A three year plan that sets out a ‘strong, ambitious vision’ for the future of the Lancaster district has been published.
In its Council Plan for 2024-2027, Lancaster City Council outlines its priorities and ambitions and a strategic vision for its services.
In addition to its ambitions, the plan also includes case studies of the council’s many successes, which have been achieved against the background of continued financial challenges.
Councillor Phillip Black, Leader of Lancaster City Council, explained: “The Council Plan is a key pillar for our strategic goals and ambitions for the environment, economy and our communities.
“At the same time, it recognises the need to be realistic and the financial context in which we are forced to operate. Central government has withdrawn in the region of 40% of our funding over the last decade and the funds are not available to do everything we may wish.
“This means that while we continue to be ambitious for our communities, it is only through the combined efforts of the council, residents, volunteers, businesses, and many other organisations that we will we be able to harness the district’s untapped potential and achieve real change.”
The Plan is underpinned by four principles:
• A Sustainable District
• An Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy
• Healthy and Happy Communities
• A Co-operative, Kind and Responsible Council
Underneath these principles are four themes.
They are:
1. The Climate Emergency
This theme includes an ambition to be net zero carbon by 2030 while supporting other individuals, businesses, and organisations across the district to reach the same goal. It also recognises the need to increase biodiversity, protect our district’s unique ecology and ensure habitats provided for wildlife are maintained.
2. Community Wealth Building
This includes using the council’s land, property, finance and procurement to benefit local communities and encouraging residents, businesses and organisations to do the same, while supporting the development of new skills within an environmentally sustainable local economy. The need to secure investment and regeneration across our district is also recognised, along with its promotion as an attractive destination for leisure and culture.
3. Increasing Wellbeing. Reducing Inequality
This theme includes the pressing need for more good quality, and affordable housing for local people. Other ambitions in this theme include keeping our district’s neighbourhoods, parks, beaches and open spaces clean, well-maintained and safe, and continuing to provide access to and involvement in arts, culture, leisure, and recreation.
4. Deliver Effective Services, Take Responsibility
Due to the financial context the city council recognises the need to work in partnership with residents, local organisations, and other partners to build a powerful force working for and serving our district.
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