Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 17, 2025

Purpose: To approve the adoption of the One Council Transformation Plan 2025-2030 as the guiding framework for delivery and governance of all transformation initiatives. To approve and delegate expenditure of previously earmarked Transformation Funds to develop Full Business Cases for Tier 1 Transformation Programmes and their component projects.

Content: The Committee RESOLVED:   1. (6 members voting in favour, none against and with 2 abstentions) To approve the adoption of the One Council Transformation Plan 2025-2030 as the guiding framework for the delivery, governance, and oversight of all transformation initiatives, as set out in the report.   2. (6 members voting in favour, none against and with 2 abstentions) To authorise expenditure of up to £1.2 million from previously earmarked Transformation Funds to develop Full Business Cases for Tier 1 Transformation Programmes – Better, Faster, Cheaper and Neighbourhoods and Community Empowerment, including their component projects; and to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to approve progression to Full Business Case stage within this funding limit.   3. To note that funding for the Transformation Portfolio for 2025/26 has already been approved by Full Council as part of the Budget Report and associated decisions made by the Strategy and Resources Committee in May 2025. This allocation falls within that agreed provision.   4. To note that all business case approvals must follow the Council’s decision pathway. Business cases involving expenditure over £500,000 and/or affecting two or more wards will be presented to the relevant Policy Committee for approval and to the Strategy and Resources Committee for funding drawdown. This ensures continued Committee oversight of significant financial decisions and confirms that full delegation is not being sought.   5. To note that Business Cases involving expenditure below £500,000 and not impacting two or more wards, which require Transformation Fund investment, will be presented to the Transformation Board. The Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with Executive Directors, are authorised to approve funding release upon presentation of a valid case that meets the agreed criteria.