Issue - meetings

Report of Chief Executive

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor James MacCleary

(Key decision):

(1) To agree the Corporate Plan priorities for delivery in 2020/21 as set out at appendix B to the report, and agree that these form the context for the Council’s Recovery and Reset objectives.

(2) To agree the Recovery and Reset Programme, described in the report, including governance arrangements as set out at paragraph 3.1 of the report.

(3) To endorse those measures taken to date, details of which are set out in paragraphs 2.4-2.6 of the report.

(4) To agree to establish a cross party Board comprising members from Eastbourne Borough Council and Lewes District Council to oversee the programme.

(5) To agree that the Chief Executive, taking advice from the Board set out above and in consultation with Leaders of the Councils and Cabinet member for Finance, be given delegated powers to oversee and progress the Recovery and Reset Programme and for tasking individual Corporate Management Team postholders with the delivery of identified workstreams within it.

(6) That further update reports on the progress of the Recovery and Reset Programme be provided on a regular basis.

(7) That the Recovery and Reset Programme considers the wider District and the outcome of the community wealth building programme as part of the overall Programme.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive setting out the reasons for, and purposes of, the Recovery and Reset Programme to address the financial and organisational challenges faced in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant economic climate.

The recovery and reset programme would focus on four key principles; the best use of digital technology, reshaping service delivery, the best use of the council's assets, such as buildings, and supporting the restart of the local economy, including preparedness in the event of any resurgence in the coronavirus, all delivered in tandem with support for the council's corporate priorities.

A referral from the Policy and Performance Advisory Committee (PPAC), held on 15 September 2020 was presented by Councillor Liz Boorman, Deputy-Chair of PPAC and considered by Cabinet during their discussions.

Following discussions, the Cabinet resolved to make revisions to the officer recommendations, strengthening PPAC’s recommendation and this was detailed in full below.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To agree the Corporate Plan priorities for delivery in 2020/21 as set out at appendix B to the report and agree that these form the context for the Council’s Recovery and Reset objectives.

(2) To agree the Recovery and Reset Programme, described in the report, including governance arrangements as set out at paragraph 3.1 of the report.

(3) To endorse those measures taken to date, details of which are set out in paragraphs 2.4-2.6 of the report.

(4) To agree to establish a cross party Board comprising members from Eastbourne Borough Council and Lewes District Council to oversee the programme.

(5) To agree that the Chief Executive, taking advice from the Board set out above and in consultation with Leaders of the Councils and Cabinet member for Finance, be given delegated powers to oversee and progress the Recovery and Reset Programme and for tasking individual Corporate Management Team postholders with the delivery of identified workstreams within it.

(6) That further update reports on the progress of the Recovery and Reset Programme be provided on a regular basis.

(7) That the Recovery and Reset Programme considers the wider District and the outcome of the community wealth building programme as part of the overall Programme.

Reason for decisions:

The Recovery and Reset Programme provides a structured and accountable approach for delivering the level of significant organisational change needed to respond to current challenges.