21st February 2026

Agenda Item 11 — Governance, Surveillance, and Councillor Conduct

This item has several smaller but important governance updates. It covers legal compliance, oversight, and transparency rather than service delivery.

1) RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) – Surveillance Powers

Purpose

  • The council must review and approve its policy for using covert surveillance (e.g., CCTV, monitoring staff, or investigating fraud).
  • This is required annually by law.

Key points

  • Confirms whether the council has used any RIPA powers in the past year.
  • Approves the policy and procedures for lawful use going forward.
  • Ensures officers are trained and accountable.

Why it matters

  • Protects residents’ and staff privacy.
  • Prevents misuse of surveillance.
  • Maintains legal compliance and transparency.

Practical effect:
Most residents won’t notice anything unless a covert investigation occurs.

2) Councillor Conduct Report

Purpose

  • Annual report on complaints against councillors.

Key points

  • Number of complaints received
  • How many were upheld or dismissed
  • Trends or lessons learned

Why it matters

  • Holds elected officials accountable.
  • Informs training or updates to the code of conduct.
  • Maintains public trust in local democracy.

Practical effect:
Residents rarely see the details unless a complaint is upheld, but it reassures the public that issues are monitored.

ey points from the 2024/25 reporting year

  • 14 complaints were received about councillor conduct over the year.
  • These related to conduct by five councillors.
  • Of the 14:
    • 11 complaints related to the same matter (linked to two councillors) and were on hold pending external investigation.
    • 3 complaints were considered and closed during the year.
      • 1 was upheld – a councillor breached the code of conduct by commenting on an agenda item after declaring an interest.
      • 1 was rejected – it was found no interest needed to be declared.
      • 1 was partially upheld – inappropriate email comments; councillor apologised and agreed training.
  • All councillors involved cooperated with the Monitoring Officer and accepted recommendations (training, apologies).

3) GMCA (Greater Manchester Combined Authority) Decisions

Purpose

  • Cabinet formally notes any decisions by the GMCA that affect Stockport.

Why it matters

  • Ensures local awareness of regional decisions.
  • Provides accountability and alignment with local priorities.

4) Scrutiny Committee Recommendations

Purpose

  • Cabinet responds to recommendations or call-ins from overview/ scrutiny committees.

Why it matters

  • Ensures decisions are reviewed before being implemented.
  • Provides an extra check on council policy or financial decisions.