Issue - meetings

The Council considered the recommendations of the Executive in respect to the Corporate Plan for 2021/22.  The Plan provided an overview of the Council’s strategic objectives for the coming municipal year.  In introducing the recommendations, the Leader of the Councillor, Councillor Azad, referred to the points raised at the Executive by Councillor Barker and advised that they had been included in the proposed Corporate Plan.

Councillor Azad responded to a number of points raised by Councillor Barker on the financial position of the Council before the Council was directed to the recommendations set out in the report.

          RESOLVED

That  (i)    the Corporate Plan, as attached to the report, be adopted; and

          (ii)   the work to develop a five year Corporate Strategy for 2022-2027 be supported.

Reporting Person – Julie Fisher

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Azad, introduced the Corporate Plan for 2021-22 and explained that the Plan provided an overview of the Council’s strategic objectives for the coming year.  Councillor Azad advised that the Plan encapsulated commitments made previously by the Council and brought them together into a single plan of action.  The Executive noted that the development of a five year Corporate Strategy for 2022-27 would be guided by engagement with residents, businesses, partners and staff.

Following a comment on the promotional nature of the Corporate Plan, the Executive heard that it was usual practice for Council documents to be introduced by the responsible Council Member.

Following a question on upgrading outdated systems and practices referred to in the Plan, the Executive was informed that the Council had committed to invest in Microsoft 365 in 2021 which would improve remote access for staff when supporting residents in their own homes.  The Council would also invest in a new Housing system to support its decision to bring Housing services in house.

Transport links were raised and it was commented that reference to the Borough’s transport links could be enhanced in the Corporate Strategy.

Discussion ensued on the Council’s financial position referred to in the Plan and it was noted that the position would be discussed in more detail under the Medium Term Financial Strategy item on the agenda.  The Chief Executive reiterated that the Council had borrowed for strategic reasons and for the regeneration of the Borough, not for yield purposes.

REcommendED to Council

That  (i)    the Corporate Plan, as attached to the report, be adopted; and

          (ii)   the work to develop a five year Corporate Strategy for 2022-2027 be supported.

Reason:   To enable the Council to clearly articulate its strategic objectives and focus of work within the Council and beyond.