Agenda item

Report of the Chief Officers Executive.

The Leader introduced the report of the Chief Officers Executive (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the Council Plan 2020/23 (also previously circulated).

The submitted report stated that the Council Plan set out the proposed vision for the Council together with key actions to achieve that vision; the draft plan was originally presented to and approved by Cabinet on 7 January 2020 (Minute C94(4)Jan/20 refers); following a period of public consultation, a further report on the outcome of the consultation was presented to Cabinet on 3 March 2020 (Minute C118(1)/Mar/20 refers) when it was agreed the draft plan be presented to Full Council to seek approval; the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown had prevented the Plan from being submitted to Full Council; and that nine months had passed since the Plan was originally given Cabinet approval, and that while the plan remained largely unchanged, it had been updated to reflect the impacts of COVID-19, progress against some of the original key actions, and a change to one of the portfolio holders. 

A Member in attendance at the meeting addressed Cabinet in respect of the plan particularly in relation to children and young people and highlighted the need to improve relations with all of Darlington’s education bodies from nurseries through to sixth form colleges; youth employment, which was significantly higher than the national average; and the number of children that were living in poverty in Darlington.  Reference was also made to the importance of receiving a fair and stable funding forecast / formula to enable the Council to plan and achieve its vision.

The Leader and Cabinet Members with the Health and Housing, Children and Young People and Economy Portfolios responded thereon.

RECOMMENDED – That it be recommended to Council that the Council Plan 2020/23, as appended to the submitted report, be approved.

REASON– To seek approval of the Council Plan.