Issue - meetings

This report presents the draft Borough Plan 2023-27 and outlines upcoming plans to engage with residents, partners, stakeholders and staff on the provisional priorities.

(Agenda republished to include this report on 12 October 2022)

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To endorse the draft Borough Plan 2023-27 (as set out within Appendix A of the report).

(2)      To note plans for widespread public consultation and engagement, as outlined in section 4 of the report.

(3)      To note plans to develop and publish a supporting evidence base alongside the final Borough Plan.

(4)      To agree that the Leader be authorised to make any final amendments to the Borough Plan before its submission to Full Council following, consideration by Scrutiny and outputs from upcoming engagement.

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced a report presenting the draft Borough Plan 2023-27 along with an outline of plans to engage with residents, partners, stakeholders and staff on the provisional outline of priorities which had been identified.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the work undertaken in developing the draft Borough Plan to capture the achievements made during the previous four-year period and also provide the context, narrative and Administrations strategic priorities and ambitions over the next four-year period in order to best support the borough and its diverse communities.

In recognising the progress made, members were keen to ensure that the Borough Plan was also designed to build on lessons learnt and reflect the impact of challenges arising from the cost-of-living crisis on the capacity and resources available to deliver services, whilst also seeking to build on the strong community spirit and foundations across the borough.  Having noted the outcome of the consultation undertaken to date with a range of stakeholders, members were keen to endorse the priorities identified within the Draft Borough Plan in relation to Prosperity, Pride and Belonging in Brent; A Cleaner, Greener Future; Respect and Renewal in Brent alongside providing the Best Start in Life and A Healthier Brent.

In expressing support for the priorities outlined, members were keen to highlight the ongoing commitment to increasing the supply of safe, secure, genuinely affordable and accessible housing alongside the regeneration of the borough linked to delivery of the policies within the newly adopted Local Plan.  Whilst recognising the ongoing financial challenges and increased level of demand on services, Members also welcomed the ambition within the Draft Borough Plan to continue prioritising the most vulnerable whilst also seeking to protect essential services in order to support all residents across the borough.

Having considered the report, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To endorse the draft Borough Plan 2023-27 (as set out within Appendix A of the report).

(2)    To note plans for widespread public consultation and engagement on the Draft Plan, as outlined in section 4 of the report.

(3)    To note plans to develop and publish a supporting evidence base alongside the final Borough Plan.

(4)    To agree that the Leader be authorised to make any final amendments to the Borough Plan before its submission to Full Council following, consideration by Scrutiny and outputs from the upcoming engagement programme.