The leader of North East Lincolnshire Council outlined the refreshed Council Plan in a speech at last night’s Full Council meeting.
Here is Coun Philip Jackson’s speech in full: “The Council Plan was originally agreed in February 2022, setting out our aspirations, aims, and objectives for the three-year period from 2022 to 2025. The plan is focused on our priorities, with a clear agenda to protect our children and young people, improve the lives of all our residents, aspire to our low-carbon agenda, and provide a sound economy where aspirations are nurtured and where people can live better lives. None of this has changed. We remain committed to our vision for ‘stronger economy, stronger communities’.
“This refresh of the Council Plan recognises the challenges in North East Lincolnshire and our response to them. We continue to move forward with our plans and support the continued development of the renewable and low-carbon energy sectors, alongside investment in ports and logistics and the on-going importance of our flagship seafood sector.
“For our borough to grow and for our people, especially our children, to reach their full potential, we will continue to focus on inward investment, skills, innovation, and job growth. Coupled with the Greater Grimsby Town Deal and the awarding of many millions of pounds of grant-funding for our urban and coastal areas, we are making real progress.
“Cleethorpes has a vibrant future ahead and the next three years will see more positive change thanks to the awarding of £18.4-million of Levelling Up Fund monies. The successful Levelling Up Award for Grimsby of £20-million and the 10-year Long-Term Plan for Town endowment of £20-million, coupled with our ownership of Freshney Place and the ex-House of Fraser store, will build on the ambition of the Town Deal and deliver major improvements to Grimsby Town Centre.
“We are accelerating our contribution to tackling the effects of climate change, with a target of achieving a net-zero carbon impact by the council and its assets by 2030. We will work with partners, communities, and businesses to achieve this ambition across the whole borough in the longer term.
“We must continue to work together to ensure that those living within our communities can benefit from the opportunities we have – raising aspirations across the board. We know the most significant challenges will be in our more deprived wards.
“This refreshed plan continues to recognise the need to balance economic growth and the green agenda, making sure that we take our community with us and enable the best outcomes for the families that live, work, and visit here.
“I want to see North East Lincolnshire become a more prosperous and attractive place to live, work and visit. Our ambition for Greater Lincolnshire Devolution, along with continued pan-Humber collaboration and the new Freeport arrangements, will also make major contributions.”
As reported here, the delivery of a balanced budget, with improved frontline environmental services and continued investment in urban regeneration and support for young people, has been announced by North East Lincolnshire Council for the 12 months starting in April.
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