Issue - meetings

To seek endorsement of the shared Place Strategy for Huntingdonshire.

Executive Councillor: S Conboy.

Consideration was given to a report by the Interim Managing Director (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking endorsement of the shared Place Strategy for Huntingdonshire, known as Huntingdonshire Futures for approval by the Council.

The Chair, as Executive Councillor for Place reported upon the work undertaken to date to develop the Strategy which would be owned by Huntingdonshire and its stakeholders and communities. The document would be a living and working one, driving forward the ambitions for Huntingdonshire over the next 20 to 30 years working in conjunction with partners. The Strategy sought to influence, engage and empower Huntingdonshire.

The Cabinet then received a detailed account of the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth), noting the comments which had been made in respect of engaging with the agricultural farming community, the implications of active travel in rural areas and the wider impact upon the Council’s Climate Strategy.

In welcoming the Strategy and in noting the next steps would be to engage with partners to identify the actions they would undertake in Huntingdonshire to achieve the objectives of the Strategy, the Cabinet placed on record their thanks to Officers, residents, communities and businesses who took part in the many consultation events held to help inform the Place Strategy. Whereupon, the Cabinet

RESOLVED 

(a)  to note the extensive engagement and work with partners, stakeholders and residents across Huntingdonshire to develop the shared Place Strategy known as Huntingdonshire Futures;

(b)  to endorse and commit to the outcomes and ambitions set out in Huntingdonshire Futures; and

(c)  to recommend to Council the adoption of Huntingdonshire Futures.

The Panel is invited to comment on the draft Place Strategy, known as Huntingdonshire Futures.

By means of a report by the Corporate Director (Place) (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Huntingdonshire Place Strategy Update was presented to the Panel.

Concern was expressed by Councillor Gardener that up to now engagement had mainly been focused on urban areas of the district but was pleased to see that it was planned to consult with rural areas which make up a large proportion of the district. The Panel were reassured that work was ongoing in rural areas and would continue to be an ongoing dialogue to ensure engagement across the whole of the district

Following a further question from Councillor Gardener regarding the change in operator for the TING service which has created confusion and loss of confidence amongst residents, the Panel heard that this would be further investigated and reported back.

The Panel were advised, following a question from Councillor Wells regarding the Council taking a more active role in rewilding and biodiversity of it’s own green spaces across the district, that this point was noted and that the team would take this away and ensure that commitment is as strong in this document as in other supporting strategies.

Concern was expressed by Councillor Gray over the detail contained within the Strategy and that it appeared that a lot of detail was still work in progress. The Panel heard that the Strategy is a long term vision but encapsulates feedback received so far, and will continue to adapt as the conversation continues. The Council is facilitating this plan but will work with partners to implement this over the coming years. The Panel were assured that more refinement and detailed actions would follow alongside the implementation of the Corporate Plan. Councillor Gray expressed further concern that some of the Strategy may be aspirations of the coalition but questioned if this was what residents of the district wanted, especially if public funds would be used to implement them. The Panel were assured that engagement with residents would continue to ensure the best interests of both residents and the district.

Councillor Gardener enquired how the Strategy would be updated following the proposed engagement with rural areas later in the year. The Panel heard that whilst there were no further mass rounds of consultation planned, there would be continued engagement alongside the help of all Councillors and the Strategy would be subject to constant reflection alongside an annual review process.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations contained within the report.