Conservative Mayor told to think again on Corporate Plan
Conservative Mayor told to think again on Council’s Corporate Plan
Labour, Greens and Independent councillors backed a Liberal Democrat objection to the Council’s Corporate Plan on Wednesday 9th October. The Labour Group Leader seconded the Objection proposed by the Liberal Democrat Group Leader, and the whole Plan was referred back to the Mayor for further work. The proposed ‘plan on a page’ has omitted too many key issues which are vital for Bedford Borough, as well as being inexcusably sketchy about how residents will know what is actually being done due to a lack of performance management measures.
Cllr Henry Vann, Leader of Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats, said, ‘This isn’t about having a colourful, snazzy document. It sets the direction for the Council’s priorities. As put forward by the Mayor, this document doesn’t include a commitment to deal with the climate emergency, and a commitment to supporting ‘vulnerable people’ has been dropped. Bedford Borough’s ‘blue areas’, the rivers and waterways – such as the Great Ouse, are completely missing, which given the recent flooding we have had, is very strange.
The Conservative Mayor has more homework to do.’
12.1 Objection to Corporate Plan
In accordance with Procedure Rule BP2, Full Council informs the Mayor that it has the following objections to the proposed Corporate Plan:
1) There is no commitment to tackle climate change or mitigate climate change, merely “address the challenges brought about” by it. There should be a renewed commitment to recognising the Climate Emergency and playing our part in tackling the climate catastrophe.
2) Vulnerable people have been left out of this plan. It should include vulnerable people specifically.
3) There is insufficient emphasis on empowering and supporting Bedford Borough’s diverse communities, enabling people to fully participate in society, help one another and thrive.
4) The River Great Ouse and “blue areas” are conspicuous in their absence and should be included alongside enhancing our green areas.
5) There is one mention of skills and insufficient emphasis on education and skills overall.
6) There is no mention of mental health.
7) It is woefully brief and contains no monitoring plan whatsoever or key measures for success, something that was previously approved by Full Council. We expect these to return as part of the Corporate Plan process, otherwise the democratic process is being undermined.
8) There is no Equality Impact Assessment, meaning this could be legally unsound as a decision.
Full Council instructs the Executive to reconsider the strategy in the light of these objections and respond to Full Council on or before 27 November 2024.
References (not part of the objection):
The current Corporate Plan
(Approved by Full Council on 16th March 2022, Executive on 2nd March 2022.)
The proposed Corporate Plan
(Approved by Executive on 11th September 2024, to be proposed at Full Council on 9th October.)