The Place and External Relations Scrutiny Panel of Tameside Council met to discuss major programmes in the borough, the annual budget letter, and the panel's activities over the past year. Key updates were provided on the progress of strategic projects and the governance frameworks in place to ensure their successful delivery.

Tameside Major Programmes

Julian Jackson, Director of Place, and Mike Reed, Head of Major Programmes, provided an update on the progress and delivery of key strategic projects in Tameside. Councillor Jack Naylor, Executive Member for Inclusive Growth, Business and Employment, was unable to attend but sent a letter detailing the transformative projects underway. The letter also outlined the governance framework and monitoring structures in place for these projects.

The panel received a comprehensive update on Tameside’s regeneration programme, including:

• Ashton Mayoral Development Zone
• Ashton Town Centre Programme (including market square)
• Ashton Moss, St Petersfield and Ashton Old Baths
• Tameside’s Town Centre Programmes
• Hattersley Regeneration
• Godley Green Garden Village

Monthly project review meetings and construction pipeline meetings are now embedded, with place-based boards overseeing all projects. The panel discussed the importance of raising Tameside’s profile through coordinated marketing and stronger networking at regional and national levels.

The officers addressed questions on inclusive growth, regeneration, investment, and the mechanisms in place to prevent project delays. The panel also discussed social value clauses in contracts and strategies for the future use of public buildings like Stalybridge Civic Hall and Ashton Town Hall.

Actions: Routine monitoring of delivery stages, risks, and challenges associated with major projects will be included in the Scrutiny Panel’s annual work programme for 2024/25.

Scrutiny Annual Budget Letter

The Chair presented the response letter sent to the First Deputy for Finance, Resources & Transformation, and the Director of Resources, following the annual budget update received on 19 January 2024.

Scrutiny Activity 2023/24

The Chair advised that a report presented at the joint meeting of Cabinet and Overview Panel on 14 February 2024 included a summary of the Scrutiny Panel’s activity during the year.

Chair’s Update

The Chair updated members on:

• Scrutiny reports tabled at the joint meeting of Executive Cabinet and Overview Panel on 8 February 2023.
• Conclusion of the Community Safety review and working group meetings.

The Chair thanked members for their participation and contribution throughout the municipal year.