Colchester City Council's Scrutiny Panel will consider a refreshed Strategic Plan Action Plan on 13 October, setting out the Administration's priorities for the year ahead and the practical steps it will take to deliver them.
The Action Plan focuses on the issues that matter most to residents: delivering affordable homes, supporting local businesses, improving health and wellbeing, tackling climate change, keeping communities safe, investing in neighbourhoods and providing modern, effective council services.
Developed against a backdrop of continued financial pressures on households, businesses and local government, the plan focuses on delivering tangible improvements for residents while making the best use of public resources.
Delivering for residents
The Action Plan commits to securing 400 more affordable homes, improving standards in private rented accommodation and strengthening homelessness prevention services.
The Council will continue working with partners to do what it can to ensure progress against every key objectives, including infrastructure keeping pace with growth. Pressing for delivery of the Garden Community link road and working with Essex County Council and others on plans for a new bus station.
Investing in communities
Residents will see continued investment in play areas, community facilities and projects funded through the Community Asset Fund. The Council will also work with partners to improve health and wellbeing, increase opportunities for physical activity and tackle health inequalities.
Community safety remains a priority, with increased enforcement activity and continued partnership working with Essex Police helping to create safer neighbourhoods and city centre spaces.
Supporting growth and opportunity
The Council will continue supporting local businesses, attracting investment and delivering regeneration projects that create jobs and opportunities for residents.
Working alongside organisations such as COLBEA, Creative Colchester and the INColchester Business Improvement District, the Council will support business growth and develop a new Economic Strategy for Colchester. The city's strong network of education and training providers, including the University of Essex, Colchester Institute and others, will continue to play an important role in developing the workforce needed for future growth.
Cleaner, greener and more sustainable
The Action Plan includes continued delivery of the Council's Climate Emergency commitments, investment in cleaner public spaces and preparations for changes to waste and recycling services.
The changes will make recycling simpler for residents, help increase recycling rates and support the Council's environmental ambitions.
Protecting what makes Colchester special
The Council will continue investing in Colchester's heritage, culture and visitor economy, including supporting major projects such as improvements to the Castle, museums and other important historic assets.
Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This Action Plan is focused on delivery. We know residents want to see progress on the things that matter most to them, from housing and community safety to clean streets, economic growth and local services.
“While the financial challenges facing councils remain significant, we are committed to making the best use of our resources, working with partners and delivering practical improvements that make a real difference to people's lives across Colchester. That includes continuing our work to reduce the Council's debt, helping to ensure taxpayers' money is spent on services and residents' priorities rather than interest and other financing costs.”
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This plan is about turning priorities into action. We're focused on delivering affordable homes, supporting businesses, improving neighbourhoods, increasing recycling and investing in services that residents rely on every day. And those like our Summer Series of concerts that make the city such a great place to live work and visit.
“By working closely with our communities and partners, we're making sure Colchester continues to move forward despite the financial pressures we face.”
The Strategic Plan Action Plan will be considered by the Scrutiny Panel on 13 October, before being presented to Cabinet on 21 October and Full Council on 10 December for approval.