Give feedback on this pageAn Introduction to Denbighshire County Council’s Priorities
Leader - Councillor Hugh Evans
Why do we need to set Council priorities?
If we are to make real change we need to do fewer things, but do them well. Councils which have a sustained focus on what matters are more likely to improve than those which set priorities and then are not able to stay on track through the typical ups and downs of change. Prioritisation is the way in which councils decide where to focus their scarce resources, including management time and effort. The ‘day job’ of meeting the council’s statutory duties continues, but a council’s priorities point towards the key areas that the council wants to change.
How have Council priorities been chosen?
The draft priorities below have been based on surveys with Members, information from research and statistics and the professional knowledge of our senior mangers. We are keen that you understand why these issues have been chosen as priorities and have the opportunity to give us your views. We know that many of you would like to see improvements made in a number of areas which are not specifically mentioned. Through the survey with our Members and feedback from you we will make sure that improvements are made to these areas although this will not necessarily be through our Improvement Board structure. Below is an overview of the priorities we are recommending and there is a short survey for you to complete. If you would like further information please follow the relevant website links.
Priority 1 – Modernising Education
The Estyn Inspection of Denbighshire County Council published in September 2007 commented on the quality of education services within the County. The Modernising Education programme encompasses three streams of work: the response to the two Estyn inspections focusing on raising pupil attainment and improving youth support services and the programme to take forward the recommendations from the Cambridge Education report so that the County’s schools meet the needs of 21st Century Wales.
For more information on priority 1 click here
Draft Priority 2 - Responding to demographic change
Population projections show that most of us are going to live longer, which is very positive news. As we get older many of us will be able to play a full and active role in society and would like to have the opportunity to continue or even change our career. We will want to keep independence and control over our lives and have an adequate income and access to decent housing. The Council needs to make sure that it is proactive in planning for an ageing population, allowing for people to work and learn for as long as they want to, and to make an active contribution once they retire. We also need to recognise that people living longer will mean that more of us will need access to high quality health and social care services and support and the Council will need to make the necessary financial provision to ensure it can cope with increasing dependency. We also need to plan so that we can meet the needs of the increasing number of children with special needs and other changes in our population such as immigration from other parts of the European Union or further afield.
For more information on priority 2 click here
Priority 3 - Regeneration
The Council is best placed to lead on regenerating Denbighshire. Regeneration and renewal involves developing, or redeveloping, every aspect of Denbighshire’s environment, from housing and transport networks, to business and jobs, as well as shopping and entertainment facilities. The Council aims to reduce the gap between Denbighshire’s most deprived areas and the rest of the County. This is particularly important as the official measure for deprivation in Wales which was published on the 9 July, shows that six areas in Denbighshire are in the most deprived 10% in Wales. Three areas of Rhyl have been assessed to be in the top 5 most deprived areas in the country, showing the need for concentrated effort.
For more information on priority 3 click here
Priority 4 – Roads and Flood Defences
Unlike all other assets, we have no choice about the location and need for these assets. The challenge is simply to provide resources to ensure that they are properly maintained and reviewed over time. These assets are the responsibility of a single department and therefore there is no need for this priority to be supported by a Corporate Improvement Board.
For more information on priority 4 click here
Tell us what you think - Please take part in our online survey to tell us your views on the councils new priorities
This survey will be open for you to complete until Monday 15th September