Agenda item

To receive the report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources concerning the Council Plan for 2014-2017 (report to follow).

25.1      The Council considered a report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources concerning the Council Plan 2014-17.

25.2      Councillor James moved the recommendation set out in the report and reported that formulation of the Council Plan had been an extensive process involving significant consultation with Members and officers. He explained the Plan reflected the Council’s long-term ambitions, with a strong focus on the economy and regeneration, and the needs of the City and its residents.

25.3      Councillor Norman (Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources) seconded the motion.

25.4      Councillor Hilton (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) welcomed the inclusion of working groups on enhancing the role of the Cathedral and sources of revenue, but noted that the Plan did not refer to proposals for new public conveniences or free wifi in the City centre. He stated that he was supportive of much of the content of the Plan, but advised that the Liberal Democrat Group would abstain during the vote in order to be able to hold the Administration to account when considering progress against the measures outlined in the Plan. He noted that he found the document difficult to read in the format in which it was presented.

25.5      Councillor Haigh (Leader of the Labour Group) echoed comments made in relation to the format and accessibility of the document.

25.6      Councillor Norman welcomed the Plan and stated that it compared favourably with equivalent documents from other local authorities.

25.7      Councillor James undertook to ensure that the final version of the Plan was complied with accessibility requirements. He explained that it was not possible to include every commitment within the published Plan, but that all Council resolutions would be abided by.

25.8      RESOLVED - that the final draft of the Council Plan for 2014-17 be approved and adopted.