Setting out our Council Plan for 2024/25
Today we have published our council plan for 2024/25, that sets out our key priorities.
Launched alongside the budget for 24/25, the plan was approved at Full Council on 6 March and details our priorities and key deliverables for 2024/25.
The Council Plan
The most urgent priority for the council is to address our financial position in a fair and balanced way that means it can continue to deliver positive outcomes for the people and places of Kirklees.
Making difficult decisions and prioritising resources whilst assessing the short- and long-term effects of those decisions is key.
Alongside delivering on budget savings and maximising opportunities for external funding and partnership working, we intend to transform our services to become more modern, efficient and effective.
This will include continuing improvement to services for children and refreshing the approach to adult social care in line with a changing health and social care system.
A greener and healthier Kirklees
We are also committing to delivering a greener, healthier Kirklees and addressing the challenges of climate change with support for communities to look after local environments and improve recycling, the publishing and delivery of an Environment Strategy, and ensuring parks and greenspaces are welcoming, accessible and high-quality.
Investment and regeneration
Investing and regenerating the towns and villages across Kirklees is also a priority identified in the Council Plan for 2024/25. Projects including Our Cultural Heart, part of the wider Huddersfield Blueprint, Dewsbury Blueprint and regeneration schemes in Heckmondwike, Batley, Cleckheaton, Holmfirth and Marsden will continue.
Vibrant markets in Huddersfield and Dewsbury will provide opportunities for communities to come together to socialise, shop, sell, test ideas, eat and drink. Levelling Up Fund and Shared Prosperity funds will be utilised to the best effect. Strategic housing sites and public transport networks will also be at the heart of the aim to support Kirklees’ diverse places and communities to flourish.
Councillor Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
In the face of a challenging financial situation, brought about by national and international events, we have developed a plan that not only prioritises protecting vulnerable people of all ages, but also allows us to transform our services, and sow the seeds of future growth for a better, greener, and healthier Kirklees.
The plan allows us to navigate the significant financial challenges that we are facing by making sure we are working in the most efficient, effective, and modern way. Doing things differently and better to provide sustainable support to our communities now and in the future.
This plan is underpinned by our commitment to maximise external funding opportunities, and work more closely with partners at a local, regional and national level to deliver on our ambitions for a better future.
Council Plan 2024/25
The Council Plan for 2024/25 can be viewed on the council’s website here: https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s56074/Council%20Plan%202024-25.pdf