Issue - meetings

(A report by James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Anne Dorrian

The Leader presented the report which brought forward the findings from the Corporate Peer Challenge, attached in Appendix A within the report, and the Council’s action plan, attached in Appendix B within the report, in response.

Members noted that the peer team had provided their thoughts on what the Council does well and they had given some commentary on areas to focus on within their report. The peer team had recognised the excellent work that had been undertaken to secure £76,000,000 of government investment in recent years, and many of those projects were now coming to fruition. They had also recognised the ongoing effort to support the improvements in the town centre through the new town centre strategy, and the work being done in the wider community.

The Leader emphasised that the peer team had recognised that the Council had a lot to be proud of and to celebrate, particularly its strong performance culture, which was helping to drive improvements in our services, and the management of budgets. She added that the peer team had acknowledged that the Council’s officers were committed and proud of what they did, and she gave her appreciation for all their work.

Members noted the positive comments within the report, and confirmed that they were also proud of the result. The Leader thanked the Assistant Director – Corporate and his team for their work.

Councillor John Baxter queried whether officers had been consulted and mentioned the potential for a staff suggestion scheme. The Assistant Director – Corporate advised that there was a very active staff forum across the partnership that were really engaged in these types of projects. He added that he would also be providing them with the results of the action plan. The Deputy Chief Executive – Communities added that they also carried out regular consultation exercises and ensured staff engagement.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Anne Dorrian and seconded by Councillor John Baxter.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Note the findings from the LGA’s Corporate Peer Challenge, as detailed in Appendix A; and

2.     Approve the action plan in Appendix B.

(A report by James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate)