Issue - meetings

The Leader submitted the Annual Report for 2019-20, which the Executive had recommended to Council.  She moved and Councillor Andrews seconded that it be noted.

Councillor Goldspink welcomed the report, and said it listed many achievements.  She was, however, disappointed that no social housing was provided last year, and there appeared to be no reference to any action on climate change or global warming.  If that was the case, then this was a serious omission, in view of the debate which had taken place a year ago on these matters. 

Councillor Haysey said this report had been based on the priorities of the previous year, therefore climate change was reflected in the Council’s new priorities (“SEED” – Sustainability at the heart of everything we do; Enabling our communities; Encouraging economic growth and Digital by design), and would be referred to in next year’s annual report on the current year.  Regarding the comment on social housing, this subject would also appear in next year’s annual report, to reflect work being undertaken by the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods.  The appendices to the report gave more detailed information. 

On being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion to support the recommendation was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – to note the content of the Annual Report 2019-20.

The Leader submitted the Council’s annual report for 2019/20.   She said the report set out a summary of key achievements for the year, and an update giving more detail on the key actions and performance indicators underpinning the Council’s Corporate Strategic Plan. 

Councillor Haysey said the report next year would refer to “SEED”, the concept chosen by the Council to represent its priorities for sustainability, enabling communities, encouraging economic growth, and being digital by design.  She said that even in the context of global pandemics, place shaping would continue.  This report was a timely reminder that the council was delivering a broad range of services.  She applauded the increase in various interactions via social media. 

Councillor Cutting said that the increase in various interactions by social media channels was to be applauded. 

Councillor Buckmaster said one of the projects delayed by the Covid 19 situation was Hartham Common Play Area.  He was delighted to say that the Playground Alliance had raised £28,500 through crowdfunding.  He commended this achievement.  

Councillor Rutland-Barsby said Covid- 19 had led to one good outcome, in that there was increased community spirit.  She reminded Members of the new small grants for fledgling organisations. 

Councillor McAndrew said this was also the opportunity to mention the work of the Environmental and Climate Change Forum held in January 2020.  He trusted it would be possible to hold a further meeting of the Forum in the not too distant future, subject to the Covid 19 situation. 

Councillor Goodeve highlighted the resource of the Launchpad facilities in Bishop’s Stortford and Ware.  The facilities enabled use of deskspace for enterprises, such as those which had been forced to downsize due to the Covid situation, or where working from home was impractical. 

Councillor Boylan said that in relation to domestic abuse, the council had agreed a new enhanced service to help victims, Survivors Against Domestic Abuse.  He thanked all those involved in helping to make a real difference to people’s lives.

The Leader proposed and Councillor Buckmaster seconded, a motion to support the recommendation in the report.  The motion, on being put to the meeting and a vote taken, was declared CARRIED. 

RESOLVED - that the Executive notes the content of the Annual Report 2019-20.