Agenda item

Report of the Leader

The Leader introduced the report and explained that Members would now be aware of the context of the Place Strategy. The Corporate Strategy had been developed in parallel with the budget so was aligned to the Medium Term Financial Strategy and referenced themes from the Place Strategy which would be further developed next year. He explained that at this stage the focus was just one year and next year there would be a longer term view once the Place Strategy was in place to inform the work and equally the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) was fundamental to the future. He acknowledged that there was a fine balance between being ambitious and having a realistic assessment of resources. It was important that the council got smarter and worked with others to do things differently.

The Leader highlighted that it was essential that the JCS was in place and in parallel with the local plan. The Cyberpark could not happen without the JCS. The Cheltenham Plan was important for Cheltenham for the environment and for economic progress going forward. He recognised there were difficulties in terms of those decisions which remained within the remit of the County Council such as highways.

The following points were raised in the debate :

·         A Member doubted that this represented a strategy, in his view it was a corporate plan with a list of items and dates. Disappointment was expressed that there was no 3-5 year plan, it was hoped that it would be a priority for Executive Board for this to be developed next year.

·         Another Member highlighted the great range of different things detailed in the corporate strategy and said that in a year’s time a great deal more knowledge would have been accrued in order to inform a more comprehensive 5 year strategy

·         Some Members noted the lack of reference to health in the document particularly in terms of partnership working. As this evolved it was important to find a way to include shared priorities.

·         COM6-a Member requested that world autism awareness week be recognised in the document. Another Member spoke passionately about recognition of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence international campaign. She expressed her extreme regret that Gloucestershire continued to focus on gender neutrality when there were specific reasons for gender based campaigns. The Cabinet Member Healthy Lifestyles made reference to domestic violence week and explained that funding was available to enable something to take place but the council was waiting to hear from the County Council before incorporating it into the plan. The Cabinet Member Finance recognised the plethora of organisations who held specific action days and it would be impossible for the council to acknowledge them all, it had to be selective. It was suggested that the very long list be published on the website and Members who wished to could be individual champions and lead in marking  the event.

·         A Member noted that there was no mention of joint working between CBC, social services and the police on the link between deprivation, drugs and organised crime. The Big Local and Cheltenham Westend partnership were looking at regeneration of the Lower High Street. The question was asked as to how we support the scheme to the best of our abilities given resources.

·         A Member was disappointed to note that there was no reference to any follow up with regard to the HMO surveys in St Pauls and All Saints including extended licensing or Article 4.

·         The Chair of Scrutiny highlighted that the Corporate Strategy had been considered by Overview and Scrutiny and had hoped that points raised in this debate had been raised prior to Council

In concluding the debate the Leader confirmed that there would be a 3-5 year strategy next year. He acknowledged the comments made on gender based violence and believed these should certainly not be underestimated, quoting his experience from chairing the domestic homicide review. He supported the proposal to publish a list of all events. Finally he highlighted the importance of the JCS in the longer term.