64 CABINET RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL PDF 107 KB
To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to the
Council for determination and on Key Decisions made since the publication of
the agenda for the previous Council meeting held on 18 December 2019:
Additional documents:
Minutes:
1) A
NEW CORPORATE STRATEGY 2020-2024
The
Leader moved the recommendations in the report and provided the following
introduction:
Following
the District Council elections in May 2019, the council had taken the
opportunity to consider what the focus should be over the next 4 years. Working
with all members, officers and the community the Cabinet were proud to have
developed an ambitious new strategy which makes commitments to significantly invest
in our housing services, environmental enforcement, improving customer services
and delivering the homes, jobs and infrastructure the Borough requires. It also
directly responded to the issues heard on doorsteps, during the election
campaign, as well as those highlighted in the extensive 2019 residents’ survey.
At
a time of significant financial pressures, there was a need to prioritise and
redirect resources to different areas. With this in mind, the new strategy
sought to find a balance between affordability and ambition, a balance between
investing in core services and in new initiatives.
The
strategy would be underpinned by the vision to “become a first-class council;
on the side of our communities and providing great service, where the customer comes
first. We want to help people reach their potential, support the most
vulnerable, and protect our rural environment. We want to provide more and
better homes, create better jobs and regenerate the town. We want to ensure
Melton prospers, benefiting those who live here and attracting others to visit
and invest.”
As
well as drawing upon the residents’ survey, the Council had consulted on the
proposals during December 2019 and received positive feedback on our new
priorities and key investment decisions.
These
aspirations had been built into the budget and medium term financial strategy
also before members on the agenda.
The
Leader was very proud of the strategy and of what it would seek to achieve for
residents and was delighted to recommend it to council for adoption.
The
recommendation was seconded by Councillor Higgins.
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Councillor Illingworth left the meeting.
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During
debate of the recommendations points raised included:
i.
Councillor
Browne thanked those that had worked to develop the Corporate Plan and noted
its ambition to deliver to residents and communities with Council Housing being
a key priority. Delivery of growth and
regeneration was welcomed. The vision to
increase employment opportunities and improve skills would be a challenge but
was a positive aspiration. Focusing on
early years and focused intervention was key to ensuring that young people had
the opportunity to learn and develop. Schemes such as Me and My Learning would
be key to this. Working towards an
environment where intervention services would help to tackle social issues and
promote inclusivity and contribute to this key priority.
ii.
Councillor
Child welcomed the proposals to invest in commercial property to achieve long
term growth and regeneration. Such
investments would require case by case analysis.
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Councillor Holmes left the meeting.
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iii. Councillor Posnett commended some of the schemes that had contributed to increasing opportunities and support for young people such ... view the full minutes text for item 64