Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report which presented Members with details of key strategic activity in progress in support of delivery of the objectives of the Corporate Plan (2016-2020). 

To ensure transparency and the publicising of the work the Council had undertaken and was involved with, a summary publication would be produced for issue to partners and the public.

Members were asked to note the key achievements during 2016/17 in support of the Corporate Plan.

Some Members welcomed the report and felt it clearly demonstrated the positive contribution the Council was making and the value it placed on partnership working.  The notion of Devolution was still very much supported giving the increasing financial restraints. The contribution of the Community Grant Schemes was considered invaluable and consideration should be given as to how we would continue to support our communities, when current funding allocations had been depleted. It was acknowledged that opportunities might arise through Section 106 and CIL once the Local Plan was adopted.  However, such monies would only become available once development had commenced and it was important the communities themselves led on how funds were allocated.

Clarification was sought as to whether some of the projects included within the report had been agreed by the Committee, or whether in principle decisions had been made, examples cited included the purchase of two properties on Market Street, and 5 – 7 Market Place.  Some Members questioned the Value for Money of these schemes and requested a report back on such.  Reference was made to properties on Stanley Street and again the value for money was questioned. In response Officers advised the two properties related to the Joint Venture proposal that would be considered later in the evening.  In principle agreement had been given by the Committee in September 2016 and the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee in October 2016.  It was acknowledged the wording could have been better.  The project relating to the Market Place property was funded from planned maintenance on a rolling programme approved by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and ensured the Council met its obligations as both a landlord and to its assets. It was acknowledge that the associated costs were high and these were being reviewed, assurance was offered that a raft of activity was underway to ensure value for money could be achieved and there was interest in the property.  Details were unavailable regarding the Stanley Street properties and the Economic and Commercial Growth Director undertook to provide information to the Member concerned.

At the request of a Member the Chief Operating Officer clarified how CIL funding would be allocated, stressing that those areas that had an approved Neighbourhood Plan would be entitled to 25% of monies generated in their area and this could amount to a considerable sum, which would be available to the Parish Council.

The relevance of some of the themes were questioned, including the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.  In response Officers advised that once adopted it would set the targets for growth and as such was very relevant to progress the Council achieved. Neighbourhood Planning was also contained within that theme and was still very much relevant.

The layout on the whole was welcomed however some Members felt the success of some of the projects listed relied heavily on, and were underpinned by, broadband provision and access across the District being improved, and as such should be more prevalent within the document as a focus.  It was that felt progress to date in this area had been limited.  Assurance was offered that work in this area was continuing and ongoing but it was a complex and fragmented picture. Its under pinning nature was acknowledged and dual hatted Members offered their services to help in any way possible.

RESOLVED that the key activity detailed within the report which would          facilitate the delivery of the objectives of the Corporate Plan be          supported and noted.