To receive any announcements from the Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader made the following announcements:
“I would like to start by congratulating all the finalists and winners of this year’s Spelthorne Business Awards. The quality of this year’s entries showed the hard work and resilience of our local businesses which have gone from strength-to-strength despite extremely challenging trading conditions. Thank you also to the sponsors whose generosity and support enable us to host these awards each year.
I am pleased to say that after five years of preparation, we have submitted our draft Local Plan for independent inspection. The Plan will guide key planning decisions for the Borough over the next 15 years in relation to housing, green spaces, community facilities and local infrastructure. Submitting the Plan for examination is a crucial step forward and an independent planning inspector will now be appointed to decide whether it can be adopted. A series of public hearings will also be held in 2023 where the inspector will listen to all the arguments for and against various aspects of the Plan.
Many will be aware that the Government announced on Tuesday this week that there will be changes to National Planning Policy, particularly around housing targets and local plans. A prospectus on a revised National Planning Policy Framework is due to be published this side of Christmas. As such, we are arranging a Local Plan Task Group meeting in the New Year to be briefed by officers and discuss the changes, to be followed by an Extraordinary Environment and Sustainability Committee meeting at the end of January to review our options and agree the way forward for the Local Plan before the examination commences.
Many residents are worried about the impact of the rising cost-of-living. I know that when you are struggling financially it can feel like a very lonely time but there are lots of organisations which can help, and it is always worth checking if you are receiving all the benefits and grants to which you may be entitled. A number of warm hubs have been introduced in the Borough and we are also opening our Community Centres on Saturdays to help residents who are concerned about heating their home. More information on the support available is on our website.
Working with the North West Surrey Health and Care Alliance, we recently announced the creation of the Spelthorne Healthy Communities Partnership with the aim of improving health outcomes for local people. The partnership will look at the wider influences on health and wellbeing and identify new ways of delivering services.
There are lots of Christmas events being held in the Borough in the run up to Christmas. These are friendly community-run events and a great way to get in the Christmas spirit with your family and friends. You can find more details on our website and in the Bulletin magazine.
Finally, on behalf of all the staff and councillors here at Spelthorne Borough Council, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New year. I look forward to continuing to support all our residents in 2023. “