Putting people first
Putting people first and encouraging pride in our communities will be two of the key objectives for Wealden District Council over the next four years.
“There is a need to maintain stability and values in a fast changing environment,” said Councillor Pam Doodes, who took over as Leader of Wealden District Council following the May elections. “That is why I want to stress the importance of putting people first in all the services we provide.” Leader of Wealden District Council, Councillor Doodes, outlined her views on the further direction of the Council in a report, Purpose and Priorities, to the October meeting of Cabinet.
It proposes three new corporate objectives for the Council:
· Putting People First, by promoting health, prosperity and community safety.
· Pride of Place, by the preservation and enhancement of our environment for us and for future generations.
· Purpose through Partnership and community leadership.
Through these objectives, it embraces six themes: Quality Service Provision; Health Prosperity and Community Safety; Sustainability; Place Shaping; Improving Performance and Efficiency and Strong Community Leadership.
“We must provide value for money as we seek to keep careful control on levels of council tax, but we also need to make sure our services have a human face,” explained Councillor Doodes.
“This is particularly important when working to ensure the health, prosperity and safety of our younger and older residents.
“A key measure to our success will be to encourage everyone to take an active interest in shaping the community. Consultation has an important part to play. We will want to listen to residents’ views on our services and the wider issues facing Wealden.
“We know Wealden is a desirable place to live, and we want it to remain that way. But this is only going to happen if we ensure that the changes made are sustainable. We all need to be aware of the impact of climate change and the need to actively encourage waste reduction and recycling.
“Though the Local Development Framework, we are helping decide the future shape of the district. We must ensure that the homes that are built, are in keeping with our enviable rural environment. But place shaping is also about keeping our communities alive. This is why the delivery of affordable homes is so important. Without it, we will lose our young people and others with a wide range of skills that have so much to contribute to our communities.
“The third objective for the Council will be Purpose through Partnership. Working with other parts of local government, the voluntary sector and private organisations, will be the way in which we can raise our game, seeking new ways to improve the performance and efficiency of our services within the constraints of our financial position.
“Partnership working takes energy and time, and as Community Leaders, all Councillors have an important role to play in this process. And there is much to be achieved by working closely with parish and town councils to influence issues that are growing in importance such as road safety.”
“I’m already encouraged by what I have seen in my new role as Leader of the Council. I know the members, officers and staff at Wealden have the skills, the commitment, enthusiasm and ambition and will work together to make a difference to the quality of life for the people of Wealden.”
