Meeting documents

Recommendation 81 – Corporate Plan - Draft Refresh 2017-18 and Outcomes Focused Monitoring Report, May

2017

Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) update

In relation to minute 82, concern was expressed in relation to forecasted overspends, particularly in relation to social care aspects of the Council’s statutory responsibilities, and the need to challenge the Government regarding local authority funding in the strongest terms possible. The Leader responded to acknowledge the serious issue and that the Cabinet was aware of increased pressure on budgets, together with increasing demands and cost. It was further explained that weekly updates were being held regarding the budget position in the high priority areas of social care. There was also frequent dialogue with MPs about issues including the need for an increase in funding nationally.  Further work was needed to ensure that adequate systems were in place to deliver services to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.

Frustration was expressed by a number of councillors about the timescales to complete Traffic Regulation Orders, due to the impact of budgetary constraints.  It was clarified that the advertisement costs of orders was high and this was a barrier to the speed of completion.  The Corporate Director for Environment and Economy and the Monitoring Officer explained the advertising element of the orders, and that it was currently law to require authorities to advertise in local newspapers.

In respect of financial contributions to enable TROs to be dealt with sooner, it was noted that priority orders were based only on health and safety grounds and that it was possible to provide financial contributions to speed up the process of dealing with orders that had no safety issues.  It was recognised that representations could be made to increase pressure on the need for alternatives, to which councillors welcomed investigations to find an alternative solution.

Cabinet Forward Plan

In relation to minute 79, and the planning of items to be considered by overview and scrutiny committees prior to Cabinet consideration, councillors were notified that a meeting between Cabinet members and Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairmen was due to be arranged following the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on 21 July 2017.

Corporate Plan - Draft Refresh 2017-18 and Outcomes Focused Monitoring Report, May 2017

In relation to recommendation 81, reservations were expressed regarding the need for an indicator to be included in the Corporate Plan to reflect benchmarking and monitoring of air pollution and air quality, especially as deaths related to pollution were the equivalent of 10 per day nationally totalling 44,000 per year.  It was clarified that the Joint Public Health Board was leading a review of air quality and monitoring across Dorset which considered factors including the climate, urban and rural impacts, and also coastal impact.  Once information was understood and the direction of travel was established this area would be considered as an indicator within the Corporate Plan.

It was also explained that there were a range of indicators that were shared with public sector partners, and some were shaped by communities. It was important to use information to show the impact on Dorset’s population.

Resolved

That the report of the meeting held on 28 June 2017 be adopted and recommendation 81 be approved.

Recommendation 81 - Corporate Plan - Draft Refresh 2017-18 and Outcomes Focused Monitoring Report, May 2017

That the County Council be recommended to approve the draft Corporate Plan at Appendix A of the Leader’s report.

Reason for Recommendation

The 2017-18 Corporate Plan provided an overarching strategic framework for monitoring progress towards good outcomes for Dorset. The outcome indicators summarised in the report provided enhanced evidence to the Cabinet, The Audit and Governance Committee and the three Overview and Scrutiny committees so that progress against the corporate plan could be monitored effectively.