Issue - meetings

Cabinet

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL 

(a)   consider and approve the 2020-25 Business Plan at Appendix A (with the Action Plan primarily focused on delivery 2022-23); and

(b)   authorise the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Deputy Leader.

Council Agreed to

A)        Approve the 2020-25 Business Plan at Appendix A (with the Action Plan primarily focused on delivery 2022-23); and

B)        Authorise the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Deputy Leader.

Councillor Bridget Smith presented this report on the Council’s Business Plan which ensured officer and financial resources were allocated appropriately to achieve the actions and objectives detailed within it.

Councillor Neil Gough stated that the five year Business Plan focused on helping businesses to grow, delivering affordable homes, being green to core and prioritising the needs of customers. Due to the impact of Covid-19 considerable practical support had been provided to businesses over the last two years. He thanked officers for their work on this, which had been provided in addition to their usual duties. The next phase would include further support to communities, and renovation work on Council houses, promoting businesses at Northstowe, awarding more zero carbon grants and working to deliver the doubling nature strategy. These measures could not be achieved without a sound financial strategy.

It was noted that on page 57 of the agenda the name of the document was missing in the bullet points at the bottom of the page.

Councillor Heather Williams supported the Council’s zero carbon targets and its environment initiatives. However, she expressed concern regarding the financial implications of the Investment Strategy, which the Business Plan was reliant on. She suggested that the Council had residents and not customers or clients, as residents relied on this authority for its services and could not consider an alternative supplier.

Councillor Gavin Clayton welcomed the Encompass training and the training regarding Travellers awareness but expressed concern that this was not included in the Business Plan. He expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress regarding Cambourne High Street. He supported efforts to ensure that residents claimed the benefits that they were entitled to. He wanted to know whether plastic waste was being recycled in the UK.

Councillor Bridget Smith proposed and Councillor Brian Milnes seconded the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and were cast as follows:

In favour (19):

Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Paul Bearpark, Anna Bradnam, Dr Martin Cahn, Dr Claire Daunton, Corinne Garvie, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Sally Ann Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr Tumi Hawkins, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Dawn Percival, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

Against (9):

Councillors Ruth Betson, Dr Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Dr Richard Williams.

Abstain (1):

Councillor Gavin Clayton.

Council Agreed to

A)       Approve the 2020-25 Business Plan at Appendix A (with the Action Plan primarily focused on delivery 2022-23); and

B)       Authorise the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Deputy Leader.

Cabinet:

a)    Considered the proposed 2020-25 Business Plan at Appendix A (with the Action Plan primarily focused on delivery 2022-23) and recommend it to Council for approval, with any amendments as required.

b)    Authorised the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Deputy Leader.

This decision was first published on Monday 7 February and so the deadline for call-in is Monday 14 February at 5 pm.

Cabinet:

a)    Considered the proposed 2020-25 Business Plan at Appendix A (with the Action Plan primarily focused on delivery 2022-23) and recommend it to Council for approval, with any amendments as required.

b)    Authorised the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Deputy Leader.

Cabinet received the Council’s 2020-2025 Business Plan. Councillor Neil Gough, the Deputy Leader introduced the report, and noted the plan was continuing the Council’s progress over the previous three years.

Councillor Anna Bradnam was supportive of the business plan, and the continued support for local business throughout the pandemic.

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of the Council, closed the discussion, and Cabinet:

a)    Considered the proposed 2020-25 Business Plan at Appendix A (with the Action Plan primarily focused on delivery 2022-23) and recommend it to Council for approval, with any amendments as required.

b)    Authorised the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Deputy Leader.