Issue - meetings

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 15 September 2021.

The Executive will be meeting on 16 November 2021, if any matters arise at that meeting which require a decision by Council, a supplementary report will be circulated.

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 15 September 2021. The Executive had met three times on 21 September, 19 October and 16 November 2021.

The Leader highlighted the following matters that had been considered:

·       The Residents Survey on Covid 19 Impact included many insights:

·       67% of residents questioned were satisfied with the way the Council was supporting the community during pandemic which was an increase from 56% in July 2020

·       86% of residents who volunteered intended to keep volunteering in the community

·       83% residents believed the pandemic had a positive impact on appreciation of local wildlife and environment

·       54% believed the pandemic had had a negative impact on children’s education

·       The top priorities for Council identified by the survey respondents were:

·       The surplus land at the Depot Site had been offered to the Cambian Partnership with a site development plan required by October 2022

·       Due to market conditions it was agreed to defer the development decision about Market Street – Block D until 2024

·       Revised Local Development Scheme 2021 – 2024 had been agreed reflecting the latest timing for Local Plan submission before Christmas and the Joint Minerals & Waste Disposal Plan.

•       The Bracknell Neighbourhood Development Plan 2016 – 2036 “made” following the positive vote in favour of the Plan on 9 September 2021.

•       The Public Protection Partnership Business Plan 2022/23 local priorities were agreed including animal Welfare, fly tipping, licencing and air quality linked to climate change. The approach to Wokingham Borough Council leaving the Partnership was agreed.

•       The Community Hubs at Bucklers Park and Binfield were nearing completion. The preferred approach was for Parish Councils to operate and there was recognition of cost pressures so possible support package to be agreed. Alternative procurement approaches were also agreed.

•       The Equality Scheme 2022-25 was agreed, actions from the Scheme would be reflected in 2022/23 Service Plans and were based on five objectives:

o   Inclusive in all we do

o   Accessible for all

o   Accountable and Fair

o   Diverse and inclusive workforce

o   Recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic

•       The Education Capital Strategy 2022-26 was agreed to address surplus capacity at primary stage and discuss with Headteachers and Governors the future use of school estate with the potential to enhance the local special needs offer.

•       The Strategic procurement plan for All Age Advocacy Tender was agreed.

•       The distribution and procurement approach agreed for supermarket vouchers to meet March 2022 distribution deadline for the Household Support Grant

•       A proposal to acquire six properties via S106 and borrowing was discussed to address the shortage of one bedroom accommodation for temporary placements of homeless households.

•       The Overview and Scrutiny review of Food Waste in Flats and HMO’s examined options for extending successful food waste collection scheme. Recommendations agreed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28