The Cabinet of High Peak Council met on Tuesday 11 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the addition of the housing delivery vehicle paper to the forward plan, the positive outcomes of the corporate peer challenge, the revised constitution of the Staffordshire Leaders Board, and the approval of the mowing regimes and wider biodiversity projects policy.

Housing Delivery Vehicle Paper

Councillor Proudlove requested the inclusion of the housing delivery vehicle paper in the forward plan. This addition was agreed upon and scheduled for the August 6th meeting. The housing delivery vehicle aims to address housing shortages and improve the delivery of affordable housing in the district.

Corporate Peer Challenge Update

The council reviewed the findings of the Corporate Peer Challenge Report conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA). The report praised the alliance between High Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands as impressive and effective, highlighting sound financial management, good governance, and a focus on value-for-money services. The report listed eight recommendations, all of which the administration is comfortable with. The next steps include developing an action plan to implement these recommendations and a follow-up review by the corporate peer challenge team in six months.

Andrew, a council officer, emphasised the strong relationships between members and officers, which were noted as a key strength in the report. He stated, One of the big highlights for me was one of the key strengths that's identified in the paper, which was that collectively, that's all members, relationships between members and officers was really, it was observed as being really strong.

Staffordshire Leaders Board Revised Constitution

The council discussed the revised constitution of the Staffordshire Leaders Board. The board now includes Stoke-on-Trent Council, represented by its leader, Jane Ashworth. This inclusion aims to enhance collaboration across the county and district councils in Staffordshire. The revised terms of reference were approved, and the council highlighted the importance of regular meetings and shared priorities to benefit residents.

Mowing Regimes and Wider Biodiversity Projects

Councillor Yates presented the Mowing Regimes and Wider Biodiversity Projects policy, which aims to enhance biodiversity by adjusting mowing practices. The policy is the final stage in a series of documents, including the Plan for Nature and the Green Spaces Policy. It was approved after being universally accepted at the services scrutiny meeting. Councillor Yates stressed the importance of communication with residents about the changes, stating that any modifications would include a proper communications plan.

Councillor Malle supported the policy, noting, It might be a bit expensive at first, bringing in the new equipment, but after that, it will pay dividends, especially for the wildlife.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public to discuss commercially sensitive matters.