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Council priorities and commitments

We've agreed five priorities and related commitments that provide a focus for the services we deliver.

Our priorities and commitments are:

Build the local economy

Improve the level of skills within our communities and workforce
Support our small and medium sized businesses to be established and grow
Invest in our key infrastructure
Provide an attractive location to do business

Provide the best start in life for all our children

Ensure early intervention, in particular to keep our region's most vulnerable children safe
Invest in creating schools fit for the 21st century which are at the heart of our communities
Raise ambition and attainment, in particular to address inequalities
Support children to be healthy and active

Protect our most vulnerable people

Tackle the causes and effects of inequality and poverty
Help older or vulnerable people live healthy and independent lives
Ensure older or vulnerable people receive the care and support they need
Keep our communities safe

Be an inclusive council

Ensure that local people and communities are at the heart of our decision making
Empower our communities to make the most of their assets
Increase equality of opportunity

Urgently respond to climate change and transition to a carbon neutral region

Encourage understanding of how the way we live and work in the region impacts on climate change
Empower our communities and stakeholders to make significant changes to reduce emissions and adapt to a low carbon approach
Lead on the transition to cleaner and greener technologies
Promote and protect our region's natural environment
Contribute to a greener economy, maximising the region's green energy potential

Delivering our priorities and commitments

The Council Plan sets out the approach we're taking to ensure our services and activities deliver our ambitions over the next few years.

Download a copy of the Council Plan 2017-22 [PDF - 870KB]

A number of strategies, plans and policies are in place to help us deliver our vision:

View the strategies that support our council priorities

You can find out more about our progress and performance:

Council and democracy

Page last updated: 17/04/2023