Cheshire East sets out its open vision as it unveils its new corporate plan

Cheshire East Council is asking residents, businesses and other organisations about its aim of being an open and enabling organisation.

The council’s new corporate plan sets out the vision and priorities for the council over the next four years.

At the heart of this vision is the aim of ‘openness’ including:

·     Ensuring that there is transparency in all aspects of council decision making;

·     Listening, learning and responding to residents, promoting opportunities for a two-way conversation;

·     Supporting a sustainable financial further for the council, through service development, improvement and transformation;

·     Maximising commercial opportunities for the council;

·     Supporting and developing our workforce to be confident, motivated, innovative, resilient and empowered; and

·     Promoting the services of the council through regular communication and engagement with the council.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, cabinet member for public health and corporate services said: “Our new corporate plan sets out how we will provide strong community leadership and work transparently with our residents, businesses and partners, including town and parish councils, to deliver our ambition for Cheshire East.

“We are working on a range of activities to increase transparency in all aspects of council decision making, including putting a new committee system in place, holding regular virtual public meetings and publishing information to our open data portal on our website.

“It is also essential that we support our workforce – the council’s most important asset.  The new plan sets out how we will do that, taking into account all the challenges that the current pandemic has brought.”

Councillor Amanda Stott, cabinet member for ICT, finance and communications said: “Council finances have never been under more pressure.  It’s really important that people can see how we are managing public money and how it funds vital services.

“People need to have confidence in their council and also feel that their voice is heard. We’re committing to listening, learning and responding to residents and making sure that we promote the valued services of the council effectively, so that people know what is available and how to access help.

“I’d ask everyone to read our new corporate plan and respond to the short survey – make sure you have your say.”

The council’s corporate plan consultation is open until 27 November.  Visit cheshireeast.gov.uk to find out more and give your feedback.

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/consultations/corporate-plan-consultation.aspx