The updated plan responds to ongoing financial pressures, rising demand for services and changes to national funding, and aligns with the council’s Financial Improvement and Sustainability Plan - ensuring it focuses on value for money while protecting the services residents rely on most.
The plan builds on areas of strong performance across the council – including children’s services being recognised as good and outstanding for care leavers by Ofsted, adults’ services having high levels of user satisfaction, and the council’s housing transformation programme already showing a positive impact with a 20 percent reduction in the number of households living in temporary accommodation since summer 2025.
By setting out clear priorities, alongside how performance and progress will be monitored – the plan includes action to improve neighbourhoods across the borough by tackling litter, graffiti and fly tipping, investing in parks and green spaces, strengthening work towards net zero and increased biodiversity, and working with partners to build healthier, safer and more resilient communities.
With prevention and early intervention at the heart of the council’s approach, the plan focuses on ensuring residents receive the right support at the right time - helping people stay healthy and independent within their communities, while reducing long term pressure on services and improving outcomes for residents.
Cllr Simon Werner, Leader of the Council, said: “This refreshed Council Plan is about continuing to fix the mess and get things done for our residents – as we remain focused on delivering a cleaner, greener and safer borough, with opportunity for all.
“By supporting residents earlier, we can help people live independently for longer, reduce the need for more costly crisis intervention and improve outcomes for families and communities – which is why prevention is at the heart of this plan.
“We are also stepping up action to tackle litter, graffiti and fly‑tipping, and investing in play parks and car parks - so residents see real, visible improvements in their neighbourhoods.
“At the same time, we are strengthening our work towards net zero and increasing biodiversity, ensuring we act as responsible guardians of our landscape and wildlife for future generations.”
This is the final annual refresh of the 2024 - 2028 Council Plan, ahead of work to develop the next Council Plan from 2027.