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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.