Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to the Council Plan as a policy framework document, which is the organisation’s overarching business plan, setting out the Council’s commitments to achieving certain outcomes during the life of the Plan.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the Council Plan 2013-2015. The plan had been developed by taking into account the national background both in terms of funding and policy developments whilst noting that Council continued to provide good services to local residents as evidenced by the recent Citizens Panel.

The Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered this report on 7 February 2013 and the views of the Committee were set out in paragraph 5 of the report. The Cabinet had considered this report on 12 February 2013 and its recommendations to Council were set out in paragraph 6 of the report.

It was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment screening had been undertaken on the draft plan. Officers would continue to assess and monitor the plan throughout its life, to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements.

Councillor Jarrett, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Deputy Leader, supported by Councillor Rodney Chambers, Leader of the Council, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Decision:

(a)   The Council approved the Council Plan 2013-2015 (Appendix 1 to the report), and the 2013-14 Target Planning document (Appendix 2 to the report) as part of the Council’s Policy Framework and agreed that a measure indicating outcomes achieved for children be added later to the Council Plan.

(b)   The Council agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Deputy Leader who is portfolio holder for performance and business planning, to deal with any necessary changes to align the plan to the agreed budget.

Background:

This report presented the Council Plan 2013-2015 for consideration and referral to Council on 21 February 2013 as a Policy Framework document.

The Council Plan was the organisation’s overarching business plan. It would form an essential part of the Council’s performance management framework, setting out the priorities, commitments, measures and targets against which progress would be judged. It was noted that the Plan had been developed alongside the 2013-14 capital and revenue budget proposals, in order to align the Council’s business planning and budget setting process, and adjusted to take account of recent financial and service developments. 

The Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered this report on 7 February 2013 and the views of the Committee were set out in an addendum report together with officer comments.

It was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment screening had been undertaken on the draft plan and this was attached at Appendix 3 to the report. It was found that there was no need to carry out a full assessment. It was however noted that officers would continue to assess and monitor the plan, both prior to its agreement by Council and throughout the life of the plan, to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements.

Reasons:

Strong business planning processes and a clear strategic framework are regarded as best practice, and will enable the organisation to demonstrate how it is using resources to meet locally specific objectives.