Cabinet set to approve a new vision for Calderdale

Calderdale's new administration is setting out its vision for the borough for the next three years. Leader of the Council, Reform UK's Coun Dan Sutherland, says there will be focus "on what matters most to local people." Senior councillors are asked to approve a new corporate plan for Calderdale Council when Cabinet meets on Monday, September 14. Key pledges reflect those Reform campaigned on. Coun Sutherland (Illingworth and Mixenden), whose party won control of the council from Labour in May's local elections, says in his introduction to the proposed plan: "The people of Calderdale have asked for change. "The council is listening, acting and focusing on what matters most to local people." He said the plan shows how the council will deliver for people between 2026 and 2029. "We know that residents and businesses are feeling the strain of increased costs. "We know they want better roads and highways, a safe and clean place to live and work, and homes that are right for them," said Coun Sutherland. Five clear pledges include prioritising value for money – "that makes sure Council Tax is spent on things that matter to local people," he said. Other pledges include better roads and highways, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, cleaner streets and housing that is safe, affordable and warm, said Coun Sutherland. Describing the plan as "ambitious, but realistic", Coun Sutherland said alongside those pledges the council will work to provide good quality care, and support a "vibrant" local economy as a good foundation for public services. Prevention – whether to stop problems getting worse or reducing people's dependence on services i n the future – will be the operating principle, he said, which will involve fining new ways to deliver services and maximising use of digital technology and innovation. Coun Sutherland said the report explains the priorities in detail and sets out what the council will do to achieve them over the next three years. He says in the introduction: "These are difficult times, with rising costs, significant budget challenges and more and more people needing our support, especially in social care. "We will be disciplined in how we use the limited money and resources we have. "Every pound spent will make a difference to local people." If Cabinet councillors approve the plan, it will still need to be adopted by the full Calderdale Council. – if adopted then, it will be published on the council's website. Opposition group Calderdale Labour have recently been critical online about Reform's record including on roadworks disruption, an issue about which Labour claims residents are telling them is "a problem worse than ever."