Issue - meetings

[Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.]

Agreement  is being sought to consult on the new Borough Plan.

The Leader of the Council introduced this report which summarised the process and content of the Council’s new Borough Plan, and would set the strategic vision for the borough over the next four years.

The Leader continued to outline that the Council were ambitious for Haringey’s future as a whole and for the people who called the borough home. The Borough Plan would set the framework for the Council and its partners to deliver on this ambitious agenda.

The administration wanted to run a collaborative Council that genuinely engaged people in shaping the borough’s future and the Leader encouraged people to respond to the consultation.

The impact that 8 years of austerity upon Council’s finances was recognised. The Council, had had to deal with the mix of these direct cuts to income alongside unfunded budget pressures

The Leader advised that over the next four years the Council expected to see a reduction in the Council’s budget and a continued increasing demand for services. It was therefore even more important that to have clear priorities that set out how the borough, can come together to deliver on its ambitions. This was to ensure that resources were focused to have the greatest impact where there was the greatest need.

The Leader expressed that changing how the Council did things was important. The default position of the administration was to deliver services directly where this was prudent to do so, in order to maximise accountability, quality and other benefits to the community, as well as improving value for money where possible. The administration believed that public services needed to be responsive to change and more democratically accountable.

The Leader drew attention to the 5 specific priorities of the Borough Plan:

1.    Housing – A safe, secure and affordable home for everyone, whatever their circumstances;

2.    People – Strong families, strong networks and strong communities nurture all residents to live well and achieve their potential;

3.    Place – Stronger, connected communities where together we improve our environment by making it safer, cleaner and greener;

4.    Economy – A growing economy which provides opportunities for all our residents and supports our businesses to thrive

5.    Your Council – The way the Council works.

The Cabinet would be focussing on key issues highlighted in the Borough Plan such as Haringey having the third highest numbers of people in temporary accommodation in London and the population outnumbering available housing by around 12000 people. The rates of violent crime with injury and domestic violence with injury were also both the second highest in London and required partnership focus.

There were also achievements and successes to be proud of as a borough, with 86% of residents satisfied with their area, all Haringey schools and early year’s settings rated as outstanding or good, over 120 venues where cultural activity takes place, and 25 Green Flag Parks.

The Leader concluded that every local authority has to have a plan that translates the administration’s priorities for the next four years into a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96