Cabinet Portfolio Holders: Councillors Kam Kaur and Peter Butlin

This report outlines the content of the Council Plan 2025 and the planned work to ensure its accessibility. Council is asked to approve the plan.

Resolved:

That Council approve the Council Plan 2025.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe (Leader of the Council) moved the recommendation and was seconded by Councillor Kam Kaur (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation).

In introducing the Council Plan 2025 Councillor Seccombe expressed a common desire to make Warwickshire the best it can be. She noted that Warwickshire is in good shape but that, like other councils, Warwickshire County Council is required to manage reduced resources and increasing demand for services. The Council’s finances are healthy, and this can be attributed to good financial management by officers. Savings of £58.5m will be required over the next three years but there will continue to be the need to protect the most vulnerable in society whist working to stimulate the economy in the light of the upcoming government comprehensive spending review.

Council was reminded of many of its achievements. These include a 29% increase in the number of social workers, greater commercialism, the acquisition of the Pears Centre in Exhall for the delivery of special care services for young people, the success of the reablement service, the continuing delivery of safe and well inspections by the Fire and Rescue Service, support for the local economy and young people seeking to become work ready and the condition of the County’s highway network.

Councillor Seccombe emphasised the need to take account of and mitigate against climate change adding that population growth and increasing demand for services will make it of greater importance that communities are able to support themselves.

It was emphasised that the new plan has a focus on enhancing service delivery and not on the need to make savings.

Amendment 1 – Liberal Democrat.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) moved an amendment, seconded by Councillor Sarah Boad (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) who reserved the right speak, comprising 3 elements. This stated, 

“Amendment 1.1

Page 7 Climate Change

In box ref UN amend to read as follows "we will make sure our work is in line with the Committee on Climate Change and UN Sustainable Development Goals".

https://www.theccc.org.uk

Home - Committee on Climate Change

The UK has committed to becoming a Net Zero economy by 2050. Meeting that goal requires a transformation in land use across the UK. Read our new report.

www.theccc.org.uk

Amendment 1.2

Page 3 Vision

Priority Warwickshire's Communities

Add extra section Work with partners to reduce the level of Child Poverty across Warwickshire.

Amendment 1.3

Page 3 Vision

Priority Warwickshire's economy

Add extra section, become a leader by working with partners, Universities in creating a circular economy for Warwickshire.

Also Change box with UN goals (is in line with the Committee on Climate Change and UN Sustainable Development Goals).

In support of the Liberal Democrat Group amendments, Councillor Roodhouse expressed his general support for the plan but made the following points.

·         The UN sustainability goals as cited in the plan are very aspirational. It is the Committee on Climate Change that undertakes work on risk. The Council should base its objectives on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2