The Policy and Information Manager introduced the report, stating that the Policy and Resources Committee had begun the process of refreshing the Strategic Plan in July 2020. The proposed areas of focus relating to the Committee had been drafted in accordance with the Member feedback received in the Summer of 2020 and were shown in Appendix C to the report. The information contained within the other appendices to the report was outlined.

The Policy and Information Manager stated that, if agreed, the proposed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would replace the current KPI set against which progress was measured.

In response to questions, it was confirmed that reference to individual projects such as ‘Go Green Go Wild’ would be replaced under the wider strategic focus of the Biodiversity and Climate Change Emergencies.

In discussing Appendix A, the Committee felt that the milestones completed under the ‘enabling events’ section of ‘A Thriving Place’ were not truly reflective of the project’s scope.

In discussing Appendix C, it was requested that ‘using the cultural sector as an agent of regeneration’ be added to the proposed areas of focus description attached to delivering the refreshed Economic Development Strategy. The proposed areas of focus relating to Maidstone Museum could be enhanced by including ‘adjust the museum transformation plan to match resources obtainable from both the council land and external sources’ and further emphasise the Museum’s transformation plan.

It was felt that there should be greater emphasis on increasing pride in the borough, with an ‘aim to work with the arts and cultural officer on a sense of place and looking to setting up a Maidstone arts and culture forum’ to be included, given the importance of place-making.

The updated KPIs would be presented back to the Committee quarterly.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Committee’s feedback and recommendations on the proposed refreshed areas of focus for the Council’s Strategic Plan for the period 2021-2026 be provided to the Policy and Resources Committee; and

2.  The Committee’s feedback and recommendations on the proposed Key Performance Indicators for Covid-19 Recovery set out in Appendix D to the report be provided to the Policy and Resources Committee.