Issue - meetings

The Chief Executive introduced the draft Corporate Plan, the supporting thematic business plans, and the new internal governance arrangements, explaining that Members were invited to offer comment on the presented documents.

He outlined the context for the review, noting recommendations from the Local Government Association’s corporate peer challenge, recent organisational and political leadership changes, and wider uncertainty linked to local government reorganisation. Regular review of the Corporate Plan was highlighted as essential to maintaining a clear strategic direction.

Members of the Committee were informed that the Corporate Plan focused on three core areas: delivering good quality local services, ensuring the Council operated as a well?managed and trusted authority, and enhancing places and outcomes for residents and businesses. These were reflected in an overarching vision and the refreshed themes of thriving people, thriving place, and thriving Council. Updated organisational values and behaviours, aligned with the new workforce plan, were incorporated into the document.

The Chief Executive explained that the previous Executive Business Plan had been replaced with thematic business plans to give clearer alignment to the Corporate Plan. These plans would be considered by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee on 12 February 2026 before submission to Full Council on 2 March 2026, alongside the budget.

He reported that internal governance arrangements had been streamlined in response to the peer challenge, with three strategic delivery panels established to coordinate delivery of the plan. Performance against the thematic business plans would be reported quarterly to Policy Committees, with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee able to examine issues in more detail. Work was ongoing to introduce Member representation on the delivery panels to provide political oversight.

Committee Members were advised that the thematic plans continued to be refined and that updated versions would be presented to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, reflecting comments raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

A Member of the Committee raised comments regarding the proposed governance boards, noting that previous arrangements had sometimes resulted in duplication between Member and Officer groups. The Member welcomed the introduction of a lead Member role within each panel, suggesting that this could improve coordination and reduce unnecessary meetings. It was further proposed that lead Members might report annually to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to enhance wider Member involvement in scrutiny. The Member also queried the method for appointing lead Members and suggested that broader political representation could strengthen accountability.

The Chairman highlighted the positive working relationships between Councillors and Officers and emphasised the value of collaborative working across the organisation. He referred to the need for effective scrutiny alongside constructive engagement. The Chairman also raised concerns relating to the future of local government reorganisation and the potential implications for local planning control, noting the importance of maintaining an up?to?date local plan to safeguard the district’s interests. He expressed support for the Corporate Plan as a forward?looking document already demonstrating evidence of delivery.

A Member of the Committee commented on the clarity and presentation of the draft  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36