The Constitution Working Party of Stockport Council met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss proposed changes to scrutiny procedures and the remit of area committees. The meeting resulted in a decision to extend the timeframe for Cabinet responses to scrutiny reviews and to defer a decision on the remit of area committees pending further clarity from central government.

Scrutiny Review Panels and Scrutiny Procedure Rules

The working party considered two key issues regarding scrutiny procedures. The first concerned the remit of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee. Councillor Christine Carrigan, Councillor for Brinnington and Stockport Central, stated she did not wish to make any changes to the committee's scope, referencing a recent Full Council meeting where the Leader of the Council had encouraged its use. Councillor Mark Hunter, MAYOR OF STOCKPORT, however, felt there was a point to be debated regarding the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee's decision to alter scrutiny review topics proposed by individual scrutiny committees. Councillor Matt Wynne, Deputy Group Leader, expressed concern about potential whipping on scrutiny review ideas in an overall-control local authority, suggesting safeguards were needed. Ultimately, the working party decided not to make any recommendations for amendments to the remit of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee at this time.

The second issue addressed was the timeframe for the submission of Cabinet responses to scrutiny reviews. Currently, the Constitution mandates an eight-week response period, which has become difficult to meet due to changes in the frequency of committee meetings. Councillor Christine Carrigan supported the proposed change to allow responses within two committee-cycles, citing the need for Cabinet to fully consider scrutiny review proposals. The working party agreed to recommend this amendment to the Council Meeting.

The Remit of Area Committees

The working party discussed the remit of area committees, following a consultation with the committees themselves. Damian Eaton, from Democratic Services, provided context by explaining that the English devolution bill currently in the House of Lords proposes that local authorities will be required to implement some form of area governance arrangements. This means that significant changes may be required to Stockport's current structures to ensure compliance.

Councillor Matt Wynne proposed that the arrangements for the chairing of area committees, specifically a procedural rule for rotation by ward, should be adopted into the constitution. He argued this would promote fairness and remove politics from area committees. Councillor Christine Carrigan moved to defer the entire item, citing the uncertainty surrounding forthcoming government legislation and the need to consult further with her group. Councillor Mark Hunter seconded this motion, agreeing that it was premature to make changes given the potential for government-dictated reforms. Councillor Anna Charles-Jones supported the idea of an expectation for fair and equal chances for members to become Chair of Area Committees.

After considerable debate, the motion to defer the item concerning the remit of area committees was carried by a vote of five to two. The working party acknowledged that this decision was pragmatic, allowing time to await clarity from central government before making fundamental changes to area committees.

Work Programme for 2025/26

Damian Eaton presented the agreed work programme and schedule of meetings for the working party for the 2025/26 municipal year. A slight re-phasing was noted, with Part 3, Section 8, Office of Delegations moved to the next meeting in February. The working party was asked to note the report.

Date of the Next Meeting

The working party discussed potential dates for its next meeting. After considering several options, including half-term and the eve of Budget Council, Wednesday, 4 March 2026, was identified as the most suitable date, despite a clash with the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Mark Hunter and Councillor Matt Wynne indicated they would arrange substitutes for this meeting due to prior commitments. The working party agreed to reconvene on 4 March 2026.