Agenda item

The Leader of Council introduced the report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services on the final version of the Corporate Plan for 2017-2022.  Members noted that the Plan had been prepared in accordance with Section 3(1) of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.  The Plan outlines the programme of work for the Authority over the next 5 years.

Members then received a presentation on the Web based version of the Plan.  The Plan itself was appended to the circulated report.

Council noted that the report had been considered and commended to Council, with amendments, by the Policy and Resources/Cabinet Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet held on 27 September 2017.  Members then thanked the Officers and respondents to the consultation, in the production of the Plan.

Members felt it important to involve local organisations and Community Councils in rolling out the Plan and to evidence the resultant improvements.

In relation to the Authority’s other Plans it was necessary to ensure continuity around such things as land development and the provision of workshops etc.  This was particularly the case in respect of the Local Development Plan (LDP), which was due for review in 2018.  Members were asked to consider the LDP in light of the Corporate Plan, in particular identifying “candidate sites”.

The work of the Valleys’ Task and Finish Group would also have an impact. In relation to the references to the use of the Welsh Language,  Members supported the aim of fulfilling the standards and to the increase in the number of Welsh speakers by 2050.

Members supported the document before them today and expressed their view that improving transport was key to improving jobs and employment.

The Leader of Council then summed up and asked Members to take today’s Plan into account during the review of the LDP during 2018.  In addition he referred to the work of the Valley’s Task and Finish Group and asked Members to approach the review on a strategic level.  He said that the Welsh Government was exploring the possibility of Local Authorities establishing their own bus companies to help address the issues of transport. 

RESOLVED:        That having given due regard to the Equality Impact Assessment attached to the circulated report:

1.        The Plan set out at Appendix 1 and the supporting document set out at Appendix 2, be approved, subject to the amendments made at Cabinet held on 27 September 2017;

2.        That the Leader of Council be given delegated authority to agree any changes to the Plan together with any other minor amendments that might be necessary prior to its publication.