A draft of Flintshire County Council’s annual Improvement Plan should be approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (13 May).
The Improvement Plan 2014-15 will be considered prior to consultation and final publication in June. Divided into eight main priorities of Environment, Housing, Living Well, Poverty, Economy and Enterprise, Skills and Learning, Safe Communities and Modern and Efficient Council; the annual plan helps the organisation meet targets to develop these areas.
Highlights from the 2013-14 plan included the opening of Llys Jasmine in Mold, Flintshire’s new Extra Care scheme developed in partnership with Wales and West Housing, which is the first of its kind in Wales with 15 specially designed apartments for people with dementia. In the coming year the Council will consider developing two more extra care facilities following the same model in Flint and Holywell.
Another top priority has been helping more people to live well and independently at home and improving quality of life for residents, these remain on the agenda for next year.
The Council also say they are committed to promoting Deeside as a recognised centre for energy and advanced manufacturing. Since April 2012, 29 companies have invested in the area and Flintshire will continue developing investment opportunities into 2014-15 as well as meeting the needs of training and employment by providing apprenticeships and creating jobs. The new plan looks at establishing at least 10 new social enterprises to offer work placements and skills development.
Work to provide ICT updates and wireless technology in schools set out in last year’s plan is complete and this year the Council is looking forward to continue to improve learning provision through literacy and numeracy and a number of other learning opportunities.
Protecting people from poverty was high on the list of Council improvement priorities, with Welfare Reform being of particular concern. The Council continues to work to help prevent homelessness, to help people to claim the benefits that they are entitled to and to help manage the impact of Welfare Reform on the most vulnerable people in the county. For 2014-15 the Council will be also be focussing on domestic abuse and substance misuse as part of keeping communities safe.
Councillor Aaron Shotton, Leader of Flintshire County Council said:
“The Improvement Plan sets out guidelines to enable us to meet targets to enhance residents’ lives. Some of our priorities in 2014-15 include the development of the Council’s Town Centre Master Plans to protect the vitality of Flintshire’s town centres and support economic activity; improvements to road safety and accessibility between homes, places of work and leisure facilities as well as a commitment to protect front line council services and make the best use of resources in this difficult financial climate.”
Colin Everett, Chief Executive said:
“The plan is a very positive commitment from a high performing council. Meeting last year’s targets shows that we have an excellent vision with clear priorities and we will build on the success of the 2013-14 to fulfil our ambitious plans for the coming year.”
