An important week at CBC

The full Council meeting on Tuesday night will be a bit of a watershed in view of resident’s ability to access the meeting via the 'Dorset for you' 'web cast'. Residents will be able to view all the proceedings of the important meeting. Important because of the presentation of the balanced budget and Council tax adjustment prepared and presented by the port folio holder for Performance and the presentation of the local plan core strategy vision prior to its submission to the Secretary of State Inspector by the port folio holder for the environment. With limited seating at the Council Chamber and the indication of extremely inclement weather, the web cast will enable interested residents to view proceedings from the comfort of their homes. I like the idea of this level of transparency and public access and look forward to when it becomes less of a watershed moment and a normal occurrence. Information technology is now shaping organisations; social structures and everyday life so we should in my opinion optimise the benefits and embrace it so that we are more transparent in our decision making. The budget debate will direct the next Council year financial plan important enough; but the core strategy once passed by full Council and incorporated into our local plan will determine the planning policies until 2028. This plan believe it or not has been in preparation for over seven years and has included over forty weeks of consultation. It will replace the 2001 local plan which is fading fast and will ensure the protection of the unique character of the Borough whilst embracing the growth so necessary to ensure our future. I suspect there will be robust debate so I will be very interested to hear how the web cast is received by residents.