Due to the changes outlined in the national / local context section and the level of savings required (£70 million over 4 years), some changes to the way services are delivered are inevitable. For service users this will mean:
- All customers will have easier, more modern access to information and services
- A greater proportion of Council funding going directly into provision of services
- The voluntary sector will offer more user-led services in public outlets – for example, in libraries.
- On crime control, progress will continue. Incidences of crime and disorder stand at an 11-year low.
- In Adult Social Care, Self-Directed Support will provide increasing numbers of individuals with more choice and control over how their services are delivered.
- The council’s Neighbourhood Partnerships initiative will increasingly offer direct, local choices and budgetary control.
- Schools will have increased autonomy, with the council retaining a more strategic role.
- On the local economy, we will aim, through the new Enterprise Zone, to generate economic growth, jobs and increased income through retention of business rate growth.
