Agenda item

Report of the Leader

The Leader introduced the report and explained that the draft corporate strategy was an important document which set out a priority list of actions for 2015-16. The current strategy formed part of a five year plan which had now come to an end. The proposed document was a one year strategy which in his view was sensible given the current rate of change within the organisation. The strategy set out a proposed vision statement which was split into four priority outcomes. The document included background information, which set out what the council wanted to achieve and why, as well as who was responsible for delivery and measuring the range of direct service measures and outcome measures. The strategy would be reviewed on an annual basis to take into account the changing budgetary position.  The key performance measures were included in order to make a useful contribution to the achievability of the measures.

The Leader wished to put on record his thanks to his Cabinet colleagues and officers. He also informed members that in drafting the strategy, discussions had been held with partners, including commissioned bodies, other councils and other parts of the public sector. He highlighted that it was important for the council not to undertake too much and this was being achieved by estimating the resources required and agreeing those with managers. The report had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its feedback was itemised in section 3.1 of the report. Cabinet had considered the report at its meeting on 17 February and was now recommending it for approval by Council.

Although not all elements of the strategy were within the authority’s control, for example crime reduction and junction 10 of the M5, they had been included because of their importance to the town and the strong community interest.

During the debate, some Members raised concerns that although the strategy was a useful document, it was very similar to previous years and there was a risk that having been approved it would then sit on the shelf.  The Leader and members of Overview and Scrutiny responded that it was up to all members to monitor the strategy as we went through the year, and to hold officers to account if the targets were not being met. 

Councillor Regan was concerned about the high level of anti-social behaviour, and the large number of properties with category 1 hazards, and questioned whether the council had sufficient enforcement officers to deal with these issues.  The Leader responded that this would be looked at as part of the REST project. 

Councillor Stennett wanted to know how members of the community with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 had been consulted.  The Leader undertook to provide members with a written response after consultation with the Strategy & Engagement Manager.

Upon a vote it was unanimously

RESOLVED THAT the draft corporate strategy 2015-16 (Appendix 2) be approved and this be used as a basis for monitoring the council’s performance over the next twelve months.