Foreword
Foreword
This plan sets out our priorities for the next two years and clearly defines how we will strengthen local services while preparing the organisation and our communities for transformational changes to local government.
Supporting our communities is at the centre of everything we do. As cost-of-living pressures continue to impact our residents, supporting people to access food, essential goods and health and wellbeing activities remains a key priority for us. Focusing on supporting the most vulnerable in our communities and working with local providers to expand supporting housing options will also help more people feel safe and supported, leading to better longer-term outcomes. With Witham’s new Community Centre opening in the coming months, and councillor grants helping local groups make a difference, we remain committed to building stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
As we continue to support our communities, we also want to make the most of opportunities that encourage sustainable and inclusive growth. By bringing forward a revised Local Plan, alongside our neighbourhood plans, we can help ensure that new development is well planned, well connected and shaped by local communities. We will support the local economy through a clear sector-based approach, focusing investment on areas with the greatest potential and working with partners to attract new businesses and high-quality jobs. Rural businesses will receive targeted support, and district-wide job fairs and school-based careers events will help residents find training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
We remain committed to caring for and improving our environment, particularly as national policy changes bring new requirements and opportunities. A range of schemes and government‑backed programmes will continue to help households and businesses cut energy use and reduce bills, while modernising our waste service in-line with national reforms will make it easier for people to recycle, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Delivering these ambitions depends on having an organisation that can adapt and continue to improve over time. Our transformation programme is improving the way we work, while delivery of our digital strategy will make it easier for residents to access services and for staff to do their jobs well. Service reviews will continue to strengthen performance and our focus on employee engagement means that our workforce will be kept informed, involved and supported as we move forward.
As we continue to strengthen the organisation from within, we are also looking ahead to the wider changes taking place across the region. Over the duration of this plan, we must prepare, together with our partners in Colchester, Tendring and Essex County Council, for the transition to a new North- East Essex unitary authority, which will come into effect as this plan concludes. Our aim is to ensure this transition is managed smoothly, maintaining essential services while laying the foundations for a strong and resilient future council.
We know there is much work ahead. Balancing everyday services while progressing major projects and preparing for future change will bring challenges but we face this period with focus, determination and a shared sense of purpose. Challenges can often open doors to new opportunities and a chance to strengthen, reshape and improve our organisation ready to meet the needs of our communities in the future.
Councillor Graham Butland Leader of Braintree District Council
Dan Gascoyne Chief Executive
Councillor Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council
Dan Gascoyne, Chief Executive