Issue - meetings

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:

1. New Corporate Strategy 2020-2024
2. Interim Housing Revenue Account Business Plan
3. Housing Revenue Account Revenue Budget Proposals 2020/21 (updated version)
4. Capital Programme and Capital Strategy 2020/21
5. General Fund Revenue Budget 2020/21 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2020/21 to 2023/24
6. Prudential Indicators and Treasury Management Strategy 2020/21
7. Cabinet Report to Council

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