To receive a report on Central Bedfordshire’s Five Year Plan: 2015-20.

The Director for Improvement and Corporate Resources delivered a report and presentation which set out the draft priorities in relation to the Council’s Five Year Plan. In addition the Leader explained the importance of ensuring the priorities and areas of focus were appropriate.

In light of the presentation Members discussed the following in detail:-

·           Whether it was correct to prioritise housing for older people, as housing for families was equally as important.

·           The importance of ensuring that every school leaver was work ready, in terms of practical skills as well as academic achievement.

·           Whether an efficient and responsive Council should be considered ‘business as usual’ rather than a specified priority. In response the Chief Finance Officer urged caution in changing this priority as there was detail contained within it with regards to freezing Council Tax.

·           The need for excellent transport infrastructure (including road, buses and rail) and the need for a robust parking strategy due to existing and future pressures. The Deputy Executive Member highlighted the need to re-educate people with regards to the use of cars and that the Council had a duty to be proactive in providing alternative methods of travel and parking provision. The current lack of rail provision in Dunstable was highlighted as a concern, particularly with regards to the large scale development required in the area.

·           The use of jargon within the document which the Director agreed would be amended.

·           The additional pressures placed on the Council due to funding decisions taken by the NHS as some services were transferred to Local Authority control.

·           The need for promotion of the use of open spaces to influence positive outcomes with regards to health, families and anti social behaviour.

RECOMMENDED:-

1.         That the Committee support the strategic vision and priorities listed within the Five Year Plan;

2.         That in light of the feedback provided by the Committee, Officers provide more detail on the specific areas discussed by the Committee in the document provided to the public.