Issue - meetings

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 23 February 2022.

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 23 February 2022. The Executive had met once on 15 March 2022.

The Leader highlighted the following matters that had been considered:

·       As part of the LGA programme on behalf of DLUCH a Peer Review was conducted in November 2021. The main outcome was that Bracknell Forest Council was “an organisation that knows what it wants to do and how to do it”. There were eight recommendations with three relating to replacing the Chief Executive with the others relating to emerging from Covid and re-engaging with residents.

·       An enhanced partnership agreed with local bus operators was a requirement to access future funding allocations as part of the National Bus Strategy.

·       The Highways Infrastructure & Asset Management Plan sets out the future approach to long term maintenance of assets including 460km highways, 534km footways/cycleways, 193 structures (e.g. bridges), 21,598 drainage gullies, 14,138 lamp columns and 20km railings.

·       The Highways & Transport Capital programme 2022/23 of £4.013m had been agreed with 85% externally funded.

·       Procurement Plans had been agreed for Domestic Abuse Refuge & Outreach Services and Environmental monitoring.

·       S75 Agreement with Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group had been extended to allow new agreement to be developed with Integrated Care System for 2023/24 onwards.

·       Since the Executive meeting two Government Schemes supporting Ukrainian refugees had been introduced e.g. Family Visa Scheme and Homes for Ukraine. The Council had established a web page with contact information with a range of signposting advice for anyone arriving from Ukraine or their family members, set up a dedicated email address, published guidance leaflets for hosts and guests and had regular engagement with the local Ukrainian and Russian communities as well as co-ordinating support with voluntary and church sectors. Support measures included a welcome pack from the Kerith Centre, a £200 payment and assigning a link worker. There were some challenges due to lack of information about the number of families arriving, their travel information or where they would be staying. The Council was reliant on families contacting the Council in order to respond to support requirements. Generosity and support for those arriving had been incredibly positive, and the Council would support new arrivals as much as possible.