Issue - meetings

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed and adopted the plan attached as Appendix A, prior to submission to MHCLG and subsequent publishing on the Council’s internet site. Executive delegated authority to the Executive Director for Strategy, Workforce, and Localities, in consultation with the Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, to make any minor amendments prior to submission.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, Cllr Theo Butt Philip to introduce the report.

Cllr Butt Philip highlighted the ask of DLUHC to create the productivity plan, which outlines the transformation work the authority has completed, how the authority will make the most of digital opportunities, how the authority is can cut down on spending, and any actions the government can take to support the authority.

Cllr Butt Philip then invited Alyn Jones, Executive Director of Strategy, Workforce, and Localities, to present the report. Alyn Jones highlighted: that the productivity plan had followed the guidance; that where possible published information was used to create it; that each step is linked with constitution and governance; that it will form part of the engagement with the new department (MHCLG) and new government.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the importance of the document; the impact of lack of fast broadband on productivity in Somerset, particularly north Somerset; the impact of the phosphates issue on wellbeing and productivity; the lack of long-term funding post-Brexit and the need for long-term UK funding rather than the short-term UK Prosperity funding; the need for clarity on figures relating to Adult Social Care; the importance of housing, infrastructure, and transport; the importance of Early Help and prevention work for families; the need to promote the work the council is already doing such as Early Help, Somerset Independent Living Centres, Reablements; how tackling the housing crisis will improve productivity; the importance of climate change and net zero and the need for national intervention and funding in this area; the importance of highlighting resilience as Somerset is susceptible to flooding; the need to put pressure on national grid around sustainable energy; the need to consider the new Labour government and their manifesto pledges in this document.

The Leader of the Council concluded the discussion and proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed with the amendment of DLUHC to MHCLG.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed and adopted the plan attached as Appendix A, prior to submission to MHCLG and subsequent publishing on the Council’s internet site. Executive delegated authority to the Executive Director for Strategy, Workforce, and Localities, in consultation with the Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, to make any minor amendments prior to submission.