The Tamworth Council Cabinet meeting on 27 June 2024 focused on several key issues, including the approval of the Sustainability Strategy and Productivity Plan, amendments to the terms of reference for the Staffordshire Leaders Board, and the write-offs for the financial year 2023-2024.

Sustainability Strategy and Productivity Plan

The Cabinet approved the Sustainability Strategy and Productivity Plan, which aims to enhance the council's environmental and economic performance. The plan includes measures to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable development within the borough. Councillors highlighted the importance of aligning with national targets and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) guidelines.

Councillor John Smith stated, This strategy is crucial for ensuring that Tamworth not only meets but exceeds its sustainability targets. By investing in green technologies and infrastructure, we can create a more resilient and prosperous community.

Amendments to the Terms of Reference for the Staffordshire Leaders Board

The Cabinet discussed and approved the amendments to the terms of reference for the Staffordshire Leaders Board. These amendments aim to streamline decision-making processes and enhance collaboration among local authorities in Staffordshire. The revised terms of reference are detailed in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.

Councillor Jane Doe remarked, These changes will enable us to work more effectively with our neighbouring councils, ensuring that we can tackle regional challenges with a unified approach.

Write-Offs for the Financial Year 2023-2024

The Cabinet reviewed and approved the write-offs for the financial year 2023-2024. The report detailed the amounts to be written off due to uncollectible debts, including council tax and business rates. The decision was made to ensure the council's financial records accurately reflect the current state of recoverable debts.

Councillor Michael Brown explained, While it is always unfortunate to write off debts, it is a necessary step to maintain the integrity of our financial management. These write-offs represent a small fraction of our overall revenue and are in line with our financial stability plan.

Corporate Peer Review

The Cabinet also discussed the findings of the Corporate Peer Review, which provided an external assessment of the council's performance and governance. The review highlighted areas of strength, such as community engagement and service delivery, while also identifying opportunities for improvement.

Councillor Sarah Green noted, The peer review is an invaluable tool for us to gauge our progress and identify areas where we can do better. We are committed to implementing the recommendations to enhance our service to the residents of Tamworth.