Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor P A Watkins presented the Draft Corporate Plan 2016-2020 incorporating the recommendations made by the Cabinet at its meeting held on 29 February 2016.

It was moved by Councillor P A Watkins, duly seconded and

RESOLVED: (a)     That the revised Draft Corporate Plan 2016-2020 be approved, subject to the inclusion of the amendments below:

(i)            That under ‘Priority 1: Thriving Economy’ the following text be added: ‘Enabling and supporting growth of the economy and opportunity for investment and jobs. Working with KCC and others, to actively participate and support the development and implementation of a traffic management plan for Sandwich Town, to protect and enhance heritage, improve visitor experience, maximise the tourism sector and increase employment.’

(ii)           That wording be included recognising the contribution of the community and voluntary sector.

(b)   That the revised Draft Corporate Plan 2016 – 2020 be published on the Council’s website for consultation as an evolving document.

To consider the attached report of Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive presented the Draft Corporate Plan 2016-2020 to the Committee. The Corporate Plan had been revised to ensure the Council continued to focus on the right priorities for the district and to take work forward for the next four years within the budget available. This was an evolving document and would be placed on the Council's website for consultation. The Plan recognised the Council’s ongoing financial constraints as well as the importance to capitalise on success.

The Council’s vision was “Securing a prosperous future for the Dover district, which will be a place where people want to live, work, invest and visit.” The four priority areas would be:

1.       Thriving economy;

2.       Clean, green and safe environment;

3.       Healthier people and communities; and

4.       Smarter council

There was concern expressed from some Members that infrastructure issues throughout the district had not been addressed and that without the necessary improvements could put a constraint on development. It was the view of Members that without access to adequate schools, drainage, traffic management and broadband amongst other things it could hold up future development. In response, Councillor P A Watkins advised that these issues were the responsibility of partnership bodies and that the Council would continue to support the development of improvement. It was the opinion of Councillor M R Eddy that the issue should have been expressed more clearly in the document.

In respect of Priority One: Thriving Economy and the issue of education Councillor M R Eddy was of the opinion that the Council should be encouraging increased educational attainment. In response, Councillor P A Watkins advised Members that the Skills Funding Agency was the main lead for funding. The job fair held last year had increased the number of apprentices working for local businesses and East Kent College had recognised an increase in the number of enrolments to their courses. In addition to East Kent College, the district had 2 further higher education colleges, South Kent College and Hadlow College, as well as having a direct engagement with local academies in the district.

It was suggested by Councillor M J Holloway that additional wording be included under Priority 1: Thriving Economy and would read:

‘Enabling and supporting growth of the economy and opportunity for investment and jobs.

Working with KCC and other to actively participate and support the development and implementation of a traffic management plan for Sandwich Town, to protect and enhance heritage, improving visitor experience, maximising the tourism sector and increasing employment.’

RESOLVED:   That Cabinet decision CAB103 be endorsed and that the revised draft Corporate Plan 2016-2020 be approved and placed on the Council’s website for consultation as an evolving document, subject to the following addition:

Under ‘Priority 1: Thriving Economy’, add the text

‘Enabling and supporting growth of the economy and opportunity for investment and jobs.

Working with KCC and other to actively participate and support the development and implementation of a traffic management plan for Sandwich Town, to protect and enhance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96

To consider the report of the Chief Executive (to follow).

Responsibility: Leader of the Council

It was agreed that the revised draft Corporate Plan 2016-2020 be approved and placed on the Council’s website for consultation as an evolving document.