In order that the Council can continue to focus its efforts and activities on the needs of its residents, communities and businesses, this priority will be underpinned by continued demonstration of financial sustainability through the medium term. This is the foundation for ensuring there are resources to continue to enable residents to receive excellent, high-quality services that are responsive and accessible to local needs.
1.1. Ensure sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making
Ways we will deliver this
Lead portfolio
1.1.1. We will develop a climate and sustainability impact tool to help inform, shape and improve our decision-making.
Strategic leadership
1.2. Continue to ensure the Council’s finances remain on a firm and sustainable footing.
Ways we will deliver this
Lead portfolio
1.2.1. Our medium-term financial strategy will set out the steps we will take to ensure we continue to be financially sustainable and can continue to invest across the district. This will include making better use of existing resources and consider how we can increase income generating opportunities.
Resources
1.2.2. Our change programme will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of how the Council delivers services to ensure they remain responsive and accessible to customer needs.
Transformation and resources
1.3. Achieve and demonstrate delivery of high quality services
Ways we will deliver this
Lead portfolio
1.3.1. By reviewing how Council services are delivered and measuring performance will help ensure high quality services are being delivered across the Council.
All
1.3.2. The Digital and Customer Strategy and Change Management Programme will make it easier for customers to contact the Council 24/7, 365 days a year, and enable our customer service team to help more customers at the first point of contact through different communication channels.
Transformation
1.3.3. We will measure our performance and develop how we use data, benchmarking and customer insight to ensure we continuously learn and improve how we deliver services.
Transformation
1.3.4. We will further develop our approach to commissioning and contract management across the Council to continue to ensure residents receive the best service possible and value for the taxpayer.
Resources
1.3.5. Ensure Council homes are safe and meet the Decent Homes standard for all our tenants, including improving the energy efficiency of their homes and meeting all new social housing regulatory requirements.
Housing and assets
1.4 We want to attract and retain the best talent to deliver our ambitions
Ways we will deliver this
Lead portfolio
1.4.1. Our People Strategy will help to attract the right people with the right skills the Council needs; this will help the Council become recognised locally, regionally and nationally as an employer of choice.
Transformation
1.5. Ensure the best use of the Council’s assets and resources to deliver the Council’s wider corporate aims and support the circular economy
Ways we will deliver this
Lead portfolio
1.5.1. A new Asset Strategy and Management Plan will set out how we will best use our assets to drive sustainability, enable regeneration, and commercial value to contribute to our long-term financial position and place-shaping ambitions.
Housing and assets
1.5.2. We will continue to develop our approach for maximising social value though our place-shaping initiatives to recycle money within the District.