Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Leader

Councillor R Blunt presented the report to members, highlighting the change in format to a three year plan to align with the Medium Term Financial Strategy.  He explained that the plan would be refreshed annually to recognise achievements and to incorporate any new actions which needed to be accommodated as a result of external influences or policy changes.  He added that the design had also been updated to make the plan more engaging for readers. 

It was clarified that since the agenda had been prepared, some minor typographical errors had been identified and the updated version had been circulated. 

Councillor M B Wyatt stated that he would be voting against the Council Delivery Plan as it failed to address the real issues for local residents and businesses.

Councillor J Legrys expressed his dissatisfaction in the manner in which the updates to the Council Delivery Plan had been dealt with as no explanation had been provided.  He welcomed the proposal to increase repairs and maintenance work being undertaken in-house and he approved of the expenditure of £225,000 on brightening the town centre.  He expressed incredulity at the reference to harnessing the district’s excellent transport links and driving housing and infrastructure.  He felt that the Policy Development Group should have the opportunity to scrutinise this document in 6 months’ time and sought assurances that the administration would allow this.

Councillor M Specht highlighted an error in the recommendation.  He commented that North West Leicestershire was very well placed in terms of major trunk roads and businesses in particular did not utilise bus services. 

Councillor N Smith commended the report and stated that a capitalist approach was the only way to improve living standards. 

Councillor T Eynon stated that in many ways this was an excellent document showing the excellent work being done in North West Leicestershire.  She expressed concerns in respect of scrutiny of the document, in particular the drive to move all services online which had not been considered by the Disability Action Group.  She questioned whether there was a problem with the lack of scrutiny of the document and the lack of cross party working. 

Councillor D Everitt stated that recycling was very close to his heart and he felt that an opportunity had been missed to send a message that recycling saved money for residents. 

Councillor T Gillard commended the report and good news in respect of investment in businesses and the enterprise scheme.

Councillor M Specht reassured members that as Chairman of the Policy Development Group he would be happy to scrutinise any major issues arising from the Council Delivery Plan.

Councillor A V Smith agreed that the report was excellent and commended the work in her portfolio in respect of recycling, the dogwatch campaign and the free trees scheme.

Councillor R Blunt accepted that members should have been notified of the changes to the document.  He clarified the recommendation in the report. 

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor A V Smith and

RESOLVED THAT:

a) The proposed Council Delivery Plan 2017/20 be approved.

b) The Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to make any final technical amendments to the plan prior to publication.