital.

Despite the detailed arguments from the councillors who called in the decisions, the committee ultimately voted against referring any of the decisions back to the Cabinet Member for reconsideration. For the Werneth, Heatons and Reddish, Cheadle, Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South, and Central Stockport areas, the motions to refer back were not carried. For the Stepping Hill and Marple areas, the committee voted to take no further action.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Update

Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, presented an update on the council's progress in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). He highlighted several key achievements over the past 12 months, including the launch of a colleague EDI survey with a 60% response rate, a new zero-tolerance dignity at work policy, and the establishment of 10 active colleague networks with over 500 staff engaged. The Belong Here Champions pilot and the Global Majority Leadership Development Programme were also noted, with the first cohort graduating soon. Councillor Oliver also mentioned the launch of a new hate crime reduction alliance and the council's public commitment to becoming an anti-racist organisation and borough. He acknowledged that despite progress, there is still more work to be done.

During the discussion, Councillor Geoff Abell inquired about the impact of the new integrated impact assessment (IIA) tool, which collates environmental, equality, and socio-economic impact assessments. Councillor Oliver explained that the IIA aims to streamline processes for staff and improve decision-making. Councillor Angie Clark raised the importance of interfaith dialogue, particularly in light of rising antisemitism and Islamophobia, and suggested inviting representatives from the interfaith network to future meetings. Councillor Helen Hibbert questioned how the effectiveness of EDI initiatives is measured, expressing a need for clearer metrics to ensure targeted support in areas of greatest need. Councillor Jon Byrne welcomed the zero-tolerance approach to abuse and racism and inquired about the progression of participants in the Global Majority Leadership Development Programme, suggesting a need for guaranteed interviews or progression pathways. Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick suggested incorporating metrics and lived experience into future reports to better track progress.

Anti-Poverty Update

Councillor Dan Oliver also presented an update on the council's anti-poverty efforts. He highlighted the significant impact these initiatives have, particularly during challenging financial times, and reiterated the council's commitment to tackling the root causes of poverty. The report detailed efforts such as commissioning anti-poverty training for staff, establishing a new anti-poverty network, and involving individuals with lived experience in decision-making. The integrated impact assessment was again mentioned as a key tool for future decision-making. Specific achievements included over £22 million in new cash gains for residents, the impact of the Pensioner Assist Network, and a shift in focus towards families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The re-loved Uniform for All scheme was also highlighted.

Councillor Jon Byrne expressed his continued support for the removal of the two-child benefit cap and raised concerns about new residents in Stockport Homes properties and the need for support with heating top-ups. He also emphasized the importance of education around loan sharks and expressed a desire to see the return of fair and inclusive job fairs. Councillor Singleton praised the bringing together of anti-poverty work and the inclusion of lived experience, noting the positive impact of the council's efforts. Councillor Helen Hibbert inquired about digital inclusion for older residents and the transition from family hubs to LiveWell centres, as well as the selection process for the homelessness prevention pilot. Councillor Abel noted that despite efforts, child poverty is still increasing, and the gap between the rich and poor is widening. Councillor Colin MacAlister suggested that the council should make its views known to government ministers regarding the two-child cap and highlighted pockets of deprivation within seemingly affluent areas, questioning why free school meals are not taken up by all eligible parents. Councillor Byrne and Councillor MacAlister also raised concerns about the potential for a tapering system to replace the two-child cap, which could still disadvantage larger families. Councillor Clarke inquired about the acceptance of Healthy Start vouchers at local pantries and supermarkets.

One Stockport Active Communities Strategy 2022-2030 Implementation Progress Update

Councillor Dan Oliver presented the progress update on the One Stockport Active Communities Strategy, also known as Stockport Moving Together. He acknowledged the significant challenge of over 25,000 children and 60,000 adults not meeting recommended physical activity levels, highlighting the potential long-term health consequences. The report detailed work streams including a new playing pitch strategy, with new pitches opened at Reddish Vale and Stockport School. Councillor Oliver stressed the importance of active communities for the council's prevention strategy and reducing pressure on public services. He paid tribute to key partners such as H-U-K, Stockport Homes, Sector 3, and Life Leisure.

Councillor James Frizzell welcomed the report and highlighted the importance of active travel, noting the upcoming cycling and walking path in Heaton Norris Park and the introduction of Stockport's first Cyclops Junction. Councillor Angie Clark expressed concern about the disparity in activity levels between adults and children, questioning how children can be encouraged to be more active. Councillor Byrne raised concerns about women's activity levels decreasing during darker nights and the need for support to maintain activity routines. Councillor Geoff Abell emphasized the benefits of physical activity for health outcomes, while Councillor Helen Hibbert praised the report's whole-system approach and the costing of physical inactivity.

Gambling Policy - Statement of Licensing 2025-2028 Principles

Councillor Dan Oliver presented the report on the Gambling Policy Statement of Licensing Principles for 2025-2028. He stated that there were no amendments to the proposed approach at this time, as the council was awaiting national government legislation following a consultation. This approach is aligned with other Greater Manchester boroughs. Councillor Jon Byrne raised concerns about the harms of gambling and the potential for clusters of gambling venues to negatively impact individuals seeking to overcome addiction. Councillor Oliver agreed to bring this back for discussion once national guidance is available, noting that gambling harm is covered within the One Safe Partnership Board.

Moving Traffic Offences Policy

Councillor Grace Bainham presented the report on the Moving Traffic Offences Policy. She explained that the council was seeking to adopt powers that have been available to local government for some time, noting that police enforcement in this area is likely to decrease. The aim is to improve safety, reliability, and the flow of traffic on the transport network. Councillor Geoff Abell inquired about the enforcement areas and the process for expansion. Councillor Angie Clark asked about the timeline for implementation and costs, and Councillor Byrne raised concerns about the defensibility of enforcement if existing traffic regulations are not up to modern standards. Councillor Colin MacAlister questioned the need for specific signage for U-turns. Councillor Helen Hibbert noted the high volume of traffic movements and the use of ANPR cameras, suggesting this would limit creep in enforcement.

Home Charging Policy Statement Report

Councillor Grace Bainham presented the report on the Home Charging Policy. She explained that the policy aims to provide guidance for residents who charge electric vehicles from their homes, often by running cables across pavements. The policy seeks to bring this into line with council expectations and make charging more accessible by potentially reducing costs. Councillor James Frizzell welcomed the policy as a positive step towards reducing emissions and incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles, noting the significant cost difference between home charging and public charging. Councillor Helen Hibbert raised concerns about the potential impact on accessibility for pedestrians, particularly those with wheelchairs, in densely populated terrace housing areas. She also questioned how people would be informed about the policy and the process for enforcement. Councillor Fitzpatrick asked about the decision-making process for the policy to become official and the timeline for implementation. Councillor Colin MacAlister sought clarification on the enforcement of the rules.

Scrutiny Work Programme

Councillor James Frizzell, Chair of the Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee, proposed that Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick be appointed as the chair of the Scrutiny Committee's Scrutiny Review Panel, with Councillor Frizzell remaining as a member. Councillor Jon Byrne inquired about the expected response to a previous cycling scrutiny review, and Councillor Dominic Hardwick confirmed he had received the necessary information regarding the Greek Street roundabout works. The date of the next meeting was set for 24 November 2025.