The Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the council's Medium Term Financial Plan, the VCFSE Annual Report, and an update on walking and cycling initiatives. The committee discussed proposals for an increase in town centre parking charges to help address a significant budget deficit and noted the endorsement of continued partnership working with the voluntary sector.

Medium Term Financial Plan and Parking Charges

The committee discussed the council's challenging financial situation, with projections indicating a £75 million deficit over the next five years. Councillor Grace Bainham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, presented proposals to address this, including a review of town centre parking charges. The proposed changes involve an increase in hourly rates for town centre parking, with Monday to Saturday on and off-street parking rising from £1.10 to £1.50 per hour. Sunday off-street parking will increase from £0.30 to £0.50 per hour, and on-street Sunday parking will rise from free to £0.50 per hour. For longer stays, the current £2.20 per hour for Monday to Saturday on-street parking will increase to £3.00, and Sunday on-street parking will increase from £0.00 to £0.50 per hour. The report indicated that these changes were intended to help cover the running costs of car parks and contribute to their upkeep.

During the discussion, Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick questioned whether the increase would negatively impact local businesses and motorists, suggesting it could be perceived as hammering motorists and local businesses. Councillor Bainham responded that the charges would remain comparable to similar towns and that the increase for the first hour was only around 30 pence, which she did not believe would significantly alter people's behaviour. Councillor Jon Byrne raised concerns about the lack of detailed rationale behind the pricing and its potential impact on low-paid shop workers, suggesting the consideration of discounted permits for them. Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, acknowledged the financial pressures, stating that the council was trying to save £75 million over the next few years and that options are shrinking and shrinking. He also highlighted that the income generated from parking charges would help invest in highways and protect investment in the town centre. The committee noted that the proposed changes were specific to town centre car parks and did not affect district centre parking.

VCFSE Annual Report 2025/26

Councillor Dan Oliver presented the VCFSE Annual Report, highlighting the significant value the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector brings to Stockport. He emphasised the sector's crucial role in community building, tackling poverty, and supporting various council initiatives. The report detailed the sector's estimated contribution of £136 million to Stockport's local economy and the invaluable work of over 57,000 volunteers.

Councillor Oliver acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the VCFSE sector, mirroring those of local government. The report outlined progress across three key priorities: Investment, Capacity Building, and Community Power. Under Investment, it detailed significant funding directed into the sector, including £1,070,419 managed by Sector3¹ and £1,124,090 from Stockport Homes. The report also highlighted the distribution of funds through various grant programmes, such as the Stockport VCFSE Work and Skills Fund and the Household Support Fund, which supported thousands of households.

In terms of Capacity Building, Sector3's work in delivering training, one-to-one support, and running the Stockport Volunteer Hub was praised. The report noted a 111% increase in confidence among training participants and the registration of 847 volunteers through the hub. The Proper Good programme was also highlighted for supporting social enterprises.

Under Community Power, the report detailed efforts to ensure VCFSE representation on strategic boards and the development of an Equity Network. Specific examples included the work of the Women and Girls Network (SWAGN), the Disability Rights Network, and the L!sten Youth Alliance, which received national recognition. The report also touched upon the importance of libraries as community hubs and the ongoing work with faith communities.

Councillor Dominic Hardwick raised several questions seeking clarification on terms such as community power, the Economic Alliance, and the VCFSE Alliance, and requested definitions for acronyms like VRU (Violence Reduction Unit) and KAO. Councillor Angie Clark welcomed the commitment to multi-year funding for Sector3 and highlighted positive initiatives in her ward, such as the library's work with Sustainable Living Romley and the support provided by the Greenspace team. The committee endorsed the future priorities outlined in the report, including the development of a Grant Giving Policy, Social Value Strategy, and VCFSE Good Engagement Guide, and agreed that continued partnership working with Sector3 and VCFSE organisations is essential.

Walking and Cycling Update Report

Councillor Grace Bainham presented an update on the progress of the Walking and Cycling Strategy, highlighting the council's commitment to active travel and the development of a connected network across the borough. She noted that while some initial consultation phases for schemes had received mixed reviews, the completed projects had generally received more positive feedback once implemented. The report detailed significant investment in walking and cycling infrastructure since 2020/21, totalling approximately £24 million from various funding sources.

Several completed schemes were highlighted, including the Heatons Cycle Link Phase 2, Hempshaw Lane Improvements, and the Bredbury to Woodley Improvements. Activation events, such as Bling your Bike Day at St John's C.E. Primary School and guided walks to the Stockport Interchange, were described as successful in promoting the new facilities. The report also detailed ongoing and future projects, including the A34 Major Road Network Corridor Improvement Plan, Romley to Stockport Elements, and Heaton Chapel Streets for All.

Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick raised concerns about the promotion of sensible, responsible cycling, the perceived sketchy nature of some data, and the need for more information on value for money, particularly in relation to health benefits. Councillor Bainham responded that all schemes undergo robust business case reviews by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and that data on modal shift and value for money would be assessed. Councillor Jon Byrne raised questions about school streets and the use of electric motorbikes, while Councillor Angie Clark shared her experience with the Romley scheme, noting the challenges of securing funding and the importance of public engagement. Councillor Helen Hibbert acknowledged the work of the teams and the importance of road safety, agreeing with Councillor Clark about the need for better communication of benefits.

The committee discussed the importance of wayfinding and ensuring routes are available on popular mapping apps. There was also a discussion about the potential for introducing cycle hire schemes and e-scooters in Stockport, with a view to encouraging modal shift.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed the Scrutiny Work Programme, noting upcoming agenda items and inviting suggestions for future discussions. Councillor Dominic Hardwick requested clarification on the inclusion of the Scrutiny Review Panel report, and it was confirmed that the final report for the 2025-2026 review would be presented at the next meeting. The Greater Manchester Interfaith Panel was also requested to be invited to a future meeting.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Preferred Supplier

Item 9, concerning the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Preferred Supplier, was withdrawn from the agenda.