Agenda and minutes

To note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor S Corcoran.

Councillor J Snowball attended as a substitute.  

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests in any item on the agenda.

Item 4 – Public Speaking

In the interest of openness and transparency, Councillor Seddon declared that she was a member of the Strategic Planning Board, which would be considering a planning application relating to Poynton Pool. Councillor Seddon left the meeting whilst the public speakers addressed the committee.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 June 2025.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 June 2025 be approved as a correct record.

In addition, Councillor Cook raised that in relation to Item 6 – Early Release from Prison – details regarding sickness absence rates within the probation service, had not yet been provided and requested this be followed up.

There is no facility to allow questions by members of the public at meetings of the Scrutiny Committee. However, a period of 10 minutes will be provided at the beginning of such meetings to allow members of the public to make a statement on any matter that falls within the remit of the committee, subject to individual speakers being restricted to 3 minutes.

Councillor M Beanland attended to address the committee about issues relating to flooding at Poynton Pool. Following a planning application being deferred by the Strategic Planning Board requesting more investigations be carried out, Cllr Beanland stated that proposals had not been amended and suggestions by the Friends of Poynton Pool group had been dismissed, despite evidence being provided to support the proposals. In addition, Cllr Beanland highlighted that the destruction of a number of trees would be a huge loss of public green space, and requested that the Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council call for an independent public review into the proposals.

Mr A Emmerson also attended to address the committee regarding Poynton Pool. He highlighted to the committee that there was no evidence of flooding at the site, with data provided being incorrect. In addition, further site investigations had not been carried out which therefore would not correct errors in the engineering reports. Furthermore, Mr Emmerson raised concerns of a lack of collaborative engagement and compromise which has led to questions being unanswered.

Cllr Wardlaw as Chair of the Scrutiny Committee agreed to bring the issues raised to the attention of the Chair of the Environment & Communities Committee and Chair of the Strategic Planning Board to enable appropriate discussions to take place.

To consider the attached report.

The committee received a report and presentation from representatives from the Public Health Team and the Mental Health Partnership following a request for information relating to Suicide Prevention and services available across Cheshire East, including wider support for families impacted by those with mental health issues, how services are accessed, and are support services working?

Members were informed that there are two Boards that have oversight of this thematic area, the Self Harm and Suicide Prevention Board and the Mental Health Partnership Board. Suicide Prevention is a significant concern for the Cheshire East Health and Care system, with the Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Board implementing an action plan for 2025-2027.

Details of the priorities of the Mental Health Plan and the connectivity with the Self-Harm and Suicide prevention work were highlighted to Members. Information detailing key services and sources of information for residents, with additional information specifically in relation to support for carers and children and families.

It was discussed that whilst there are support services available and significant work is underway to raise awareness of these, there continues to be concern regarding levels of mental ill health, self-harm and suicide. Officers and partners continue to work hard to counter this, but service capacity continues to be an issue.

RESOLVED:

That the committee thanked those in attendance for their contribution and noted that content of the information provided.

To consider the attached report.

The committee received a Domestic Homicide Review report that had been commissioned by the Safer Cheshire East Partnership in 2022 following the death of Emma in September 2021.

Members were informed that the purpose of the report was to establish what lessons could be learnt from the way in which local professionals and organisations work individually and together to safeguard victims.

The review made several multi agency recommendations, including Cheshire Police and Partner Agencies to implement training for officers focused on recognising indicators of coercion and control. 

RESOLVED:

That the content of the review be noted.

To consider the attached report.

The committee received a report that detailed proposals to streamline the process for determining Substantial Developments or Variation of Service (SDV).

As NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) are currently reviewing numerous policies that may or may not impact residents of Cheshire East, and the ICB has a duty to engage with Local Authority Health and Overview Scrutiny Committees (HOSC), the proposal sought to enable reviews to be concluded in a timely manner. 

RESOLVED:

That the committee agreed to delegate authority to the Statutory Scrutiny Officer, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, to decide whether a proposal represents a “substantial” change.

For clarification, the Statutory Scrutiny Officer, Chair, and Vice Chair can still decide to convene the full committee to make this decision when deemed appropriate. This delegation does not affect the second phase of scrutiny for any proposals identified as substantial, which will continue to be examined in detail by either this Committee for proposals affecting only Cheshire East, or by a Joint Health Scrutiny Committee if the proposals affect two or more areas in Cheshire and Merseyside.

To consider the Work Programme and determine any required amendments.

The Committee considered the work programme.

RESOLVED:

That the work programme be noted, and the following item be added;

-       101 Non Emergency Call Data – to request information from Cheshire Police relating to the use of the 101 system, including an overview of use across Cheshire East, what reports are followed up, and how? How quickly are reports resolved? Is the system efficient and effective?