To note and use the report as overall evidence of need for business planning, decision-making and commissioning.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services introduced the report.

The main points of the report were that Herefordshire contained a vulnerable population with low earnings, unaffordable housing, and high levels of inequality. The evidence supported the Corporate Plan and budget proposals.

The Principal Officer, Research and Intelligence added that the report was an annual overview and fulfilled statutory requirements for data gathering. It set out the key issues and the long-term challenges in enabling development within Herefordshire.

The report was recognised as an important resource and the Research department was commended for its work in gathering and presenting the data.

RESOLVED THAT:

(a)          the evidence base be noted and used to inform future planning, decision making and commissioning;

(b)          in the light of the evidence base, no changes be made to the current corporate plan; and

(c)          the budget proposals are developed in accordance with the timetable outlined in the report.