Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation set out in the draft Cabinet Report.

Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.

Members expressed their concern that members of the public may be confused with regards to the purpose of the Corporate Plan. Members of the public may perceive it as a manifesto for Council, as opposed to the aspirations of Council. Members suggested that a paragraph be inserted which outlines what is possible for the Council, the items that the Council can control, and the items where it has no control. It should be clearly outlined where the Council has links to stakeholders, but that the Council has no control over the policy and actions of the stakeholders.

Concerns were raised over housing within the borough and the ability to provide housing for the job opportunities that are arising within the Borough.

Members emphasised that communication is key for the Corporate Plan. It is important that it accurately reflects what is under the Council’s jurisdiction and what is not.

The Leader emphasised that the Corporate Plan is a live document and that external factors will affect what can be achieved within the plan. There also needs to be a public friendly document which sets out the aspirations of the Council and reflects what has already been delivered by the authority.

Officers confirmed that the Corporate Plan is a statutory document and it does need to cover a number of areas to comply with legislation. In terms of managing the expectations of the public, it is recognised that the Corporate Plan has been drafted recognising the significant financial challenges faced by the Council. The document also sets out the transformation strategies that have been agreed by the Council.

The Corporate Plan refers to the Events Strategy. Members expressed their preference that the process to organise events be simplified. Officers advised that a policy will be brought before members shortly on this item. This will hopefully simplify the process and encourage events to take place within the borough.

Members referred to the ‘best start in life’ objective in relation to reducing exclusions. Members commented that it would be extremely difficult to complete this action, especially noting the number of schools that are in deficit budgets or are headed into deficit budgets.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation set out in the draft Cabinet Report.