Council
Agenda Item 21
Subject: Council plan 2023 to 2027
Date of meeting: 20 July 2023
Report of: Executive Director Governance, People and Resources
Contact Officer: Name: Steve Morton
Tel: 01273 290555
Email: steve.morton@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: All
1.1 The council plan is part of the council's policy framework. The plan sets out the overall direction for the council over the coming four years. It describes the outcomes the council aims to achieve and sets out at a high level how the council will deliver those outcomes and measure progress. The council plan drives business planning for the council, with detailed delivery plans set out in underpinning directorate and service plans. Monitoring progress is through the council’s performance framework, which is regularly reported to the Strategy, Finance & City Regeneration Committee.
1.2 The draft Council plan 2023 to 2027 is included as an appendix to this report.
2.1 That the council:
· approves the draft Council plan 2023 to 2027;
· delegates to the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader, the authority to make changes to the design and layout of the document before publication on the council’s website.
3.1 The plan sets out four priority outcomes. These are:
1. A city to be proud of
2. A fair and inclusive city
3. A healthy city where people thrive
4. A responsive council with well-run services
3.2 For each outcome, the plan outlines what the council aims to achieve and how it will measure progress. Contextual information about the city’s population, council services and spending is included in the introductory sections.
3.3 The final section describes how the plan will be delivered. It identifies enabling plans and strategies. These include the council’s Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy, Business Framework, Our People Strategy, Information Technology and Digital Strategy and modernisation programmes.
3.4 Delivery plans are set out in separate directorate plans with budget strategies and associated business cases for modernisation and capital investment. These contain detailed actions, timelines, and targets for programmes of work.
4.1 The council plan is part of the council’s policy framework. Feedback from committee chairs, other councillors and council officers has been reflected in the final draft plan.
5.1 An engagement exercise will follow publication, working with communities and wider partners, to seek views, ideas and support to enable delivery.
6.1 The council plan is a core planning document for the council and articulates for residents, staff, partners, unions and other stakeholders the direction of travel for the next four years. The council is asked to approve the Council plan 2023 to 2027.
7.1 The Council plan 2023 to 2027 should be considered in the context of developing the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the same period and will consequently inform the budget setting process for 2024/25 to 2027/28. Budget proposals will therefore reflect priorities wherever possible. However, it must be recognised that local government has received only single-year settlements for the last five years running and with a General Election due some time before January 2025, the likelihood of receiving longer term financial settlements for at least the next two budget rounds is unlikely. Therefore, the resources available to support the delivery of the council plan over the period are uncertain.
7.2 Monitoring progress against performance measures is a key element of the Performance and Risk Management Framework; any financial risks or resource requirements identified as a result will be considered in budget monitoring and in developing future years’ budgets.
Finance officer consulted: James Hengeveld Date: 30/06/23
8.1 The council’s constitution provides that formal approval of the council plan is a matter reserved to full council. The plan forms part of the council’s policy framework, which means any decisions of committees or officers need to be consistent with the plan. The adoption of the plan will help the council to achieve a coherent policy direction and prioritisation of resources which, in turn, helps the council in complying with its best value duty under the Local Government Act 1999.
Name of lawyer consulted: Elizabeth Culbert Date consulted 10/06/23
9.1 The council is subject to the general equality duty set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. This duty covers the following protected characteristics: age, gender, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.
9.2 In delivering the council plan the council must have due regard to the need to:
· Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
· Advance equality of opportunity between different groups
· Foster good relations between different groups
9.3 The draft Council plan 2023 to 27 has been shared with the council’s Head of Communities & Equality and her comments have been reflected in the plan. Given thebreadth of the plan and the complexity of relevant protected characteristics and their intersections it is not possible to analyse all the impacts of the plan in relation to legally protected characteristics. However, the council’s legal duties (Equality Act 2010) have shaped the development of the plan and inform its content, in relation to eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations.
9.4 Specific initiatives set out in the plan may require an Equalities Impact Assessment as part of the council’s decision-making process. Areas of investment identified in the plan, as well as other decisions relating to implementation of the plan, will require Equality Impact Assessment as proposals are brought forward to relevant committees or full council.
10.1 Sustainability implications are set out across the plan with measures to increase sustainability in the chapter ‘An accessible, clean and sustainable city’. A sustainability impact assessment will be conducted as specific initiatives are taken forward.
Social value and procurement implications
11.1 Socialvalue and procurement implications are considered in the plan in the section ‘Investing in our city’. They are also relevant for other elements of the plan, for example, in relation to the use of the council’s financial resources as set out in the section ‘A responsive council, with well-run services’.
Crime & disorder implications:
11.2 Crime and disorder implications are considered in the section ‘A city where people feel safe and welcome’. Other measures in the plan will have a direct impact on reducing crime and disorder, for example, tackling the cost-of-living crisis and addressing educational disadvantage.
Public health implications:
11.3 Public health implications have been considered throughout the plan, including in the section 'Living and ageing well’ as well as in other parts of the document. Other measures in the plan will have a direct impact on improving health and reducing health inequalities, for example, improving air quality, increasing cycling and walking and improving access to green spaces.
Supporting Documentation
1. Draft Council plan 2023 to 2027