Elmbridge Borough Council
Vision 2008-2013
'Building on Excellence'
Our top priorities for 2008/09
Each year we identify our top priorities for the coming year. This is based on extensive research - we have looked at the emerging local issues in Elmbridge, what new things we have to do by law, how well we've been performing over the past few years and the things that are important nationally and locally. Our top priorities for 2008-09 are:
Deliver high quality services whilst keeping the council tax as low as possible
How will we get there?
- Roll out the final year of our Value for Money Review Programme to ensure that services are provided efficiently, economically and effectively
- Roll out year two of our Asset Review Programme to ensure that they meet community needs, in partnership with others
- Use purchasing power of two councils to drive down costs of goods and services in commodity areas and explore shared service provision opportunities
- Continue to explore enhanced two tier working with Surrey County Council and other boroughs and districts
Improving accessibility to services for vulnerable people
How will we get there?
- Administer a scheme of free bus travel (to anywhere in the country).
- Continue to implement taxi voucher scheme.
- Implement Older Persons Strategy in accordance with the agreed timescales.
Promote and encourage good quality affordable housing provision
How will we get there?
- Commence delivery of recommendations contained in the comprehensive Housing Strategy 2007-08.
- Through completion of a review of assets, identify any other surplus council-owned land and property that is suitable for affordable housing and take steps to bring forward for development where appropriate
- Oversee the construction of affordable housing on the Thamesmead site, and employ every effort to ensure that the units are ready for occupation in 2009/10. To secure planning permission and complete the disposal of the Walton Pool site to a developer, with 50% of the new homes built to be affordable homes.
- Introduction of sub-regional Registered Social Landlord Choice Based Letting scheme.
Work in partnership with others to continue to make Elmbridge a safe and healthy place to live, work and visit
How will we get there?
- In partnership, implement the new process for strategic assessment of the borough crime and disorder issues.
- Work with the police and others to focus resources on responding to and tackling crimes and anti-social behaviour that are priorities for Elmbridge residents.
- Discuss with the police new initiatives to tackle car crime.
Work to reduce, reuse, recycle or compost the amount of waste collected
How will we get there?
- Implement measures to further improve our recycling and composting levels to 40% by 2010 with a focus on composting, glass and kitchen waste.
Protect and enhance the distinctive character and cultural life of the Borough
How will we get there?
- Meet agreed milestones for developing the spatial vision of the Borough in a document called the Local Development Framework with a focus on housing, land and protecting the environment.
- Work with local businesses to enhance town centre vitality and environments, with a focus on Walton
Provide an enriched environment and active community for all ages
How will we get there?
- Increase physical activity participation levels in sport and recreation to at least three times a week and thirty minutes moderate participation by 10 per cent.
- Further develop better access to leisure facilities for people with disabilities.
- Move forward with a Phase 2 Heritage Lottery Fund application to develop a new museum facility in Elmbridge which will allow greater access to the borough's heritage.
|Our Aims - our overarching vision for the Borough.
If you would like further information on Elmbridge Borough Council's Vision and Values 2008-13, please contact the |Organisational Improvement team.
