Issue - meetings

Report of the Leader

The Deputy Leader introduced the item by reading a statement on behalf of the Leader. Before talking about the new corporate plan, she reflected on what has been achieved in the last few years, including the development agreement with HBDX Factory to take forward the Golden Valley development; £40m invested to increase provision of affordable homes;  creation of the Climate Emergency Action Plan and SPD to raise standards for sustainable housing development; £1.1m external funding secured to support carbon-busting initiatives, skill-boosting schemes, business growth, and a new cycle hub; the launch of the Cheltenham Lottery, which has raised over £100k for local good causes; new digital services making it easier for residents and businesses to contact and transact with the council, with the newly-opened reception providing drop-ins or appointments for anyone preferring to see someone in person. Our work has been nationally recognised with several national and regional awards, and overall resident satisfaction with Cheltenham as a place to live is 90%, well above Local Government Association benchmark, and all this has been achieved despite the pandemic and the challenging financial position faced by district councils.

Looking ahead, there are huge opportunities and challenges for Cheltenham, and the new corporate plan continues our ambition, by continuing to enhance Cheltenham’s reputation as cyber capital of the UK, progressing the Climate Emergency Action Plan, including exploration of heat networks; further increasing the supply of affordable, carbon neutral homes and retro-fitting existing homes; and renewing the focus on culture, leisure, economic and community development to ensure Cheltenham is a great place to live work and explore.  This will be underpinned by continuing to improve customer services and how the Council works through new technology, and finding ways to increase income to continue investing in frontline services. He thanked the many officers who had contributed to the plan, and recommended it for approval.

The Mayor introduced a four-minute video outlining the Corporate Plan, before inviting Members to ask questions.

Before commenting, the Leader of the Conservative Group added his group’s best wishes to Councillor Hay, and also, in the historic week marking one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, invited Members to join him in remembering the late Chris Parry, a Cheltenham resident who lost his life in Ukraine while undertaking humanitarian work.

He went on to say that the plan is great and his group was happy to support it in principle, but delivery is what matters, and the 90% satisfaction of Cheltenham residents isn’t only a result of CBC’s input but equally due to many other factors that make it a good place to live.  Regarding the Golden Valley Development, he asked if CBC is confident it can fund the aims and aspirations, and that it has a robust plan for delivery.  The Deputy Leader confirmed that the plan is robust – the business case will be brought to Members in due course - and has undergone a great deal of scrutiny. There is a chance, in view of ongoing economic uncertainty,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9