Discussion:
The report sought approval of the Medway Sustainable Community Strategy 2010-2026. Members were informed of one correction which was that the 640 student residential units had been completed in Gillingham and not Chatham Maritime as stated in the strategy.
Councillor Janice Bamber, supported by Councillor Rodney Chambers, proposed the recommendation as set out in the report, subject to that correction being made to the strategy.
Decision:
The Council approved the Sustainable Community Strategy, as set out at Appendix A to the report, and the outline Action Plan, as set out at Appendix C to the report, subject to the strategy being amended to state that the 640 student residential units had been completed in Gillingham.
Background:
This report presented the Sustainable Community Strategy 2010-2026 for consideration and recommendation to Council on 15 April 2010.
The Sustainable Community Strategy, as set out at Appendix A, would become the overarching strategy for Medway that included the long term vision, values, ambitions and priorities for improving the well-being of the area. It would provide the policy context for the major public sector agencies, the activities of stakeholder groups in the area and inform the Local Development Framework.
The report outlined the process undertaken in preparing the final draft of the Sustainable Community Strategy, which had included consultation with a wide range of organisations in the public, private and community sectors. Based on this consultation, together with evidence underpinning existing Medway strategies and from analysis of performance data and needs assessments, a long-term vision consisting of six ambitions and four key principles had been developed.
During the debate reference was made to recent developments surrounding the provision of services by Café Sunlight.
It was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment Screening form and a full assessment had been carried out as part of the final strategy preparation.
An outline action plan was presented at Appendix C to the report. This took the priorities and key actions, as contained within the strategy, and clarified the lead partnership and agencies for key actions. It was noted that detailed action planning based on the outline action plan would take place to ensure connectivity with the organisation’s business, budget planning and operational delivery.
It was noted that the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the strategy on 16 March 2010. The committee had noted the draft Sustainable Communities Strategy and recommended it for approval by Cabinet, the Local Strategic Partnership Board and Council.
An addendum report updated Members on the outcome of a Rapid Sustainability Appraisal of the Sustainable Community Strategy and the consideration of the strategy by the Local Strategic Partnership Board on 23 March 2010. Recommendations arising from the appraisal and the Local Strategic Partnership Board were set out and it was proposed that these be incorporated within the documents prior to their submission to Council for approval.
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Decision number: |
Decision: |
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51/2010 |
The Cabinet recommended to Council the Sustainable Community Strategy, as set out at Appendix A of the main report, and the Action Plan, as set out at Appendix C of the main report, subject to the Assistant Director, Communications, Performance and Partnerships being delegated authority to amend these documents to reflect the recommendations arising from the Rapid Sustainability Appraisal and the Local Strategic Partnership Board, as set out in the addendum report. |
Reasons:
The Sustainable Community Strategy is based on a thorough analysis of current Medway strategies and needs assessments and has undergone significant consultation including with Members.
Local Authorities are required by law to have a Sustainable Community Strategy.