The Leader presented the report to seek approval of a new Community and Corporate Plan that sets the direction for the council and county of Monmouthshire, articulating the authority’s purpose, principles and priorities alongside some of the steps we will take to deliver these.

Clarity was sought around this being an initial plan and the dates of a new version to be published.

The Leader of the Opposition considered the plan to be disappointing and lacking in detail and substance.  He felt that with no definitive actions in the plan there would be no opportunity to be held to account or scrutinised.

County Councillor Phil Murphy stated that MCC receive the lowest level of grant funding in Wales, which is based on Welsh Government formula.

There were concerns around areas not included in the plan and suggestion was made that consideration should be taken to developing proposals around public transport. 

A question was raised about housing provision and given the current financial challenges what actions will be taken to ensure MCC follow through on their commitment to building affordable homes.

The Cabinet Member for Education endorsed the plan and stated that what has been put forward is a sign of realism and would seek to transform the lives of people neglected by the previous administration.

It was expressed that a corporate plan should contain detailed proposals for getting things done. 

Scrutiny was referred to as being an essential function for council and residents, which the MCC website quotes as being the function to scrutinise performance and delivery of the corporate objectives outlined in the corporate plan.  It was thought that these objectives were not clearly defined by the administration.

County Councillor Frances Taylor expressed that the recommendations in the report do not make reference to this being an interim plan and didn’t consider it responsible to endorse the plan with the lack of substance.  County Councillor Taylor proposed an amendment:

That this Council agree to bring a revised more detailed and robust Community and Corporate plan containing measures and targets back to the December meeting of Council.

The proposed amendment to replace recommendations 2.1 and 2.2.

Seconded by County Councillor Simon Howarth

Upon being put to a vote the amendment was accepted and debate ensued.

The Cabinet Member for Resources explained the strategic document explains a change of approach and direction, and that large changes will not occur immediately.  She continued to explain that the administration has worked with member colleagues on the content of the plan and intend to continue to collaborate going forward.

It was reiterated that people need stability and some certainty around Council’s priorities.

It was suggested that to bring the plan to December Council would put a lot of pressures on officers, and maybe January would be more suitable.

A vote was undertaken to move to the vote and was defeated.

Debate ensued.

The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy proposed a further amendment:

That this Council agree to bring a revised more detailed and robust Community and Corporate plan containing measures and targets back to the January meeting of Council.

Upon being put to a vote Council resolved to accept the amendment.

The Cabinet Member of Inclusive and Active Communities referred to a previous comment on housing and explained that the work was well underway, and she is working with officers on plans to reduce homelessness. She added they would be working with partners and neighbouring authorities and welcomed the opportunity to come back with more detail.

Upon being put to a vote Council resolved to accept the report with the amended recommendation:

That this Council agree to bring a revised more detailed and robust Community and Corporate plan containing measures and targets back to the January meeting of Council.