Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery, (copy enclosed).

The Council received the report of the Director of Service Delivery providing an update on the progress of both the refresh of the Customer Strategy and delivery of the One Maldon District Community Hub.

The report provided background information regarding the Customer Strategy using the key principles previously agreed (also set out within the report).  It was noted that the refreshed Strategy would recognise the need to have a strong focus on providing additional support for customers unable to use digital services and reflect the change in customer behaviour.  The report set out the key milestones and timescales for delivery of the refreshed Strategy.

Work to explore the development of a community hub at the Maldon District Council offices was ongoing and the report provided details of this.  It was noted that the Council was working with partners to deliver the One District Community Hub, with a phased approach to ensure existing provision was supported, and data used to inform future provision.  The launch of Phase 1 (supporting existing community hubs) was anticipated to be during April / May 2023.

Following an update provided by the Senior Manager: Service Delivery a debate ensued and in response to questions raised by Members the following information was provided:

·                It was explained that although a hub at the Council Offices was not being provided at this time, Officers were working on a phased approach and a virtual hub was initially proposed to ensure that partners commitments etc. were understood.  Some Members’ expressed concern thatregarding[1] this.

·                The Officer agreed to provide Members with a list of the Community Hubs already in existence in the District.  It was noted that some of these were hubs led by voluntary organisations.

·                Following the Council’s decision at its last meeting regarding opening hours, the Council’s reception area had been open five days a week from 9am to 4pm.  Members were advised that further improvements would be implemented on a stage-by-stage basis.

·                Hard copies of paperwork relating to any formal consultation on the Strategy would be made available at suitable locations such as GP surgeries.

·                The Officer also agreed to provide members with details of when the One Maldon District Working Group had met, and those partners involved.

The Leader of the Council outlined some of the work that had been undertaken by the One Maldon Partnership specifically in relation to the UK Shared Partnership working and cost of living crisis.  She noted that One Maldon District had recently been highlighted by the Local Government Association as national best practice.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.