The Reference Will Be Created Automaticallyn171

The Reference Will Be Created Automaticallyn171

COUNTY BOROUGH OF BLAENAU GWENT

REPORT TO: /
THE mayor AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
REPORT SUBJECT: / CORPORATE IMPROVEMENT PLAN (STAGE 1 FORWARD LOOKING PLAN)
REPORT AUTHOR: /
bERNADETTE ELIAS
HEAD OF POLICY, PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
LEAD OFFICER/ DEPARTMENT /
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


Summary Report

1.0 /

PURPOSE OF REPORT

The purpose of the report is to present the Council’sCorporate Improvement Plan Stage 1 (Forward Looking) 2013/14 (attached at Appendix 1) for approval.
2.0 /

LINK TO CORPORATE STRATEGIES

The plan is linked to the following Corporate Strategies:
  • Corporate Improvement Plan 2012-17
  • Single Integrated Plan for Blaenau Gwent

3.0 / SUMMARY
The Corporate Improvement Plan sets out three high level outcomes that the Council is looking to positively impact on over the next five years supported by tenImprovement Objectives. The Plan is subject to external audit by the Wales Audit Office.
4.0 /

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Council approve the Corporate Improvement Plan 2013/14.

Detailed Report

1.0 /

BACKGROUND

1.1 / In the past, the Wales Audit Office has highlighted to the Council that by trying to achieve too many priorities at one time the necessary improvements have not always been achieved.
1.2 / Subsequently, a focus was given on priority areas of work to deliver improvement and the Council endorsed the Corporate Improvement Plan (CIP) 2012-2017 in October 2012.
1.3 / This is the forward facing plan and is required to be published as soon as practically possible after the start of the financial year. The second stage is published by 31st October of every year.
Both stages of the CIP are required to be approved by Council, and the plan is subject to external audit by the Wales Audit Office.
1.4 / The Council is required to set out Improvement Objectives to support the main priorities. These provide focus on the key areas that require delivery for the coming year and are reviewed on an annual basis.
1.5 / The CIP acts as the Council’s business plan setting out the high level priorities to be undertaken.
The Executive Member portfolio areas and the Executive Committee forwardwork programme have both been developed to reflect the priorities as set out in the CIP.
2.0 / PRESENT POSITION
2.1 / The CIP sets out three high level outcomes that the Council is looking to positively impact on over the next five years:
  • Children and young people’s learning and achievement levels are maximised;
  • People and communities are enabled to help themselves; and
  • The living environment is vibrant and attractive.

2.2 / Directly linked to each outcome are the Council’s ten Improvement Objectives. These reflect areas that are important to local people and where improvements are necessary.
2.3 / The Council’s ten improvement objectives are:
  • Increase pupil attendance rates in all schools in BG.
  • Deliver intervention at year 11 that contribute to the reduction of reported levels of NEETS (people not in employment, education or training).
  • Children that need to be looked after are cared for by local foster carers who are able to provide stable placements.
  • To increase and sustain employment opportunities for the citizens of BG through direct support to new and exiting businesses.
  • Those vulnerable people who need support from social services are enabled to lead independent and fulfilled lives, to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
  • Improve working together with customers and services to develop access channels (to Council services).
  • Maintain and improve the highways network to contribute to a safe and effective transport infrastructure.
  • To provide a clean and pleasant environment to enjoy and be proud of by listening to our citizens and visitors and promoting what we do.
  • Town centres are vibrant, attractive and viable as a result of physical regeneration and town centre management for the benefit of shoppers and businesses.
  • Working together we will become a high recycling, low waste society.

2.4 / The Improvement Objectives have been subject to a web based public consultation exercise during May 2013. The findings from those who responded showed a significant level of support for the Improvement Objectives ranging from between 64% to 89%.
2.5 / Work has recently been undertaken to strengthen the information that is reported in the plan against each of the Improvement Objective. This work will continue in 2013/14.
3.0 / STATEMENT CONFIRMING THAT CONSIDERATION
HAS BEEN GIVEN TO RELEVANT LEGISLATION
3.1 /
  • Local Government (Wales) Measure (2009)
  • Wales Programme for Improvement Guidance 2010
  • WAO Corporate Assessment report 2011
  • Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Statutory Duties) (Wales) Regulations 2011

4.0 /

CONSULTATION

4.1 /

Service areas have informed the content of the Improvement Objectives before consultation was undertaken with CMT.

The Executive Committee has also been involved in discussions regarding the CIP in order to inform their Forward Work programme.

The Improvement Objectives have been subject to a web based public consultation and the Wales Audit Office has provided some initial comment on the structure of the plan.

5. /

CONCLUSION

5.1 / The development of the CIP fulfils the statutory obligations placed on the Council as part of the requirements of the Local Government Measure (Wales) 2009.
BE/LT
30/5/13

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