The plan sets out six key priorities for the next decade which fall under the following themes: 

• A financially secure council 
• Outstanding local services 
• Thriving towns and villages 
• Invest to grow 
• A cleaner, greener Allerdale, and 
• Resilient communities 

Comments on these key priorities, and the key objectives to achieve them, can be made via the County-wide consultation website where the full draft Council Plan can be found. Just follow the link at: www.allerdale.gov.uk/consultation.

Hard copies of the draft document are also available from the Council’s Policy Team at Allerdale House, Workington, CA14 3YJ. The team can also be contacted by email at policy@allerdale.gov.uk.

Speaking on the plan, Council Leader, Marion Fitzgerald, said:

“In putting this plan together we have developed the priorities and objectives that we believe will help to make Allerdale a place where our communities can thrive.

“To ensure that everyone can prosper in our area we need to work towards a sustainable future – for our economy, our environment, and our communities – as well as creating a sustainable footing for the Council so that we can continue to provide the services that our communities need. I would encourage everyone to have their say so that we can develop the right plan for everyone in Allerdale.”

The plan also sets out key ways it will meet the six priorities. This includes addressing the budget deficit and becoming self-sufficient by 2030, becoming more commercial and efficient, investing in local communities through its assets portfolio, as well as developing a new housing company to provide the right homes in the right places, at the right price.  

There is a strong focus in the plan on improving the environment in Allerdale. A key priority is for a cleaner and greener borough by ensuring neighbourhoods are kept clean and tidy, waste is reduced and recycling rates increased, parks and open spaces are improved and protected, and environmental sustainability is central to the Council’s policies.

The Council also seeks to improve the towns, villages and communities in Allerdale. It sets out ambitions to create deliverable town plans to adapt to the changes affecting the high street, make Allerdale’s seven towns even more attractive to visitors, support local business, and ensure decent homes for all. It also commits the Council to promoting healthy, active lifestyles, making communities safer and addressing inequalities.

The Council is committed to making sure it provides outstanding public services by making it easy for people to contact it, using technology better, and looking at delivering services in better and innovative ways. 

• The deadline for responses to the consultation is 7 November 2019.