Decision details

The Council considered a report which sought approval of the Stevenage Borough Council Corporate Plan - Making Stevenage Even Better (2024-2027).

It was moved by Councillor Richard Henry, and seconded by Councillor Simon Speller, that the recommendation in the report be approved.

In moving the motion, Councillor Henry stated that the ‘Making Stevenage Even Better’ Corporate Plan outlined the Council’s direction of travel for the next 3 years.  It was informed by what residents had told the Council mattered to them, obtained through surveys conducted since 2021, and in which over 3,000 residents took part.  The findings represented a strong local evidence base for change, and indicated a desire by residents to prioritise:

·         Climate change and utilisation of green spaces;

·         Provision and investment in good local services;

·         Diversity of retail and investment in town centre and leisure facilities;

·         Maintenance and appeal of local areas; and

·         Community safety and prevention of crime.

Councillor Henry advised that the Council had listened to these views, and for the purposes of clarity and to provide a clear framework by which existing partnership commitments and programmes could be reflected, had categorised these areas into 5 strategic priorities and 3 cross cutting themes within the Corporate Plan, as follows:

Strategic Priorities

1.          Transforming Our Town

2.          More Social, Affordable and Good Quality Homes

3.          Thriving Neighbourhoods

4.          Tackling Climate Change

5.          Balancing the Budget

Cross-cutting Themes

1.          Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

2.          Health & Wellbeing

3.          Technology & Innovation

Councillor Henry referred to the formal public consultation carried out on the Corporate Plan in October 2023, and was pleased to report that the outcome showed a good level of support, with 69% of respondents indicating that the priorities were representative of what mattered to them.  To build on the feedback obtained and to ensure the Council promoted its activities within the Plan, he was keen that the next 4 months were used to actively promote and communicate the plans, with accessible, compelling communications packages developed for each area of work.

Councillor Henry explained that Members would be working with officers to develop a robust performance framework for monitoring and transparency purposes.  He added that over the next three years there would be difficult financial decisions, in order to balance the budget.  However, effective communication, robust performance monitoring and a commitment to the outcomes and actions set out in the Corporate Plan would provide a solid direction of travel, which would aim to make Stevenage and even better place to live, work and visit.

Following debate, and upon the motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED that new Stevenage Borough Council Corporate Plan – Making Stevenage Even Better (2024-2027) be approved.