Report No: 06/2021

The Council received a report in relation to Rutland County Council seeking to establish a conversation with residents, particularly those who did not traditionally engage with Council consultations and plans, to understand what mattered most to them in order to develop a vision and aspirational view for Rutland to inform future strategies and approaches and broaden the Council’s ongoing engagement with residents. The report was introduced by Councillor Hemsley.

The report outlined the background to this position, highlighting that when in 2019 Rutland County Council agreed its Corporate Plan 2019-2024. As part of its strategic aim to Deliver Sustainable Development it was identified that a 50-year vision needed to be established. However, but this was delayed by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to reprioritise resource to support the activity around this. The postponement provided an opportunity to reassess this project.

It was proposed that Rutland’s approach should focus on developing a stronger ongoing relationship with residents and businesses through engaging, posing questions and listening to what matters to them about their lives in Rutland. And looking at a number of different communication channels. Councillor Hemsley advised that the Council had already received letters asking to be involved by interested parties that can see how important this work would be for understanding the Health needs of the County, having also shared the concept with some local businesses who were keen to help inform the work. Councillor Hemsley welcomed Council’s thoughts on this and hoped that this meeting was the start of a fruitful conversation.

Councillors considered the proposal and mostly supported the approach. It was felt that it was crucial to start as soon as possible although concern was raised about the time table and whether or not it was achievable. Also, that it was important that it was accessible to all members of the community to be part of, especially those hard to reach. Further concern was raised about how this would be translated into action and a request was made for a briefing so they could discuss in more detail.  

In response to the comments, Councillor Hemsley confirmed that a briefing would take place towards the end of January ready for the launch in March and asked Members for their support going forward.

Councillor Stephenson seconded the report.

In relation to recommendations 1, 2 and 4 a recorded vote was held:

There voted in favour:

Councillors Ainsley, Baines, Begy, Bool, A Brown, G Brown, Burrows, Coleman, Dale, Fox, Harvey, Hemsley, Jones, Lowe, MacCartney, Oxley, Payne, Powell, Razzell, Stephenson, Waller, Walters, Webb, Wilby and Woodley.

There voted against:

Councillor Cross

There who abstained:

Councillor Blanksby

The vote being 25 in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention, the motions 1, 2 and 4 were carried.

In relation to recommendation 3, a recorded vote was held:

There voted in favour:

Councillors Ainsley, Baines, Begy, Bool, A Brown, G Brown, Coleman, Fox, Harvey, Hemsley, Jones, Lowe, MacCartney, Oxley, Payne, Razzell, Stephenson, Walters and Wilby.

There voted against:

Councillors Cross, Dale and Powell.

There voted to abstain:

Blanksby, Burrows, Waller, Webb and Woodley.

The vote being 19 in favour, 3 against and 5 abstentions, the motion 3 was carried.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Future Rutland Conversation project to engage with residents and businesses to develop a vision and aspirations for Rutland that will inform future Rutland County Council strategies and approaches be approved

2.    That the commencement of the Future Rutland Conversation project be approved.

3.    That the indicative timeline for the Future Rutland Conversation project and for future reports and updates to be presented at Full Council be agreed

4.    That support be given to the planning of Future Rutland Conversation engagement approach through input at an engagement event to be held in late January 2021 be agreed

At this juncture of the meeting, it was proposed and seconded that the meeting be extended to finish the business of the meeting.

A recorded vote was held.

The vote was unanimous and the motion to continue the meeting approved