Sutton Plan 2007-2010
Some inital comments on this document, which is out for consultation and will be approved in February.
1. General
In general it is a good document, with most items previously discussed by the Council, so there are few surprises. In some places it is a little repetitive, so it could be reduced in length. The document's analysis about change factors is spot on. It will be interesting to see how Councillors react to them. I suspect a bit of "Canute" politics here!
2. Scrutiny Process
It is good that Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee will comment on the document first. Will Tory Councillors demonstrate they take scutiny seriously by setting out their views on the Council's priorities either there or at full Council through a considered amendment?
3. Children and Learning
a) The rebuilding of Stanley Park High School by 2010 sounds quite tight to me and makes me wonder whether it is most likely to be rebuilt on its current site?
b) The new Citizenship and Lifeskills Centre sounds good. I will comment in more detail through the budget process and in a separate posting.
c) The refocusing of Play services on children's centres and extended schools will not necessariily increase choice unless the Council builds capcity for other providers. The Council is thus missing a longer-term opportunity here.
4. Economic Regeneration
Sutton's Town Centre has declined from 5th to 8th because we have significantly restricted the expansion of the night time economy. Ken's £4.5 million is that the next stage for the twon centre is one of high density housing above retail developments as we see private sector regeneration of the town centre with no increase in retail, but a younger commuting population living in its centre.
5. Community Engagement.
Despite all the talk about localism, the document is essentially awaiting for the White Paper and is not suggesting any specifically local ideas for expanded community engagement. Maybe some of us will have to prepare a petition for a parish in the borough to shake things up? Instead what we get is "Corporate Engagement" which sounds very "top down" and "broadcast" rather than "two-way".
6. Health and Social Care
An integrated Health and Social Care agenda seems to be a long-way off those this is because it probably needs the PCT to take the lead and it is still in transition. I suspect this area will need some revision in 2008/9.
1. General
In general it is a good document, with most items previously discussed by the Council, so there are few surprises. In some places it is a little repetitive, so it could be reduced in length. The document's analysis about change factors is spot on. It will be interesting to see how Councillors react to them. I suspect a bit of "Canute" politics here!
2. Scrutiny Process
It is good that Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee will comment on the document first. Will Tory Councillors demonstrate they take scutiny seriously by setting out their views on the Council's priorities either there or at full Council through a considered amendment?
3. Children and Learning
a) The rebuilding of Stanley Park High School by 2010 sounds quite tight to me and makes me wonder whether it is most likely to be rebuilt on its current site?
b) The new Citizenship and Lifeskills Centre sounds good. I will comment in more detail through the budget process and in a separate posting.
c) The refocusing of Play services on children's centres and extended schools will not necessariily increase choice unless the Council builds capcity for other providers. The Council is thus missing a longer-term opportunity here.
4. Economic Regeneration
Sutton's Town Centre has declined from 5th to 8th because we have significantly restricted the expansion of the night time economy. Ken's £4.5 million is that the next stage for the twon centre is one of high density housing above retail developments as we see private sector regeneration of the town centre with no increase in retail, but a younger commuting population living in its centre.
5. Community Engagement.
Despite all the talk about localism, the document is essentially awaiting for the White Paper and is not suggesting any specifically local ideas for expanded community engagement. Maybe some of us will have to prepare a petition for a parish in the borough to shake things up? Instead what we get is "Corporate Engagement" which sounds very "top down" and "broadcast" rather than "two-way".
6. Health and Social Care
An integrated Health and Social Care agenda seems to be a long-way off those this is because it probably needs the PCT to take the lead and it is still in transition. I suspect this area will need some revision in 2008/9.
posted by Charlie Mansell at 5:47 pm
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