The Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee of Manchester City Council met on Thursday 8 October 2026 to discuss the Annual Property Report, the Council's Workforce Strategy, and the business update for Manchester Energy Network. Key actions included recommending a training session on the Council's Property Asset Database (CPAD) and requesting further information on the Council's talking therapy offer and disciplinary cases involving Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic staff.

Annual Property Report 2026

The committee reviewed the Annual Property Report, which detailed the Council's property activities and regeneration programmes. The report highlighted achievements such as £19.2 million in capital receipts from property transactions and progress on major regeneration projects like Victoria North and Mayfield. The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) Board's governance structure had been updated to be officer-only, with consultations held with Executive Members. The Council's investment estate generates £21.9 million annually from 17,000 property interests. Discussions also covered the £135 million capital receipts pipeline, the integration of political priorities into SAMP Board decisions, and the mapping of all Council assets. The report noted that capital receipts are ringfenced for the capital programme and cannot fund day-to-day running costs. The committee recommended that a training session on the Council's Property Asset Database (CPAD) be arranged for all members.

Workforce Strategy

The committee considered the Council's Workforce Strategy 2023-2026, Good Work in a Great City Council, which summarised progress, remaining challenges, and learning for the next phase. Key achievements included a reduction in staff turnover from 11% to 9% and expanded apprenticeship participation. Support for managers had been enhanced through resources like the Good Manager Guide. However, ongoing challenges include sickness absence, management capacity, and persistent inequalities in recruitment and progression, particularly for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic employees. The committee requested further information on the Council's talking therapy offer through the Employee Assistance Programme and the number of disciplinary cases upheld against Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic staff. The committee also welcomed the offer to share more information on the Race Equity Maturity Index.

Manchester Energy Network Business Update

An update was provided on the business performance of Manchester Energy Network, a wholly Council-owned company supplying heat and power in the Civic Quarter. The network reported a group profit of £707,408 for 2025/26, with customer pricing remaining comparable to Winter 2025 despite market turbulence. Preparations were underway to connect the Town Hall to the network. The report also detailed the ongoing decarbonisation efforts, including the planned installation of an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), which has been paused due to potential changes in carbon emission limits by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The company is also preparing for the introduction of Ofgem's heat network regulatory framework. The committee noted the report.

Overview Report

The committee received an overview report detailing key decisions within its remit, responses to previous recommendations, and the committee's work programme. The report indicated that the Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration would write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the relevant Secretary of State regarding rent caps and controls, and that Cost of Living cards would be made available to councillors. The committee noted the report and agreed to the work programme.