Council Plan Priorities Update Report Considered

On Tuesday night councillors considered a report which showed an ‘all round commitment in delivering priorities’ to make Redditch a better place in which to live, work and play.

Redditch Borough Council’s Executive met to receive the report which highlighted the progress of delivering the four-year Council Plan which runs until 2028.

At the heart of the Council Plan, are three core priorities that have been identified, based on feedback received from local stakeholders. These are, Building Strong Economic Development, a Clean, Green and Safe Redditch that everyone can be proud of and Housing which meets the needs of our communities.

Executive Members heard that the town centre has seen major developments, from updates to the public realm and the relaunch of the outdoor market, to the commitment to an Innovation Centre, which will bring significant opportunities to the Borough.

Effective delivery of funding through the UKSPF is helping businesses to thrive and giving opportunities to young people within the Borough.

A new approach to environmental crime and fly tipping, working with Worcestershire Regulatory Services has seen a new focus on tackling this anti-social activity, making the environment better for residents.

The Council’s commitment to improving our Housing Services has seen the recent tenant survey show an increase in both satisfaction and response rates. The Warm Homes scheme and vital support for tenants through new, targeted damp and mould and caretaking provisions demonstrate a commitment to our tenants.

Also, by increasing the amount of temporary accommodation in our housing stock, we have significantly reduced our use of bed and breakfast, making a tangible difference to residents’ lives.

Supporting our communities is central to Council Plan, from Shopmobility to Dial-a-Ride. There has also been extensive support for community safety initiatives, including the Nominated Neighbour Scheme and the recruitment of the first Community Neighbourhood Warden.

In addition, the Council has also continued to deliver assistance to residents and families experiencing challenges due to cost of living through the Household Support Fund.

Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Performance, Engagement and Governance, Cllr Jane Spilsbury said: “The plan puts our communities at the heart of everything we do.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress that has been made towards actions within the plan, from supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities to pushing forward ambitious economic projects.

“I’d like to thank our council officers for the work they have put in to delivering the priorities.”

Investment in culture has had a positive impact for our residents and communities, through flagship initiatives such as ReNEW & Reimagine Redditch.

This has led to the recent expression of interest for the UK Town of Culture, all of which highlight the culture of Redditch and its offer for communities and visitors alike.

Council Leader Sharon Harvey added: “This report showed all round commitment from the Council in delivering its priorities and our manifesto pledges.

“From when the Council Plan was published in 2025, a year after we came into administration we have delivered in making Redditch a better place for people to live, work and play.

“We are proud of the progress made across these areas and at the same time maintaining a stable budget.”

A copy of the report is here.