To receive any announcements from the Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader made the following announcements:
“On tonight’s agenda is the Outline Corporate Plan 2024 – 2028 which was presented at the Corporate Policy Resources Committee on Monday 27 November. Work is progressing well and the detailed plan will be presented at the Council meeting in February when the budget for 2024/25 will also be set. The Corporate Plan is a key policy document which outlines the strategic priorities for the Council for the period of the Plan, as well as the values the Council will uphold. Putting residents at the heart of everything we do will be the overarching theme of the new Plan.
Surrey County Council has said it is engaging in discussions with Government on a Level 2 County Deal, following the Chancellor’s announcement in the Autumn Statement. This does not involve or require any structural reform of local government or a unitary deal of any form. Spelthorne Borough Council will retain its sovereignty and independence which I believe Spelthorne residents will very much welcome. We will continue to engage with Surrey County Council and trust they will work with this authority and listen to our residents in a way which is open and accountable.
We are accelerating the work on Design Codes, rather than waiting for the adoption of the Local Plan. Design Codes are paramount in shaping our communities and Officers are being supported by Andy Von Bradsky (ex-chief architect to the government.) We want to ensure that we actively engage with all sections of the community in this process, so that we can all be justifiably proud of the buildings and places that will be built in the future.
And finally, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This time of year gives us a chance to stop and think, and to connect with those who are most near and dear to us. Christmas is also a time to be thankful for everything we have, pay tribute to our dedicated colleagues at the Council and emergency services who’ll be working hard over the Christmas period.
I would also like to share my personal thanks to the many wonderful residents who volunteer and give their time to help to those who are less fortunate. Without the fantastic network of our voluntary organisations, life would be so much poorer in Spelthorne, and they all deserve our support for their work in the community. I do hope whatever you have planned over Christmas and the New Year is enjoyable and that 2024 is a good year for you all”.
The Deputy Leader made the following announcements:
“This Autumn the Council ran a consultation on a new Climate Change Supplementary Planning Document which will help to ensure that new homes and developments are more friendly to the environment. The results of the consultation are currently being analysed and a paper will be presented to the E&S Committee in March.
The hard work and achievements of local businesses were celebrated at the Spelthorne Business Awards held at the Hazelwood Centre in Sunbury on 24 November. The quality of the entries the Council received are proof of the wealth of local entrepreneurial spirit, talent and innovative thinking across a wide range of sectors. Many congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and I would also like to thank our sponsors for continuing to work with us to celebrate the best of business in Spelthorne.
The Council has launched the Spelthorne Youth Awards and is looking for nominations for young people aged between 5 and 19 who are living or receiving education within Spelthorne and deserve recognition for their achievements. There are 7 categories, from community to sport and arts to academic. The deadline for nominations is Friday 9 February.
Finally, I too would like to echo Cllr Sexton’s thanks to all the staff here at Spelthorne and the voluntary groups who work tirelessly all-year-round supporting residents in the Borough. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and I look forward to continuing to work with you all in 2024”.