Corporate Plan 2004-2008 - Strategic Issues

The Scottish Executive's policy statement 'Building a Better Scotland' sets out national priorities and these are reflected in this plan.

Corporate governance
Two years ago we adopted a 'corporate governance code'. Corporate governance is about how we work - the procedures and practices which control our roles and how we relate to our communities. The main areas of activity covered by the corporate governance code are:

• focusing on the community;
• arrangements for delivering services;
• our structure and processes;
• managing and controlling risks; and
• standards of conduct.

By following the corporate governance code we can be sure that we are keeping to the underlying principles of 'good governance'.

Risk management
We must be able to show that we are effectively managing risks. Risk management is a complex process but we can benefit from having improved financial controls, keeping to legal requirements, and by improving the quality, efficiency, overall performance and reputation of our services. During 2003-2004, we approved a framework for risk management and set up a corporate working group to take that framework forward.

Continuous improvement
It is important for us to achieve and maintain high standards of service for local people. The results of our residents' survey show that we have already made progress and highlights areas for further improvement. We have used the full findings of the survey to prepare this plan.

We use various methods to review services so we can continuously improve them. Best value reviews, value-for-money studies, business-change reviews and scrutiny reviews all result in improvements to services.

We are also audited each year by an outside organisation so we can be sure that we are making good progress towards continuous improvement.

Modernisation
The Government has set a target for 100% of all services that can be provided on-line to be available in this way by 31 December 2005. We aim to make the best use of technology to improve access to services and streamline procedures for delivering services.

We have already made significant progress by opening ten 'First Stop Shops', the customer contact centre and our improved website. Plans to expand the customer contact centre and the website will further improve access to services and the quality of services delivered.

Financial planning and budgeting
Setting a three-year budget has allowed us to plan with more certainty. When developing our financial plan we took a long-term view before making decisions on investments.

We have produced this corporate plan knowing the level of income we will receive over the first two years of the plan. Our spending will be in line with the priorities outlined in this plan.

We are committed to keeping both Council Tax and our rents for housing affordable. The overall increase in Council Tax since 1996 is the lowest in Scotland and our financial plan aims to restrict the increase to 3.5% a year. The rents we charge for our housing are below the national average. Rent increases will be restricted to 4% over each of the next two years.

To help meet our priorities we will try to attract as much funding as possible from the European Union and other sources.

As Scotland's fourth largest authority, we own and manage many assets. We are working to make sure these are fit for their intended purposes, and are used and managed effectively. Over the next four years we will continue work to achieve this.

Community planning
We have a legal duty to lead community planning. We do this as part of the North Lanarkshire Partnership (NLP), which also includes Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire Brigade, NHS Lanarkshire, Jobcentre Plus, Scottish Enterprise, Communities Scotland and the voluntary sector. We have prepared the new community plan alongside this corporate plan. If any issues are common to both plans, the relevant plan will detail each partner's contribution in dealing with that issue.

Achieving equal opportunities
We work to improve equal opportunities to make sure people do not suffer from discrimination or restricted access to opportunities.

We are committed to removing barriers which prevent people and communities from being involved and taking advantage of opportunities. Our 'social inclusion strategy' sets out our approach to tackling all forms of disadvantage and poverty.

Community Regeneration Strategy
We are leading the NLP's response to the Scottish Executive's national strategy for community regeneration and renewal (improving disadvantaged neighbourhoods). We aim to narrow the gap between deprived and prosperous neighbourhoods so that no one should be seriously disadvantaged by where they live. We will also try to meet the particular needs of areas outside major towns. This gives us the opportunity to strengthen our commitment to tackle issues relating to quality of life.

We are also developing an approach to create more effective links between economic, physical, environmental and social issues. This will support the NLP's vision of 'developing an inclusive society, a prosperous economy and a healthy environment'.

Sustainability and biodiversity
As we have said, sustainability is about giving everyone, now and in the future, a better quality of life. We can most effectively achieve this by working with communities, organisations and businesses. 'Local Agenda 21' is the process of drawing up and introducing plans to achieve sustainability.

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things, from bluebells to butterflies, trees to toadstools, and plants to people. These things give us pleasure, provide interest and offer the opportunity for relaxation and understanding. Our plans relating to sustainability will deal with protecting and improving the environment.

Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment or recycling more. It is about achieving a balance between the environmental, economic and social needs of our communities. It is also about considering the long-term effects of our decisions. Because of this it is relevant to all parts of this corporate plan.

Through the vision and values of our plan, the Local Agenda 21 strategy to promote sustainability and our involvement in North Lanarkshire's Biodiversity Action Plan, we are committed to playing our part in this vital process.