Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Change and Delivery.

That the Corporate Strategy 2022/2023 be approved.

The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson presented the report of the Director of Change and Delivery which sought approval for the refresh of the Corporate Strategy 2022/2023.

Over the past 12 months, key achievements included enabling a strong recovery from the pandemic and protecting residents and businesses from global economic challenges.  The council had supported communities with a cost of living action plan, provided grants and assistance for local businesses, and developed new opportunities.

Other successful outcomes include completion of the renovations and re-opening of Astley Hall, significant progress with Strawberry Meadows to provide more space for businesses, and works to the town centre market encouraging footfall to support local traders. 

Access to housing had been improved through the development of a registered provider framework for the main social providers in the district, as well as targeted action to prevent homelessness.  As part of transforming the way the Council works, greater use of technology had been deployed to improve the customer experience including a new telephony system and better use of technology to manage waste and grot spots across the borough. 

The Strategy had been revised to focus on ensuring that Chorley would be in the best possible position for the future.  The Council was committed to addressing the issues that matter most for Chorley by delivering action to ‘make it happen’ so that everyone can thrive in a prosperous borough.

Key issues include housing, climate change, community resilience and wellbeing.  The town centre, jobs and skills, events and activities for families to do also remain as central themes towards achieving prosperity for all.

The four new priorities were:

·           Housing where residents can live well,

·           A green and sustainable borough,

·           An enterprising economy with vibrant local centres in urban and rural areas,

·           Healthy, safe and engaged communities.

The performance measures have also been reviewed and updated.  Six indicators have been amended and targets updated to reflect performance over the past months as well as to better align to future priorities.  Three new indicators have been included to ensure a comprehensive view of performance across the year and reflect the new delivery programme.

The key projects that will be delivered under each priority, to support the Council to meet its commitments were:

Housing where residents can live well

·           Deliver affordable housing

·           Deliver flexible housing solutions

·           Open the extra care scheme at Tatton Gardens

·           Implement a home energy support scheme

·           Deliver the Local Plan

A green and sustainable borough

·           Deliver natural green initiatives

·           Launch Sustainable Energy Package for Businesses

·           Improve our council buildings

·           Develop use of green energy in the Borough

·           Deliver improvements to public transport networks

An enterprising economy with vibrant local centres in urban and rural areas

·           Open Strawberry Meadows

·           Continue Development at Astley Hall

·           Launch a Skills and Jobs Programme

·           Deliver improvements to local service centres

Healthy, safe and engaged communities

·           Increase digital connectivity in the rural areas

·           Provide support for families and young people to start and live well

·           Deliver the Cost of Living Action Plan

·           Deliver a health and wellbeing programme

·           Deliver high quality, responsive council services

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Alan Cullens, noted the confidential item relating to affordable homes later on the agenda.  Dissatisfaction rates and the dropped call rate were noted, as challenges, but these were improving.

In response to a query from Councillor Martin Boardman Councillor Wilson confirmed the proposals later on the agenda would guarantee the delivery of the units in question.  Detail on the project to increase digital connectivity in the rural areas would be shared following the meeting. 

It was acknowledged that some projects were behind schedule, but there were reasons stated for this. 

The need to support residents through the cost of living crisis was acknowledged.  The council was working with partners on this and would continue to monitor the needs of the community. 

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson proposed and the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley seconded and it was Resolved (by majority 31:9:1)

That the Corporate Strategy 2022/2023 be approved.