Issue - meetings

That Cabinet:

1.    Adopts the H&F Corporate Plan 2023 – 2026 (A Stronger, Safer, Kinder Borough for Everyone) as the overarching strategic plan for the Council.

2.    Endorses the approach to report annually to Cabinet on progress against delivery of the Plan.

3.    Notes that any new council initiatives set out within the Plan will be subject to the normal governance, budget setting and decision-making processes of the Council before they are enacted, as set out in the constitution and relevant legislation.

Councillor Rowan Ree introduced the report setting out the Council’s values and vision over the short and medium term, building on the Business Objectives 2022/23 plan published in September 2022, which included a commitment to develop a longer-term plan.

Councillor Alex Karmel asked for an outline of the changes since the last Corporate Plan was put forward.

Councillor Ree replied that this Plan was largely based on the existing major policies, strategies and plans co-produced with residents and partners as well as key commitments made in the Administration’s 2022 Manifesto. It included priorities such as law and order, keeping our streets safe, with the help of the LETs Team, Gangs Unit and CCTV operation. It also included promises to keep free Homecare and providing free breakfast for school children.

Councillor Karmel asked which areas would have a revenue expenditure increase and which ones would have a decrease.

The Leader explained the development, successes, and challenges of the Corporate Plan. He replied that despite the reduction in the Council’s budget not only no services had been cut but more had been provided. This had been achieved by using new technologies and work practices to make savings and put that back into services. Their actual budget was being finalised and would be put forward shortly for consultation via the Policy and Accountability Committees.

Councillor Karmel noted that Imperial West was excellent for the Borough, and added that he would be looking closely at the budget.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE CABINET MEMBERS:

That Cabinet:

1.    Adopts the H&F Corporate Plan 2023 – 2026 (A Stronger, Safer, Kinder Borough for Everyone) as the overarching strategic plan for the Council.

2.    Endorses the approach to report annually to Cabinet on progress against delivery of the Plan.

3.    Notes that any new council initiatives set out within the Plan will be subject to the normal governance, budget setting and decision-making processes of the Council before they are enacted, as set out in the constitution and relevant legislation.