Our Strategic Plan for the next four years, setting out a vision to build “a positive future for Devon where everyone thrives”, has been approved by councillors today (Thursday 4 September).
The Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 has been developed with input from County Councillors, the Devon Youth Council and interim findings from the New Devon survey which has been running since July to ask people for their views on local authority services.
The plan has a clear focus on children and young people across all of its priorities and we will seek regular feedback from the Devon Youth Council. A separate Strategic Plan is also being developed for Devon Children, Young People and Family Wellbeing.
Six priorities and a series of commitments will ensure delivery of the plan. These are:
- Positive Futures for every child and young person: delivering inclusive and compassionate services that meet the needs of children and young people, ensuring they are safe from harm, reducing inequality and improving life outcomes;
- Supporting independence and dignity: promoting personalised care to enable people to live independently as long as possible and strengthen access to preventative support. It includes a commitment to support young people with a disability or complex need to be supported to lead independent and fulfilling lives into adulthood;
- Continuous service improvement: focusing on continuous improvement of services to deliver high standard, value for money services that people can rely on;
- A green Devon for future generations: empowering communities to lead environmental action, promoting green jobs and skills, reducing carbon emissions and protecting the natural environment;
- Economic inclusion and local prosperity: improving access to housing, transport and digital connectivity, especially in rural areas. It also includes improving skills, training and employment, and support for small businesses. There is a strong emphasis on opportunities for young people and retaining investment within the local economy;
- Stronger communities and safer places: includes supporting the voluntary and community sector, enhancing community safety, and improving access to health and wellbeing services. It places an emphasis on supporting young people to feel safe in their communities to access local services and activities.
Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:
“Devon is facing an era of challenge and a moment of opportunity. Our residents are feeling the pressure of rising household costs and some communities feel unheard. But Devon remains a place of pride, community and potential.
“This plan is the result of extensive collaboration and is built on the voice of our residents. We’ve heard directly from young people through the Devon Youth Council and we’ve listened to feedback from all corners of the county – urban, rural and coastal. They want a council that listens, they want services that work, a future that’s fair, green and inclusive.
“We’ve set out a clear vision, building a positive future for Devon where everyone thrives, that puts people first and every child is safe and happy, where every individual and family are supported to live well and every community empowered to shape its own future.
“We’ve built this plan around six priorities that reflect what matters most to our residents. We know we must do more with less but we will adapt, innovate and lead to deliver for our residents and build the Devon we can all believe in.”
Devon County Council Leader, Councillor Julian Brazil, said:
“I’m very proud of this strategic plan. When I became Leader of this Council I said my top priority would be children and I think the strand of putting children first in our Strategic Plan is quite clear to see.
“We’re working to reduce inequality to ensure everyone in the county has the opportunity to thrive and we want to ensure children and young people have the best start in life.
“We are listening to people and we’ll lobby Government for increased funding for the services that matter most to Devon residents. People deserve services that work and work well.”
At a later date, Cabinet will approve key measures to gauge performance and progress of the plan.