Purpose

To agree an approach to future strategy / policy review and development in the lead up to Local Government Reorganisation

Decision

Recommendation 1 - Cabinet agrees to extend those policies/strategies listed at Appendix A to 31st March 2028 where their current expiry date is sooner;

Recommendation 2 - Cabinet agrees a delegation to Service Directors, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder and Monitoring Officer, to update the policies at Appendix A as might be required to accommodate minor or non-material amendments, and consequential amendments where there has been a change in legislation requiring an amendment. This delegation is to be exercised only once Policy Development Panel members have been informally notified of the proposed amendment(s), providing the opportunity for Panel Members to request scrutiny in advance of implementation. This delegation will cease to have effect if Local Government Reorganisation does not proceed.

Reasons for the decision

Many of the policies are unlikely to require significant change between now and Local Government Re-organisation (assuming a 2028 timeline).

Local Government Reorganisation will place a significant pressure on the Council’s internal capacity and the approach set out in this report will alleviate some of that pressure to focus on Reorganisation.

Alternative options considered

Not to approve the approach set out and to request the current strategy and policy review approach remain.