Agenda item - Annual Update of the Council's Corporate Plan Update 2013/14

Extract from the proceedings of the Policy & Resources Committee meeting held on the 21^st March 2013 (to be circulated), together with a report of the Chief Executive (copy attached).

106.1          The Leader of the Council introduced the report and stated that he wished to thank councillors and officers involved in bringing the update corporate plan together and contributing to the progress made in achieving the majority of the objectives or taking them forward.  He commended the new plan and objectives to the council.

106.2          Councillor G. Theobald stated that he did not feel that the objectives were realistic and wished to thank the officers for recording accurately his comments at the Policy & Resources Committee meeting.  There was much emphasis on supporting and expanding the local economy and very little mention of improving the appearance of the city.  In view of the reference to the proposed Traveller’s site the Conservative Group would be abstaining from voting on the matter.

106.3          Councillor Mitchell stated that she fully supported the plan and was disappointed to hear that the Conservative Group would be abstaining.  She believed that the plan sought to address the levels of inequality in the city and that it was right to focus on improving the local economy.

106.4          Councillor West welcomed the support from the Labour & Co-operative Group for the plan and stated that he believed it was a testament to the officers in enabling the achievement of many of the objectives and he welcomed the improvements made in terms of sustainability.  He also questioned the Conservative Group’s approach to the need to find a permanent travellers site in the city.

106.5          Councillor Pissaridou referred to page 95 of the agenda and stated that is was disappointing to note that the review of schools had not been achieved and queried what progress had been made in regard to the provision of a new school in Hove.

106.6          Councillor Shanks stated that the review was in progress and that officers were awaiting confirmation in regard to the provision of the new school in Hove and she hoped to be in a position to announce something shortly.  She also noted that councils across the country were having difficulty in meeting the projected levels of school places.

106.7          Councillor Powell referred to paragraph 4.1 on page 162 and asked that consideration be given to ensuring that staff were able to attend the various staff forums meetings as it had been brought to her attention that time off was not being allowed in some cases.

106.8          The Leader of the Council noted the comments and that the previous Conservative Administration had sought funding from the government for the provision of a permanent travellers site in the city.  He stated that he believed supporting the local economy was important and that the equality and environmental aspirations would also help to improve this area.  He wished to thank councillors and officers for their support and hoped that the new plan objectives would lead to further improvements across the council and within the city.

106.9          The Mayor then put the recommendations to the vote.

106.10      RESOLVED: That the refreshed Corporate Plan content (as detailed in appendix 1 to the report), including the new commitments for 2013/14 as included in the Budget be adopted.

Note:      The Conservative Group abstained from voting on the recommendation.