The purpose of the report before Members was to provide an update on the results of the Vision for Brentwood consultation to help inform discussions on the draft corporate plan document.

The consultation was now complete and the draft corporate plan – to be referred to as the ‘Vision for Brentwood’ - had been developed. The draft would cover a three year period, 2016 to 2019 and would refresh the previous plan, setting out clear strategic direction.

Overall the summary of results indicated the following:

·                     A preference towards Council ran services although not against alternative delivery methods,

·                     Cleanliness and safety of the Borough took priority over events

and support for community organisations with mixed views on the provision of affordable housing. 

·                     A focus on getting the basics right was seen as key to a good town centre; having attractive surroundings with the ability to park were respondents top priorities. 

·                     Of less concern is the evening economy, restaurants and café culture.  Keeping the council tax low was important as was a clean and green environment.

·                     Further it appears that respondents to the survey are ‘tech-savvy’ using different online methods to contact the Council and have benefitted from the enhanced level of customer service afforded by the Contact Centre.

Members received a short presentation on the consultation results and the Chair thanked officers for the work undertaken in relation to the consultation.

It was proposed that the draft ‘Vision for Brentwood’ document would be placed on deposit until the end of September 2015 to enable comments from the public and Members to be made which would be considered alongside the consultation results.

Cllr Mrs McKinlay MOVED and Cllr Hirst  SECONDED the recommendations in the report and, following a vote taken on a show of hands it was

RESOLVED:

1.            To agree the new draft corporate plan ‘Vision for Brentwood’ 2016-2019 and place on deposit for public comment until the end of September 2015.

2.            That the development of work programmes to deliver the ‘Vision for Brentwood’ 2016-2019 be agreed with details coming back to a future committee for decision.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

1.            The recommendations are based on the returns from the consultation, political priorities need to be ever more efficient, develop a modern thinking and delivering council.

2.            That further work is required to identify the programmes of work in which the vision can be delivered.