Agenda item

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)    the draft Corporate Plan ‘Our West Lindsey, Our Future’, which covered the period 2026 – 2030 as set out in Appendix 1, be RECOMMENDED to Full Council for approval; and

b)    the corresponding ‘Thematic Business Plans’, which set out key deliverables and key performance indicators assigned to each Corporate Plan theme as set out in Appendix 2, be RECOMMENDED to Full Council for approval alongside the Corporate Plan; and

c)    it be RECOMMENDED to Full Council that the draft Corporate Plan and Thematic Business Plans be subject to annual review and approval by Council alongside the annual budget; and

d)    the new governance arrangements as outlined in paragraph five of the report, to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the council’s priorities, be noted.