The Scrutiny Review Panel met to discuss the effectiveness and value for money of Stockport Council's external communications. The meeting involved a discussion on external communication channels, with a portion of the meeting held in private to discuss sensitive financial information.

External Communications Channels

The panel engaged in a discussion regarding the council's external communications channels. This item was designated as a verbal report and was held in private session, with the press and public excluded. This exclusion was deemed necessary due to the report containing information classified as 'not for publication' under Category 3 of the Local Government Act 1972, which relates to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the authority. The discussion focused on the effectiveness and value for money of these communication strategies.

The previous meeting of the Scrutiny Review Panel on 1 October 2025 had agreed to the Scrutiny Review Procedure Rules and the Scoping Report for the review into the effectiveness and value for money of the council's external communications. A presentation on the Stockport Council Communication Overview was also noted at that meeting, which contained 'Not for Publication' information.

The attendees at the 19 November 2025 meeting included Councillor Paul Wright, Chair of the Central Stockport Area Committee, who chaired the meeting; Councillor Carole McCann, Deputy Group Leader and Chair of the Cheadle Area Committee; Councillor David Sedgwick; and Jacqueline Kramer from Democratic Services. Andrea Lingley, Assistant Director of Communications, Customer and Engagement, and Max, Operational Head of News, Media and Publications, were also present. Carole McCann, Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services, was also in attendance.