Council remains committed to priorities

A report on the plan which puts residents at the heart of how Bromsgrove District Council delivers its services has been shared.

Members received key updates around the Council Plan, which runs from 2024 until 2027, on a number of key projects including town centre regeneration projects which includes the public realm and Nailers Yard.

At the centre of the Council Plan are four core priorities: Economic Development, Housing, Environment, and Infrastructure, all tied together with a ‘green’ climate change thread.

Through the UKSPF, numerous grants have been awarded during the period, including an Employability Skills Programme benefitting young people, as well as funding a Business Innovation and Productivity Programme which will support several businesses across the district.

In addition, the Council is focusing on a new Town Centre Strategic Framework. A Town Centre Steering Group is to be formed, which will develop an action plan and start the process of introducing a Business Improvement District.

Supporting our communities, with the right infrastructure in place, is central to the Council Plan. The Local Plan is how communities guide where and how future homes, businesses, and infrastructure will be developed. As part of the Local Plan process, a consultation on the Draft Development Strategy took place last year, for 16 weeks, generating over 7000 responses. 

There has been extensive support for community safety initiatives, including a new CCTV camera at Bromsgrove Bus Station and an increase in videos produced to use as evidence.

A new approach to environmental crime and fly tipping, working with Worcestershire Regulatory Services has seen a new focus on tackling this anti-social activity, making the environment better for residents.

The Council’s commitment to housing has seen funding secured for the delivery of a Warm Homes Local Grant to support households in fuel poverty and reduction in household carbon emissions.

Adding to this, through the Council’s partnership with Act on Energy, over 300 residents have been supported with advice relating to the constant rising costs of energy.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Karen May, said: “Our Council is fully committed to delivering on our strategic priorities and we’ve already made significant progress. From major regeneration projects to delivering new homes, all whilst establishing a strong green agenda in every decision we make, ensuring a sustainable future for our district. We are investing in what matters to our communities and keeping our residents at the heart of everything we do.”

At the meeting held on February 25^th members considered and noted the report.

A copy of The Council Plan is available to read here.