THIS YEAR has been one of change and achievement for Wychavon as we deliver on our key priorities of ‘people, place and prosperity’.
If local government has one purpose, it is to make life better for the people it serves, something we strive to do day in, day out. One of the ways is through our work on social mobility to ensure every child and young person in Wychavon enjoys the best opportunities in life, regardless of their starting point.
We’ve developed an action plan and are working with partners to implement a range of actions while the creation of our Social Mobility Grant Scheme will provide support and improve outcomes for Free School Meals (FSM) eligible children and their families.
We know people are concerned about the local economy and the future of the High Street.
We have continued to support our town centres through our involvement with the Droitwich High Street Regeneration Scheme.
During 2018 we approved more than £1.5million of community investments, nearly £50,000 of community grant applications, £680,000 of New Homes Bonus proposals and £860,000 of Section 106 developer contributions. The funding will support a range of community projects, from village hall improvements, sport and play projects, to bus shelters and defibrillators.
In the new year we will continue to respond to the need for new housing, particularly in rural areas, by delivering more affordable homes and continuing to bring empty homes back into use.
Towards the end of 2019 we should also get the draft proposals for new housing up to 2040 as part of the South Worcestershire Development Review and it’s important we ensure the public are fully involved in the public consultation that will follow.
So there’s plenty to celebrate, plenty of challenges and plenty of hard work ahead. There’s also a determination that we go on delivering for the people of Wychavon to make this district an even better place to live, work and visit.
I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Coun Bradley Thomas
Wychavon District Council leader
