Issue - meetings

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 17 January 2018.

Council is asked to note the Executive decisions detailed in the report.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bettison OBE, presented his report on the work of the Executive since that reported at the Council meeting on 17 January 2018. The Executive had met twice on 23 January and 13 February 2018.

The Council noted the Executive decisions detailed in the report. The Leader highlighted the following matters that had been considered:

·         It was noted that the Executive’s recommendations relating to the Council’s revenue budget and capital programme would be considered separately on the Council’s agenda.

·         The Council had already considered the consultation on the Draft Local Plan at its Extraordinary meeting on 1 February 2018.

·         The creation of the proposed Bracknell Forest lottery had been supported in principle and a Working Group would be established to consider the detail with supplier, Gatherwell and local voluntary sector. A further viability report would be considered in the summer.

·         The Executive had agreed to the creation of a new post, Director of Public Health to increase local focus. Bracknell Forest would continue to participate in pan Berkshire arrangements for health protection and some cross boundary contracts. Interviews for the post would be in late March.

·         School Places Plan and Capacity Strategy: There had been a significant increase in pupil numbers since 2009. This was being addressed by £125m of investment of additional capacity across borough. Further growth was expected until 2023 when they are expected to be 1,441 Primary pupils (14% increase) and 1,523 Secondary pupils (22%). However it was noted that the timing of the arrival of children was largely dictated by developers and the plan set out the Council’s planned response to these changes.

·         The Procurement plan for Internal Audit had been agreed.

In relation to the Bracknell Forest Lottery Councillor Mrs Temperton queried whether the raised funds by the lottery would be used as a supplement for the voluntary sector organisations or replace the current revenue stream. Councillor Bettison OBE confirmed that funds available would be in addition to existing funding provided.