Archived decisions

1.

Summary:

This report is the result of the Best Value review of the County Council's third Corporate Aim:

`achieving economic prosperity'

Its purpose is to seek Member approval for the `Improvement Plan' attached, and to agree the recommendations that the Plan be submitted to the Corporate Management Team, to the Executive Member for Economic Development, and to the Cabinet for discussion and adoption.

The Review has looked at the work of many Departments, as their services relate to Economic Prosperity, and the critical issue is that the aim of the Council should be widely and corporately adopted. More detailed analysis of the approach of the Council to this aim, and of the results of the consultation process, can be found in two key reports. The Scoping Report was considered by the Best Value Review Panel meeting of 19^th March 2001, and this Committee considered the Options Report on 24^th January 2002. This report does not set out to rehearse all the detail of these earlier reports, but focuses simply on the recommended actions arising, to improve the Council's performance still further.

2.

Background

2.1

This "Outcomes Report" and "Improvement Plan" is the result of a 15 month review process. The review has involved virtually every service of the Council, and engaged nearly 1000 individuals, businesses and agencies. The consultation process has been the most extensive conducted in any best value review, and the results have been set out in the "Options Report" considered by the Policy and Resources Policy Review Committee on 24 January this year.

3.

Review Findings

The key issues to emerge from the review process were:-

· the County Council has a vital leadership role in affecting the economic performance of Hampshire

· whilst many factors influence economic success, a powerful and committed strategic Authority, such as Hampshire County Council, can make a difference

· the County Council has acknowledged the significance of the economy in its corporate strategy, but there are many ways in which it could be more proactive, both in supporting overall economic performance and intervening to help improve areas with problems

· there is room for improvement in the way in which the Council both communicates with the business community, and recognises its needs

· the only service specifically dedicated to helping the Council achieve progress in its Corporate Aim is the Economic Development Service. This service will play a key role in implementing the Improvement Plan and monitoring progress. A report will be brought to the June meeting of this Committee assessing whether the resources available are appropriate to the outcomes sought.

4.

Planned Improvements

4.1

The report is mainly focused on the "Improvement Plan", which is set out in 6 sections:-

· Skills - develop closer correlation between economic needs and provision

· Infrastructure - ensure adequate supply side provision of land and transport

· Business Support - more effective work with the business community

· Communication and Information - ensure better information in both directions between the County Council and economic stakeholders

· Partnerships - achieve better effectiveness by re-focusing effort and reducing duplication

· Business Plan - develop a clear set of economic objectives and the means of achieving them (together with partners)

These are based on the key themes identified in the consultation process.

4.2

The consultation process involved in generating the "Improvement Plan" has focused on ensuring maximum participation (internal and external), so that the recommendations engage all stakeholders.

4.3

The detail of the recommendations flows from the "Matrix" submitted to this Committee as part of the Options Report (see App.1, 24/1/02).

4.4

The structure of the "Improvement Plan" is designed to ensure:-

· clear, "SMART" outputs

· trend monitoring

· engagement of a "lead service" and its partners

· recognition of other plans and strategies

· acknowledgement of the resource inputs required to deliver the plan

· recognition of all the stakeholder opinions expressed

4.5

Not all resources required have yet been quantified, although this Committee at its last discussion of the Review did make clear its wish to see more effort allocated to this particular corporate aim. The process of developing the `Business Plan' will need to identify resource inputs required and where they can be obtained. At present, most of the actions set out in the Improvement Plan are within existing staffing and financial budgets.

5.

Review Resources:

The direct costs of the review are just below £6000 with staff time estimated at a further 800 hours (approx equal to £24000). This includes the time allocations of the review team and supporting staff.

6.

Conclusions:

This has been one of the most exhaustive analyses of cross-departmental activity yet undertaken by the Council. It has resulted in a detailed "Improvement Plan" founded in a total commitment by Members, Officers and Partners of the Council, which is practical and achievable. We have achieved much for the economy of Hampshire, but with the adoption of the "Improvement Plan" we intend to achieve more.

6.1

Improvement Plan - the actions proposed in the attached Plan should be championed by a lead officer in the relevant department and an annual report on progress submitted to this Committee.

6.2

Organisational processes: - these were described in some detail at the last meeting of this Committee and adopted as preferred options:

· review of Executive Member portfolios and fit with the corporate aim

· monitor economic impact of key decisions by Executive Members

· P&R Policy Review Committee to take an active part in development of economic policy

· local Members to be involved with action on the ground for economic development and regeneration

· strengthen the role of the cross-departmental co-ordination body - the Economy Working Group

· prioritise areas of special need possibly through the Community Strategy process

· involve Members from all the Local Authorities of Hampshire at least once a year in the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Local Authorities Association (HIOWLA) meetings of economic development officers

· hold an annual event similar to the very successful Challenge Day last September, to which all significant stakeholders in the economy are invited

7.

Recommendations

7.1

That Members of this Committee approve the "Improvement Plan" attached to this report, together with the organisational initiatives proposed in para 6.2 in order to secure improvements in the County Council's performance in achieving the third Aim of its Corporate Strategy.

7.2

That this paper be considered by the Executive Member for Economic Development, and the Corporate Management Team, and that their views, together with those of this Committee, be passed on to the Cabinet for its detailed response and endorsement

7.3

That progress on this Improvement Plan be reported annually to this Committee.