To receive the report on the draft Shropshire Council Corporate Plan 2018/2019

Report of the Chief Executive

Contact: Clive Wright          Tel: 01743 257736

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed Minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

An amendment was proposed by Councilllor R Evans and seconded by Councillor N Hartin that a greater vision and sharper focus was needed for the Corporate Plan with the involvement of all members in the process.  A Plan ‘fit for purpose’ with fairer funding not being accepted as the sole solution to the issues facing the authority. 

In supporting the amendment, Councillor A Mosley stressed the need for the optimism in the Corporate Plan to be on a sound basis and its content to be honest with the public.

Councillor G Butler stated that he could not support the amendment as further meetings would be held to further develop the Plan without the need for any amendment.  He added that he had already taken steps to consult with Parish and Town Councils. 

Councillor A Boddington stressed that it was vital to get a proper process in place, to set out targets, high level objectives and milestones and to conduct a proper ‘challenge’.  He added that it was essential that the process was inclusive and should involve all Members.

On being out to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Continuing the debate, Councillor T Parsons stated that although he was encouraged by the four core outcomes of the Plan i.e. prosperous economy, commercial Council, healthy people and resilient communities, he had concerns that the levels of affordable housing were insufficient to retain young people in the county and also attract others in. 

Councillor A Boddington stated that he preferred the use of the term ‘confident Council’ rather than ‘commercial Council’ and he also queried the lack of reference to ‘environment’ in the Plan.

Responding to further comments from Members, the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley, acknowledged issues raised and re-iterated the fact that this was a draft Plan and all Members had the opportunity to feed their thoughts into the development process of the Plan.  The Leader concluded that all input would be welcomed. 

RESOLVED:

i)             That the draft refreshed Corporate Plan 2018/2019, be agreed;

ii)            That a new Corporate Plan for 2019/20 to 2021/22 be developed during the Summer and Autumn 2018 for agreement and adoption by Council in December 2018.