Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report which sought approval of the Corporate Plan for the period 2019 – 2023.

The Leader of the Council presented the report and in doing so outlined how the Plan had been developed over recent months, by both Members and officers, resulting in the key priorities for the Council for the next four years being identified together with the outcomes the Council wanted to achieve.

The Plan aimed to ensure that attention was paid to all of the District’s communities, residents and businesses; to ensure lives were improved and the District prospered.

Before summarising the content of the new Corporate Plan the Leader reflected on some of the Authority’s key achievements over the last few years, during which the following points were noted: -

*        From a financial perspective the Authority had purchased five commercial properties both inside and outside of the District, these were due to provide an income of over £1m to the Council next year, meaning the Authority could continue to deliver its services and support communities such as Hemswell Cliff;

*        The introduction of charges for green waste – the last Council in Lincolnshire to do so, and the service would continue for 2019/20 with no increase in charges.

*        Regeneration of the District was taking place, with business units having been delivered in Saxilby, with a further similar development now underway in Caistor.

*        A new hotel had been built in Gainsborough and both the Roseway Car Park and the street scene had been vastly improved.

*        Having secured a development partner, options for the former Guildhall site were taking shape.

*        The Crematorium project was well underway, with a provisional opening date of early 2020.

*        The Leisure offer had been enhanced, with massively improved facilities in Gainsborough, an out-reach service taking shape and plans for facilities in Market Rasen.

*        The Council had also secured a contract to deliver the Wellbeing service, which was supporting residents to stay well and lead independent lives in their homes and communities.

*        Work had also commenced to ensure that the residents of Scampton were left with a sustainable future once the MoD depart the site.

*        The Council had actively supported Neighbourhood Plans, with 13 fully “made”and over 30 more in development.  Neighbourhood Plans were a key means by which communities could ensure they shaped and influenced future development in their area.

*        A revised, flatter senior management model had been introduced and was working extremely well.

*        The Council had continued to provide excellent services with Council Tax and Business Rate collection rates remaining high. Performance in development management and land charges had both significantly improved and the waste collection service remained highly regarded both by residents and amongst its peers nationally.

*        Investment in and a vastly improved programme of events at the Trinity Arts Centre had paid off with record numbers through its doors.

The Leader then summarised the key priorities in the new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61