Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors John Healy and Richard A Jones.

None

There were no declarations of interest made.

[A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up

to 5 members of the public on matters within the

Committee’s remit, proposing action(s) which may be

considered or contribute towards the future development of

the Committee’s work programme.]

There were no public statements made.

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee held a meeting on the 8^th February, 2018 to consider the updated 2018/19 Corporate Plan. 

It was explained that the current Corporate Plan runs out at the end of 2017/18 and that an updated 2018/19 Corporate Plan was required to provide clear direction for the work of the Council for the next year. The new Plan brings together in one document agreed priorities that are already shaping how the Council work and summarises:

·         The Council’s contribution over the next year to the Doncaster Growing Together (DGT) partnerships plan.

·         How the Council will ensure it has the capacity to deliver DGT transformational priorities and quality services day in, day out.

It was explained that the Corporate Plan was framed around the 4 DGT priority themes (Working, Learning, Living and Caring) and the cross-cutting ‘Connected Council’ theme.

A presentation was provided at the meeting to outline proposals for an updated corporate plan. Members provided their support to the plan and provided the following comments. 

Doncaster Learning – It was recognised that progress in wider results across the board had been made, but that an achievement gap with statistical neighbours still persisted.  It was outlined that the wider review of education undertaken by the Authority had identified priorities, and work to improve areas such as attendance levels were receiving focus.

Doncaster Working -Concerns were raised in relation to wage levels and it was questioned how the Doncaster Growing Together partnership strived to increase wages for Doncaster Residents.  Comments were made in relation to the role of larger local employers in making a big impact on this area.  It was acknowledged that the Council will be experiencing further cuts resulting in a slimming down of the workforce and this along with past reductions and wage freezes have all presented challenges in improving this situation for residents.  Members heard that it was being considered as to how the partnership can stimulate a number of local economies which may support this area.

Members were also reminded about the Doncaster Inclusive Growth Strategy which provided an opportunity for new ideas to be put forward as well as an outline of what the local economy will look like in 10 years. 

Maximising benefits and other supports were highlighted as a way by which residents experiencing lower incomes in work.  In combination with this approach was a firm view that employers across the Borough needed to consider flexible working to allow individuals from groups with protected characteristics, such as disabled people, to tackle socio-economic disadvantage.

In terms of apprenticeships, it was heard how there were different levels of apprenticeships available and it was about setting the right aspirations to allow residents to achieve their full potential in the world of work.

Doncaster Living - Members heard how Doncaster had been reported as one of the most Inactive Boroughs, with around one in three of Doncaster’s adults falling into this category.  Members were interested to hear that Doncaster had been chosen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.