Issue - meetings

The Chairman said the Council had achieved a great deal during the year which was a credit to the authority and the staff.  She said that achieving a balanced budget with no cuts to services was to be commended together with the launch of the regeneration programmes in Yeovil, Chard and Wincanton.  The Economic Development Strategy and the move to becoming a more commercial organisation were helping to fund council services.  Customers services would be improved with advanced technology.  She noted that the Council had been shortlisted for a number of awards for their work, including the Chief Executive as Chief Executive of the Year.  The awards would be presented at a virtual ceremony in October.  She said she was very proud of the authority and what it had achieved.

The Director for Service Delivery thanked officers and Councillors for their contributions towards the report.

During discussion the following points were made:-

·         Further achievements would be added before the report was presented to council for Economy, Business and Growth, Broadband and mobile connectivity and tourism.

·         Thanks to the Chairman for her leadership during the year.

·         A fuller timetable for Members on the refresh of the Local Plan would be appreciated.

It was noted that Scrutiny Committee had not raised any questions on the report.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members were content to propose the report (with updates) to Council for approval.