The Strategic Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy are key elements of the corporate planning framework for the Council.  They are also a key part of the ‘golden thread’ which runs from the vision for the borough through to Corporate priorities, performance measures and targets for individuals in appraisals.

To agree the timetable for corporate planning for 2014-15.

That the development of a new strategic plan and medium term financial strategy be agreed in accordance with the corporate planning timetable set out at Appendix A to the report of the Head of Policy & Communications.

The corporate planning process within the Council ensures theoverall vision for the borough is delivered. The priorities andoutcomes in the Strategic Plan are developed alongside theMedium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to ensure a consistentapproach between service delivery and budgets. Service planningallows the Council to convert high level objectives from theStrategic Plan into actions for each directorate, service or teamacross the Council, which then feeds into individual staff appraisals.

The current Strategic Plan finishes in March 2015. A new Strategic Plan is required from 2015 onwards. The Cabinet have been considering revised priorities for 2015 onwards at Cabinet Away Days throughout the summer.

The timetable attached as Appendix A to the report of the Head of Policy & Communications included consultation with residents and councillors, including overview and scrutiny. Residents will be consulted through a series of roadshows across the Borough with the aim to inform residents of the current financial position and the draft priorities for 2015 onwards.

The Strategic Plan sets out how the Council will deliver services. It provides the route map for the council, for managers, Councillors and the public. Without such a plan the effectiveness of the Council would be significantly compromised and reduced.