Agenda item

Report of the Chief Officers Executive

The Chief Officers Executive submitted a report (previously circulated) to introduce the draft Council Plan to Members of this Scrutiny Committee and sought comments from Members.

The submitted report stated that the Council Plan outlined the long-term ambitions for Darlington and the priorities the Council sought to deliver over the forthcoming three years (2024-2027). It was highlighted that the Plan gave strategic direction to the Council, defined priorities and shaped delivery, whilst providing clarity to residents, businesses and stakeholders on the Council’s values, what the Council identified as important and what the Council would do.

It was reported that the public consultation on the draft Plan was open and ran from 6 March 2024 to 25 April 2024, and that the Council was seeking views from residents, businesses, charities and key stakeholders. The submitted report stated that it was intended that the finalised Plan would be submitted to Cabinet and Council in May for approval and adoption. In introducing the report, the Portfolio Holder for Adults Services outlined the key aims for the ‘Living Well’ priority within the Plan.

Discussion ensued on the plans and strategies that underpin the Council Plan, and whether any relevant plans and strategies would be presented to this Committee. Members were keen to understand what performance measures were being drafted to enable them to scrutinise the work being undertaken to achieve the priorities identified within the Council Plan. More specifically, Members were keen to see more work undertaken to analyse the provider market and high cost care packages, and were interested to learn more about the support being offered around mental health.  

Members wanted to ascertain how the consultation had been publicised more widely, and requested greater focus on improving the lives of the elderly and encouraging healthier lifestyles, both in terms of diet and physical wellbeing.     

RESOLVED – That the draft Council Plan 2024-27 be noted.