Issue - meetings

To consider the Council’s performance in 2018/19 relative to its five-year plan, discussed at the Executive on 20 June 2019 and to make any observations.

The Committee considered a report on the Council’s performance relative to its five-year plan in the 2018-19 municipal year which had been discussed at the Executive on 20 June 2019.

Leader, Councillor Mark Brunt, introduced the report. He highlighted some key facts such as the excellent work of the family support programme which had a positive impact on families it worked with and the work on the refugee programme.

There were a number of questions and comments on the report, relating to the following topics:

·       Investment in businesses – the report noted that the Harlequin theatre was part of the local business sector that was supported by the Council. Members asked how the Council awarded grants to support the role of the local Council and the public sector and did this include voluntary and community services?

The Leader highlighted the work of Councillor Humphreys and the Head of Economic Prosperity and his team. Recent business awards had showcased thriving local businesses who appreciated the support from the borough including the grants programme. This programme has helped start-up businesses to grow and the £1000 grants have made a big difference to small organisations. If voluntary and faith sectors have innovative business ideas then the Council can look to see if they qualify for grants. It was identified that the Council supported businesses not just with money but with a monthly newsletter, lunch and learn sessions once a month that allowed networking. It was described as “a hidden gem” and it was keen to expand the approach and work with other boroughs across Surrey. A key part is working with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The Leader said that he was due to be appointed to the LEP board in October to represent this borough and the nine boroughs and districts around Gatwick.

It was identified that it was a difficult time for businesses. Canon had announced that due to consolidation of its offices it was sadly closing in Reigate. However, Fidelity conversely was looking to expand. How could the Council support and encourage those larger businesses as well as smaller businesses? Continued engagement with businesses, highlighting what makes the Borough a great place to work was important. The area has a vibrant economy but it is shrinking as businesses are changing. For example, less office space was needed as people worked from home two or three days a week. The Council needs to adapt to this, look through the changing ways of work and have supportive services and policies in place.

·       Money Support Team – it was identified that the Council had supported families but little was known about the work done by the team and the services offered. Members asked for more information about this service.

·       Temporary emergency accommodation – it was noted that the provision of council-owned temporary emergency accommodation in Horley had been very successful and had saved the Council money as well as improved support to residents. Could this be expanded to the north of the borough  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16

To consider the 5 Year Plan Performance Report 2018/19.

RESOLVED that the positive progress against the Council’s Five Year Plan (2015-2020) priorities, set out in the report of the Head of Projects and Performance, be noted.

Councillor M.A. Brunt, Leader of the Council, introduced the report concerning the Council’s performance against the Five Year Plan (2015-2020) priorities for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. Councillor Brunt highlighted the positive progress made, outlined in Annex 1 of the report, and the Executive noted a number of achievements, under each of the plan’s themes of People, Place and Organisation, including: 

People

-       Supporting residents to enjoy healthy and happy lifestyle, with the Council's Family Support programme going from strength to strength. It was highlighted that 96% of families, supported by the programme, had rated the service as 'good' or 'excellent'.

-       The Wellbeing Prescription Service was noted as being the largest of its kind in the country.

-       The work undertaken to support refugee resettlement through working directly with refugees to help them establish their new lives within the borough. It was highlighted that the Council had provided support in relation to developing skills and finding employment. It was noted that of the refugees resettled within Reigate and Banstead, 80% had entered, or were in the process of entering, the workforce.

Place

-       The Council's continued support for local businesses and maintaining a healthy local economy. It was noted that the Council, in the past year, had provided grants to local businesses totalling £57,000.

-       The healthy business environment was evidenced by Reigate and Banstead having the highest five year business survival rate within Surrey. Moreover, it was highlighted that in the latest Grant Thornton Vibrant Economy Index the borough was ranked 29th out of 324 local authority areas.

-       The collection of the Community Infrastructure Levy. As set out in the report, more than £3.3 million had been collected since the adoption of the Levy in 2016. This went directly into developing local infrastructure for the local benefit of residents and businesses.             

 Organisation

-       As set out in the report, property investment and development had been crucial to achieving the Council's ambition of achieving financial self-sufficiency. It was noted, during the past year, that a net income of £3.57 million had been achieved from the Council's investments, which had helped to protect valuable front line services.

During the discussion a variety of issues were considered in relation to the Council’s Joint Enforcement Team and the importance of working in partnership with Surrey County Council, other local authorities and key partners on a range of other matters.

Councillor Brunt concluded by informing the Executive that a review of the Council’s Five Year Corporate Plan was underway and that performance against the current Plan would be taken into account in developing the new Plan, including performance indicators.          

RESOLVED that the positive progress against the Council’s Five Year Plan (2015-2020) priorities, set out in the report of the Head of Projects and Performance, be noted.

Reason for decision: To receive the Five Year Plan progress for 2018/19.

Alternative options: None.