We want the council to provide good value for money to local residents, providing services that you can rely on, and making decisions in an open and transparent way. Over the last four years we have restored the council to full democratic control, undertaken a boundary review that has resulted in fewer councillors, and cut the cost of councillors by 15%. Now we will:

1. Develop stronger online systems, enabling residents to arrange more services online 24 / 7, and track delivery via the council’s website, whilst ensuring telephone and face to face services remain for those who need them so that services are accessible to everyone. We are recruiting additional telephone operatives to cut call waiting times this year.
2. Consider all outsourced council contracts as they come up for renewal, and seek opportunities to bring these back in-house where it makes sense to do so.
3. Report annually on how council services are responding to the different needs of people with protected equalities characteristics, setting out an annual plan to meet and respond to the needs of women and men, people from different backgrounds, people with disabilities, and ensuring the council meets its legal obligations.
4. Continue to submit council services to regular reviews and peer challenges by experts from other councils to ensure they work as effectively as possible.