Agenda item

Corporate Plan and Budget for 2020/21.

Minutes:

The Leader moved the item, noting that it was the first Budget and Corporate Plan for the new administration. He thanked the Scrutiny Committee for Leader, Finance and Performance for their scrutiny of the budget on 15 January. He noted that there have been significant changes to Council finances over the last decade and the Council has responded effectively to set a bold and ambitious agenda. This has included investing in assets to generate new income to support services, ensuring the Council is financially independent, using technology to modernise services and ensuring that work is carefully prioritised on behalf of Mid Sussex residents. The administration has also been bold in bringing investment and resources into the District both from Government and the private sector, exercising significant leadership and influence with regional and national partners on behalf of Mid Sussex.

 

The Leader drew Members attention to some further key areas contained within the plan:

 

1)         Sustainable Economic Growth – Through measures such as continuing the grants programme to support microbusinesses, the preparation of a marketing strategy for the District, the delivery of a new Parking Strategy and consideration of the deliverability of a Business Improvement District. Also through developing better infrastructure with better digital connectivity and the Burgess Hill Growth Programme.

 

2)         Environment – Continuing the work outlined in the Sustainability Strategy including the roll out of the first food waste recycling project in West Sussex and a network of electrical vehicle charging points across the District.

 

The Leader acknowledged the two amendments on environment and sustainability matters put forward by the Liberal Democrats and on behalf of the Conservative group he confirmed that these were accepted and to be included in the overall recommendations to be voted on.

 

3)         Planning for the future of our communities – In the next year the Council will begin the 5 year review of the District Plan.  Work will also continue to explore options to expand the provision of temporary accommodation for homeless households in the District, and on the regeneration of the Orchards Shopping Centre to ensure it is fit for purpose going forward.

 

Discussion was held on the work the Council has carried out to address environmental issues and climate change, and the projects proposed going forward. Members were supportive of the cross-party approach to incorporate the amendment into the recommendations. It was noted by some that the Scrutiny Committees are the platform to raise such proposals, and that the current amendment reinforces work that is already taking place. Two Members agreed that the Council should proceed with work to combat climate change from a position of leverage, to ensure that the Council’s actions encourage others to follow and that the Council needs to remain proactive in public relations on the various initiative taking place.  A Member requested further action to ensure new homes are built to incorporate renewable energy, and for work to progress on promoting walking and cycling within the District. Clarification was provided on the photovoltaic panels installed on the Council’s roof, and the energy they produce.

 

A number of Members commended Officers and the Scrutiny Committee for the work in preparing a strong and balanced Corporate Plan and Budget and for the cross party working to come to an agreement on the recommendations.

 

Discussion was held regarding economic growth and sustainability and the importance of including villages in this development work. The Cabinet Member confirmed that villages were included in the call for employment sites as part of the site allocations DPD work, with limited response. Villages will be included in the fresh call for sites for the next District Plan review. A Member welcomed the continuation of the grants for microbusiness and shop fronts as a way to encourage local businesses and highlighted that sustainability would be the main focus of the next Open for Business event.

 

It was noted that there is no budget for the Council priority projects and this should be reviewed regularly throughout the year by the relevant Scrutiny Committee.

 

A Member noted the importance of continuous investment in technology to continue, and for investment in open spaces which are key areas for the wellbeing of the community.

 

Discussion was held on the initiatives underway with the Mid Sussex Partnership and local schools to combat anti-social behaviour within the District.  The Cabinet Member noted that £50,000 is allocated to continue such projects as well as budget provision for a new Anti-Social Behaviour Officer.

 

A Member sought clarification on scenario planning in the light of current uncertainties facing the Country. The Leader noted that the Council has demonstrated the ability to be agile in responding to external influences and continues to engage with all partnerships for contingency planning. Regarding Covid-19 concerns, the Council is following advice from Public Health England, and has well established business continuity plans should it be necessary.

 

A discussion was held on the number of trees managed within the District. It was noted that according to a recent Sussex Biodiversity report 29% of Mid Sussex is covered by trees, which is above the national average of 13%. The Council uses software to map trees. A Member attended the recent meeting of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and agreed to share the minutes of this meeting as it pertained to tree planting and other biodiverse measures in place.

 

In response to a Member’s question regarding the approved West Sussex County Council Budget and potential risk to Mid Sussex, the Leader acknowledged the challenges faced by the County Council and confirmed that there have been improvements in partnership working to ensure this Council is included in early discussion on issues that may have a direct impact to the District.

 

Councillor Knight seconded the item, noting that it has been robustly debated at the Scrutiny meeting. He noted that the Budget and Corporate Plan is ambitious and has a net benefit to all parts of the District. The Council continues to support residents, maintain financial independence and provide value for money, with services delivered to target.

 

The Chairman took Members to a recorded vote in accordance with the budget regulations:

 

 

For

Against

Abstained

Councillor G Allen

a

 

 

Councillor Ash-Edwards

a

 

 

Councillor R Bates

a

 

 

Councillor J Belsey

a

 

 

Councillor M Belsey

a

 

 

Councillor A Bennett

a

 

 

Councillor L Bennett

a

 

 

Councillor P Bradbury

a

 

 

Councillor P Brown

a

 

 

Councillor R Cartwright

a

 

 

Councillor P Chapman

a

 

 

Councillor R Clarke

a

 

 

Councillor E Coe-Gunnell White

a

 

 

Councillor P Coote

a

 

 

Councillor M Cornish

a

 

 

Councillor R Cromie

a

 

 

Councillor J Dabell

a

 

 

Councillor R De Mierre

a

 

 

Councillor B Dempsey

a

 

 

Councillor R Eggleston

a

 

 

Councillor S Ellis

a

 

 

Councillor L Gibbs

a

 

 

Councillor I Gibson

a

 

 

Councillor S Hatton

a

 

 

Councillor J Henwood

a

 

 

Councillor S Hicks

a

 

 

Councillor S Hillier

a

 

 

Councillor T Hussain

a

 

 

Councillor R Jackson

a

 

 

Councillor J Knight

a

 

 

Councillor C Laband

a

 

 

Councillor Andrew Lea

a

 

 

Councillor Anthea Lea

a

 

 

Councillor J Lewellyn-Burke

a

 

 

Councillor A MacNaughton

a

 

 

Councillor J Mockford

a

 

 

Councillor A Peacock

a

 

 

Councillor C Phillips

a

 

 

Councillor M Pulfer

a

 

 

Councillor R Salisbury

a

 

 

Councillor S Smith

a

 

 

Councillor A Sparasci

a

 

 

Councillor L Stockwell

a

 

 

Councillor D Sweatman

a

 

 

Councillor N Walker

a

 

 

Councillor R Webb

a

 

 

Councillor N Webster

a

 

 

Councillor R Whittaker

a

 

 

 

The 48 Members present voted in support.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council resolved to approve the Corporate Plan and Budget for 2020/21 as set out in the report.

 

 

Supporting documents: