Issue - meetings

Councillor Bierley, Chair of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, introduced the report and in doing so explained that  approval was being sought for a new Corporate Plan covering the period 2026 to 2030 and the corresponding thematic business plans which set out how the council intended to deliver the plan in the coming years.

He highlighted the background to the Plans development noting that in January 2025, the Council had participated in a Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge which had  recommended that the Council refreshes its Corporate Plan and business planning arrangements to ensure the Administration’s priorities were clearly reflected in both strategy and delivery.

Additionally, the Government’s announcement on Local Government Reorganisation, and new political and officer leadership for the Council had provided an appropriate opportunity for a review and refresh of strategic priorities and delivery arrangements, building on already strong foundations.

The new Corporate Plan focused on the delivery of well-managed, forward-thinking local government services that were grounded in good governance and committed to enhancing our places and improving the lives of people across the District. 

To ensure effective and focused delivery of the Corporate Plan, Corporate Policy and Resources Committee had been advised  of  new internal governance arrangements that have been developed, and which were set out clearly in the report before Members.

Importantly, work to develop the Corporate Plan had been closely linked to development of the latest Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan, ensuring the Corporate Plan was appropriately financed and resourced and had  enabled a balanced budget to be presented to Council for consideration later in the evening.

Councillor Bierley thanked Officers for their work and collaboration over recent months to produce a Corporate Plan and delivery programme before moving the recommendations. 

The Leader of the Council, seconded the recommendations and addressed the Council on behalf of the Administration, indicating she believed the Plan was strong and ambitious and clearly set out not only the priorities of the new Administration, but also the key principles, values and behaviours that would guide working together to deliver in the years ahead.

Referring to  the 10 Point Plan, the Leader had previously  presented to Full Council which had set out a clear commitment from the new Administration to embed a new way of working, reflecting on the recommendations of the Peer Challenge;  she believed the new Corporate Plan delivered on that commitment.

The Plan aimed to deliver for the whole of the district, in the best interests of the residents. Working closely with local communities, introducing initiatives to reduce deprivation, supporting the delivery of key strategic programmes such as STEP Fusion and the redevelopment of RAF Scampton were key priorities.

Engaging with employers to create new opportunities and remove barriers to local employment, delivering the Pride in Place programme, supporting and working with parish and town councils and working with the Greater Lincolnshire Mayor to drive economic regeneration across the region were also key.

Councillor Brockway fully endorsed the Corporate Plan and seconded the recommendations.

The Deputy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90

The Committee gave consideration to a report presented by the Chief Executive, regarding the Council’s draft Corporate Plan (‘Our West Lindsey, Our Future’) and the corresponding Thematic Business Plans covering the period 2026-2030. Members were asked to approve the draft documents for onward recommendation to Full Council. It was explained that based on the recommendations of the Peer Review, the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and the change in political administration at the Council, a review and refresh of the Corporate Plan had been undertaken to ensure it was reflective of the Administration’s priorities, was cognisant of the requirements placed upon the Council by LGR, and responded effectively to the recommendations of the Peer Challenge.

It was highlighted that alongside the draft Corporate Plan, the corresponding draft Thematic Business Plans set out the key deliverables and performance measures aligned to delivering the Corporate Plan. Members were asked to review the draft documents and make a recommendation to Full Council that they be formally approved at the meeting scheduled for 3 March 2026, alongside the Council’s budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), to ensure an alignment of priorities and resources to enable delivery.

The Chairman thanked the Chief Executive and invited Members of the Committee to comment.

Members of the Committee expressed their support for the suite of documents, and the vision for the district, whilst others questioned whether the Plan went far enough in terms of expanding and improving on previous plans. It was enquired as to whether there was sufficient focus on deliverable and measurable outcomes, rather than the internal processes of the Council.

In response, the Chairman noted that the Plan was developed with due consideration given to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), meaning plans encompassed longer terms visions with shorter term actions. The Chairman also acknowledged comments from a Member of the Committee regarding the importance of assuring residents of the Council’s commitment to the district, and highlighted the unparalleled Member involvement, not only with the internal governance processes by way of a new delivery panel structure, but also in the development of the Plan, with a number of sessions having been held with Councillors. He highlighted that a number of consultations had been taking place with residents, the outcomes of which had also been used to inform the development of the presented Plan.

In response to further comments regarding the delivery of change, and how to affect visible improvements across the district, the Chairman highlighted the need to focus on areas over which the Council had direct influence, whilst using lobbying opportunities to encourage change elsewhere. The Chief Executive added that delivery of the Corporate Plan would be overseen closely by Members, with involvement in the internal governance structure and frequent reporting through the committee meetings.

In drawing the debate to a close, the Chairman expressed his thanks to those Officers involved in the creation of the Corporate Plan, and welcomed the Member involvement. Having been proposed, seconded, and voted upon, it was

            RESOLVED that

a)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94