The Council's Priorities for 2007/08 are:

<>   Improving the appearance of the District
<>   Reducing anti-social behaviour - particularly focusing on youth nuisance, town centres and urban areas
<>   Sustainability - working together to protect our environment
<>   Ensuring a positive future for the Council's Housing stock
<>   Improving access by the public to information and services
<>   Improving community and rural transport
<>   Complete construction of the new Braintree Swimming Pool
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Our Direction & Ambition 2004 - 2008:

1. Create a Cleaner & Greener District

<>   Provide attractive and cleaner streets, neighbourhoods and open spaces so that they can enhance the well-being and quality of life for residents and visitors.

<>   Encourage sustainable waste management through recycling and waste minimisation.

<>   Reduce the impact of traffic on the District by promoting and supporting improved public and community transport, cycling and walking, and seeking innovative transport services that better match people's actual needs.

<>   Conserve and enhance the countryside and heritage of the District.

2. A Better Place to Live, Work & Play

<>   Provide leadership on community issues.

<>   Maximise the supply of affordable housing in the District.

<>   Promote safe and decent homes, for all residents whether in supported housing or with aids and adaptations to live in their own homes.

<>   Rejuvenate our towns and villages.

<>   Provide more opportunities for young people.

<>   Improve access to Council services and information, especially in rural areas.

<>   Work with the business sector to maintain and provide quality employment.

<>   Improve and provide facilities and activities that enable all ages to enjoy their leisure time.

3. Help People to Feel Safe & Well

<>   Combat flooding more effectively.

<>   Improve transport in rural areas.

<>   Reduce anti social behaviour through direct actions and in partnership with all relevant agencies.

<>   Achieve better health for those who live and work in the District, in conjunction with partners and appropriate agencies.

<>   Reduce levels of crime and fear of crime in the District by working with partners.

<>   Work with partners to prevent homelessness in the District and tackle its consequences. Avoid the use of bed and breakfast through the development of alternative strategies.

4. Improve Performance & Deliver Better Value

<>   Be a low tax authority, consistent with government grants and funding opportunities.

<>   Focus on partnerships which deliver real benefits.

<>   Deliver better value through improved performance.

<>   Make the Council's services and decisions open and accessible, so that local residents can understand the way the Council works and are to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

<>   Deliver seamless services directly or through partnerships and, where possible, maximize income for investment in frontline services.
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Our Core Values - We all expect to:

Perform well and get things done
Respect and value customers and staff
Improve and learn
Deliver that bit extra & be
Efficient and Effective