Issue - meetings

Report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services

The Assistant Director for Corporate Services presented the Mid-point Review of the Corporate Strategy 2024-2027, which provided an update on progress of the strategic tasks within the council’s four key priorities of Quality of Life, Efficient Services, Sustainable Growth and The Environment. It was noted that the Council was now two-years through the delivery of the four-year Strategy, and the Group were asked to consider whether the objectives set by the Council in December 2023 remain relevant, achievable and desirable against the backdrop of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The report highlighted some of the key achievements and the Council’s financial position. The Group were asked to consider extending the current Corporate Strategy by a further 12-month period to March 2028 which would lead to vesting day of the new authority under the LGR proposals.

Councillor Combellack asked whether amendments could be made to the strategy. The Assistant Director for Corporate Services explained the strategy was a live document and yes tasks can be added or removed during its operational monitoring, adding the Council should have a clearer idea around what’s on the horizon with regards to LGR within the next six months.

Councillor Gaunt raised some concerns in respect of the review of the Council’s assets and the sale of assets as identified through the asset review, reported to and approved by the Asset Management Group and Cabinet and asked whether this should be a Council decision. The Assistant Director for Corporate Services explained that there are strict rules and governance around the acquisition and sale of assets now that the Council is actively undertaking LGR.

Councillor Plant asked a specific question relating to the Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station and whether there had been any further movement on this and asked what community leadership meant in context to the site’s development. The Assistant Director for Corporate Services explained the community leadership involved local parishes, the landowner Uniper, EMCCA and businesses to influence the delivery of the site. It was noted that a briefing note from the East Midlands Freeport was circulated in December and that a further scrutiny request has been submitted for the item to come back to Growth and Development Scrutiny Group.

It was RESOLVED that Corporate Overview Group:

a)    Considered the information provided outlining the Council’s progress towards delivering the 2024-2027 Corporate Strategy

b)    Discussed whether the remaining Strategic Tasks in the 2024-2027 Corporate Strategy continue to be relevant, achievable and desirable to deliver

c)     Highlighted any additional Strategic Tasks that it would be prudent to include in the Corporate Strategy for its remaining two years

d)    Approved extending the life of the Corporate Strategy by an additional yea to lead the authority through to Vesting Day under LGR