Agenda item

There were no additional comments to add to the published report.

Members asked about North Lees Estate and the allocation of funding in the capital programme and how realistic are the dates for the anticipated funding spend.  Along with the funding from Capital Reserves it is hoped some funding shall also be secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the spending of the monies will be part of the Estate Plan.  It was confirmed that there would be widespread consultation which would include the Stanage Forum, Parish Councils, the BMC amongst others which would all be formulated and integrated into the Estate Plan.

The word “profile” was explained in the context of the Governance Working Group and refers to when the sections of the constitution would come to Authority for approval. 

Members asked within the context of all of the funding cuts is staff morale holding up, and that it is important not to lose sight of the good work that is being done and this should not be overlooked in the shadow of cuts and the re-organisation. 

It was noted that staff morale has been difficult and low, and the whole organisation has been affected.  Attendance at softer engagement activities has dropped. There is a need to get back into engaging with staff and building morale. About to launch workforce survey so will find out more as a result of this.  There is a need to recognise and celebrate the awards and positive news.  Members were encouraged to act as ambassadors for the work that is being done.

The Authority Plan programme is very much about the National Park as a business and how does the Management Plan feed into this?  A lot of the Authority Plan is statutory work.  The reporting is governed by the demands of DEFRA on a performance basis. There does not seem to be much consideration for what is being done and what is being facilitated.  The Management Plan has 4 aims and the Authority Plan focusses on the 5^th Aim.  Sometimes there is a perception of a disconnect between the two but it is the Management Plan that gives the detail and an update shall be given to Members at the next Authority meeting.

A motion to accept the recommendations as set out in the report was proposed, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.    The Authority Plan Look Forward delivery plan for Year 3 2025/26 (Decile 5 & 6) is approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Head of Resources in consultation with the Chair of the Authority to make any necessary amendments to the actions or critical success factors detailed in the Authority Plan Programme Year 3: 2025-26 in Appendix 1.