Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Chief Executive.

That the report be noted.

On behalf of the Council, the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, thanked Vicky Willett, Director of Change and Delivery, for her hard work and commitment to the Council, and wished her all the best in her new role.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley presented the Council’s Annual Report which summarised the council’s achievements during 2022/23.

The report detailed performance against each of the council’s key priority areas, highlighting successful delivery of key projects.  These include:

·            Involving residents in improving their local area and equality of access for all

·            Clean safe and healthy communities

·            A strong local economy

·            An ambitious council that does more to meet the needs of residents and the local area

Despite the challenging period due to the cost of living crisis and inflation affecting the economy, the Council had continued to deliver against its priorities and provided support to local residents and businesses that have been most impacted.

Looking ahead, challenges for the Council include continuing to support residents and businesses to recover from unprecedented challenges within the economy, including the cost of living crisis and managing the increase demand on services that the Council provides.

The Corporate Strategy for 2023/24 has been fully refreshed with new priorities and action, building on the work undertaken in 2022/23.

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson, thanked officers of the council for their work on projects and their delivery of services for the residents of the Borough.

Councillors Mark Clifford and Jean Sherwood contributed to the debate. 

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.