Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive seeking Members’ approval of the revised Corporate Plan 2025 – 2028, attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The current Corporate Plan (the Plan) was approved by the Council in February 2023 and set out the strategic vision, priorities and objectives for the period 2023 / 2027. Service plans, reported through the performance framework aligned Officer delivered activities and work. The Plan was also used as a policy framework in shaping the Council’s annual budget to resource the delivery of key priorities as identified in the Plan. It was noted that as the current plan was coming to the end of its second year a review, involving Officers and Members, had been undertaken. It was noted that the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee would continue to monitor all key performance indicators.

The Leader of the Council introduced the Plan for 2025 - 2028 and commended the work of the Assistant Director - Strategy, Partnerships and Communications and her team in the review of the Plan. He explained that heart of the plan was about delivering a good quality of service within the Council along with a good quality of life.

The Assistant Director then presented the report to the Council, highlighting the main changes proposed, which had been incorporated. These included a reduction in priorities from six to five and the language used simplified to help all stakeholders understand the action the Council would take along with what actions would be achieved both for the local authority and the District. In light of these changes the date of the Plan had been reset to 2025 – 2028 and would be a three-year plan.

The Chief Executive explained that the Plan set out the Council’s strategic commitment regarding improving the quality of life for residents, people who work and visit the District. The Plan could be used as a supporting document when the Council bid for funding from the Government and other external funding bodies.

The Chairperson then put the recommendations set out in the report and this was duly seconded.

During the debate that followed and in response to some comments raised regarding the challenges facing and investing in the district the Chairperson advised that these had been noted but did not directly relate to the Corporate Plan review. The Assistant Director advised that the Council had an extensive evidence base, informed by the Office of National Statistics and other bodies.

The Chairperson then moved the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That the revised Corporate Plan 2025 - 2028 attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved;

(ii)            That the Corporate Plan 2025 - 2028 will be brought back to the Council if there are any significant changes or new requirements to consider.