A FOUR year plan to boost economic development, housing and skill levels and also improve well being and community safety has been produced by Redditch Borough Council.
The ambitious plan also features a ‘green thread’ running through it to tackle environmental issues and the impact of climate change.
Framing it all is the need to save £1.2million in the next financial year rising to £1.7million by 2023-24.
With that in mind the plan focuses on a more business-like approach with support for the Eastern Gateway Development, increasing the occupancy rate at business centres and developing a clear economic strategy.
On housing the plan is to build more affordable homes, support people to prevent homelessness and to work with tenants.
For skills the authority plans to push apprenticeships for young people, focus on development and undertake a audit to identify any skill gaps.
The Council also plans to emphasise activities to promote a healthier lifestyle, back initiatives to reduce anti social behaviour and improve recycling rates.
The report, to the Borough’s executive committee, won widespread praise from Councillors.
“This is a good plan as it shows where we are going and it’s got a green thread running through it which shows our our direction of travel,” said Coun Brandon Clayton, portfolio holder for environmental services.
The plan was recommended for approval and will now go forward to full council in January to be rubber stamped.
