Agenda item

To receive the report of the Leader and Chief Executive

The Chief Executive introduced the report, the purpose of which was to present the draft Strategic Plan 2023-2028 prior to publication for consultation.

Following the Chief Executive’s introduction, the ICT, Strategy and Performance Manager continued the presentation of the report giving an overview of the background on the creation of the draft consultation and the way forward if Members approved the Strategic Plan to be published for consultation.

The Leader then addressed the Committee and gave special thanks to the ICT, Strategy & Performance Manager for all his work on the Strategic Plan. He also thanked all Members that attended the Strategic Plan Workshop and all Lead Members who attended the smaller sessions. He expressed how well it had all gone and was proud of the effort made by all.

He urged Members to support the consultation of the Strategic Plan which shows TDC’s aims, objectives and ambitions. This Strategic Plan would provide a better environment for local communities and when he meets with the Minister, TDC would be in a strong position.

The Leader moved the recommendation in the report.

The Chair asked for any questions from the Committee.

Councillor Hames suggested an amendment to the Our Environment Our Future part of the Strategic Plan. He proposed the word ‘promote’ in the sentence - promote carbon reduction and energy efficiency across the existing Council asst base - be replaced with ‘achieve’.

The Chair stressed that this is the draft Strategic Plan.

Councillor J Craigie seconded Councillor P Hames’ amendment.

Councillor J Craigie added a further amendment that was seconded by Councillor P Hames. He requested that Social Housing be included to the sentence - increase the availability and quality of homes to meet local needs including Social Housing - within the Communities, Health & Housing section in the Strategic Plan.

The ICT, Strategy & Performance Manager advised that when Housing was discussed as a group it was decided that Social Housing would be included within the consultation and implementation of the Housing Strategy.

Councillor C Hodson, as Lead Member for Homelessness and Housing Need supported what the ICT, Strategy and Performance Manager had advised and re-iterated that the Housing Strategy would encompass all aspects of housing needs. She expressed how she shared Councillor J Craigie’s concerns and reassured him that Social Housing would be included in the Housing Strategy.

In response to a query, the Chief Executive explained the process for the Levelling Up projects, work that was currently ongoing and how TDC Members’ input and ideas would feed into this. 

The Leader added that a pattern needs to be established on how TDC can move forward in collaboration with other organisations. He advised of joint working and activities that are ongoing surrounding the Local Plan, Housing and Devon Futures. Once a pattern had been established it would be presented to the Minister and then when the focus and allocation of money had been confirmed projects could progress with input from Members. He confirmed that TDC’s aims need to align with the Governments aims and urged Members to put their efforts into the consultation of the Strategic Plan. 

Councillor Harding seconded the proposal by Councillor K James to approve the recommendations in the report.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hames, seconded by Councillor J Craigie and –

Resolved:

That the word ‘promote’ in the sentence - promote carbon reduction and energy efficiency across the existing Council asset base be substituted with ‘achieve’ be agreed.

(Vote: For – 17, against – 12, abstentions – 0)

Councillor J Craigie requested a recorded vote to which five other Members supported.

It was proposed by Councillor J Craigie, seconded by Councillor P Hames and –

Resolved:

That the first sentence within the Communities, Health & Housing section of the Strategic Plan be approved to read - increase the availability and quality of homes to meet local needs including Social Housing.

A recorded vote was taken. 

(Vote: For – 8, against – 15, abstentions – 6)

Motion was lost.

It was proposed by Councillor K James, seconded by Councillor S Harding and –

Resolved:

That the draft Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028 be approved and published for consultation.

(Vote: For – 27, against – 1, abstentions – 1)