Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 15, 2025

Purpose: To consider the report of the Leader seeking approval of a new Corporate Plan.

Content: Having complied with paragraph 15 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules:   i)  To approve the Southampton City Council Corporate Plan 2025-28 set out at Appendix 1. ii)  To delegate authority to the Chief Executive to make minor amendments as necessary to the Corporate Plan after consultation with the Leader of the Council. iii)  To refer the Southampton City Council Corporate Plan 2025-28 to Council for endorsement and noting.

Reasons for the decision: 1.  This report is submitted for consideration as a General Exception under paragraph 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules in Part 4 of the City Council’s Constitution, notice having been given to the Chair of the relevant Scrutiny Panel and the Public. The matter requires a decision as consideration of the draft SCC Corporate Plan was bought forward so that it could be considered alongside the Southampton 2035 City Plan at the July Cabinet meeting. Aligning decision making for these two items reflects the close interrelation between the Corporate Plan and Southampton 2035 City Plan and responds to the urgency highlighted in the recent LGA Corporate Peer Challenge recommendations. 2.  The SCC Corporate Plan provides an updated framework for the council, reflecting the missions of the Southampton 2035 City Plan and the core priorities of the Council. The Corporate Plan responds to the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge recommendation and provides clarity on the organisation’s core priorities.

Alternative options considered: The current Corporate Plan could have been retained however this would not have addressed the issues highlighted in the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and would not result in greater clarity of the organisation’s priorities or alignment with the Southampton 2035 City Plan missions.