43. | APOLOGIES |
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There were no apologies for absence. |
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44. | DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST |
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There were no declarations of interest. |
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45. | CORPORATE PLAN |
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A presentation was given by the Head of Corporate Policy (a copy of which is affixed in the Minute Book as Appendix A), which advised Members how the plan had developed and how it linked with other strategies and plans. |
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Members were advised that, although Gosport’s Comprehensive Performance assessment was rated as “Good”, weaknesses had been identified, which included the Council’s performance management. It had been concluded that, whereas a number of informal systems were in place, they could not be easily evidenced. Therefore, work was being carried out on performance management of which the New Corporate Plan would be a key element. Information would be produced on a quarterly basis with effect from April 2005. |
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Members were advised that the New Corporate Plan would be an element in the Performance Framework document, set in the context of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment, to address the weaknesses that had been identified and to build on strengths. The Council had had a Corporate Plan since 1994, the latest version being produced in 2003. This document had started to identify the Council’s priorities. The new plan would provide better direction, prioritisation and focus, which would be vital as the Council had limited resources. |
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Members were advised that the New Corporate Plan would be based on a vision for Gosport, contain the Council’s approach and processes, and would link in with other strategies ranging from the Community Strategy to officers’ personal action plans. |
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Members were advised that, in preparing the New Corporate Plan, other plans, strategic literature and previous Corporate Plans would be consulted. Specific regard would be had for: |
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- SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis
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The format of the New Corporate Plan would be in leaflet form and would contain, apart from the Local Strategic Partnership’s Vision 2020, the Council’s mission statement, values, areas of high focus (people, places, prosperity and the pursuit of excellence). The Corporate Action Statement would contain details on areas of high focus, goals, why certain aspects are important, a position statement, methods of measurement and links to Members. |
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Members were advised that the Vision 2020 would need refreshing. |
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The Committee was asked to recommend approval of the approach and processes employed to the Policy and Organisation Board. Should Board approval be forthcoming, approval by Council would be sought. Once this had been obtained, the following actions would take place: |
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- Link into Service Improvement Plans
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- 2020 Vision Autumn – finalise in Spring 2006 – review Corporate Plan
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RESOLVED: That the Policy and Organisation Board be recommended to approve the approach and processes in connection with the New Corporate Plan, as detailed in the presentation of the Head of Corporate Policy. |
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46. | REVIEW OF CAR PARKING CHARGES |
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Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Development and Environment (a copy of which is affixed in the Minute Book as Appendix B), which advised Members of the work currently being undertaken by officers to collate information in respect of the forthcoming review of car parking charging. Members were advised that this was a copy, for information purposes, of a report to be presented to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee at which Members’ direction as to the type and extent of further information that may be required would be sought. |
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The following views were expressed: |
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- that it was difficult to accurately compare the information provided in the report unless information for an equivalent time period were also provided;
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- any review should look afresh at the areas where charges were being made for car parking, particularly with regard to short-stay car parks;
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- a survey should be carried out to obtain the views of residents and traders and to ascertain the effect car parking charges had had on them. Members were advised that funding for such a survey would have to be authorised by the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
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- there was a need to fine tune the scheme
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- consideration should be given to making short-stay car parks free of charge
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- consideration should be given to introducing cheaper permits for Gosport residents
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- little used car parks, where charges applied, should be reviewed
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- week-end car parking charges should be reviewed.
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Members agreed that a number of recommendations should be made to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee whose responsibility it was to scrutinise the car parking charges scheme. |
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RESOLVED: That the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee be requested to consider the following when scrutinising the car parking charges scheme: |
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i) | that a survey be carried out to obtain the views of residents and traders and to ascertain the effect of car parking charges on them; |
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ii) | making short-stay car parks free of charge; |
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iii) | introducing cheaper permits for Gosport residents; |
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iv) | reviewing little used car parks where charges apply; and |
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v) | reviewing week-end car parking charges. |
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