Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2017/146

Contact:  Ben Threadgold, Policy & Performance Service Manager; Tel: 07867 467838

Report by Chief Executive (CA7).

The Plan sets out the County Council’s overarching strategy for the period 2018-2021.  It states our updated vision for thriving communities in Oxfordshire and describes the council’s main priorities and the specific actions that will be taken in the period to March 2019.

A short, public-facing document (the 'prospectus') has been produced and published which summarises the council's vision and priorities; we anticipate this document to be widely distributed and read by residents. The attached document expands on the prospectus, drawing together as much as possible of what we do, how we do it and how we are changing. We anticipate will be of interest to Councillors, staff, partners, inspectors and residents with a specific interest.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)      note the Draft Corporate Plan and make suggestions for improvements where necessary;

(b)      RECOMMEND that the Draft Corporate Plan (subject to amendments) be agreed by Council;

(c)      delegate authority for final additions and changes to be agreed by the Leader and the Chief Executive on behalf of Cabinet.

Recommendations agreed.

Cabinet considered a draft Corporate Plan setting out the County Council’s overarching strategy for the period 2018-2021. 

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Deputy Leader of the Council, in moving the recommendations explained that the document was intentionally aspirational and built on the Prospectus published earlier. It was intended to be comprehensive and with an internal focus. It had been shaped by a cross party action group and informed by the comments of Performance Scrutiny Committee and the views of residents. Ben Threadgold, Policy & Performance Manager, stressed that the Plan before Cabinet was not the finished article as it would receive a final edit and proof read and measures would be added. The Corporate Plan would be a live document with changes made as needed.

Cabinet commented on the Plan, in particular welcoming the support for parish councils, and commending also the short public facing Prospectus published earlier. It was suggested that in addition to this Prospectus a mini version be prepared to go out with the council tax information. It was suggested that as the Corporate Plan was to be a live document it would be helpful to see version references.

RESOLVED:             to:

(a)       note the Draft Corporate Plan;

(b)       RECOMMEND that the Draft Corporate Plan (subject to amendments in line with (c) below) be agreed by Council; and

(c)       delegate authority for final additions and changes to be agreed by the Leader and the Chief Executive on behalf of Cabinet.