Cannock Chase’s Future The Sustainable Community Strategy 2008-2020 Nick Hackney Partnership Development Manager

What is a Sustainable Community Strategy?

• an overarching, long-term plan to achieve the environmental, social, and economic improvements in the District as a whole not just for the Council.

• aspirational and visionary but based on evidence as to the needs and wishes of local communities.

• Provides the framework for public, private and voluntary sectors to work together to deal with the complex challenges facing the District.

Why do we need one?

• All local authorities have a legal duty to work with partner organisations to produce a Sustainable Community Strategy.

• Involving citizens in decision which effect them helps us to meet people’s needs, strengthens local communities and reinforces local democracy.

What is a Sustainable Community?

• Active, inclusive and safe • Well run • Well connected • Thriving • Well designed and built • Environmentally sensitive • Well served • Fair for everyone

The Process

• Stage one: starting a partnership discussion as to the nature of the document.

• Stage two: inviting partner comments and contributions to an emerging draft.

• Stage three: partner and public approval and support of a final draft.

The Vision

“To achieve a Cannock Chase we can all be proud of. A Cannock Chase that will become a place to live and work with a modern economy, a healthy, safe and green environment and quality services which work together for the good of the public.”

The Emerging Priorities

The strategy will be based around 3 themes: • Prosperity - securing the District’s economic future. • Places and safe.

- making the whole District’s clean, green, • People - creating opportunities and sustaining ambition..

Prosperity

• Develop vibrant and sustainable town centres that serve the need of the community • Improve skill levels to support growth in businesses • Increase the levels of new businesses and ensure their survival • Reduce worklessness

Places- Making it clean and green

• Reduce the volume of waste to landfill and increase recycling rates • Reduce carbon emissions • Improve access for all to environments that are valued, protected and enjoyed • Reduce the reliance on the car by encouraging the use of public transport • Maintain parks and open spaces that are valued by residents and visitors

Places – Making it Safe

• Tackling anti social behaviour and reducing criminal damage • Reducing violent crime, particularly domestic abuse and alcohol fuelled violence • Supporting businesses to tackle crime • Engaging with the community and promote pride in the district.

People

• Promote healthier lifestyle choices for all • Reduce health inequalities and provide a healthy start to life • Work with individuals and families who have health and social care needs • Promote positive mental health • Support the independence, inclusion and wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of the community • Improving the physical, emotional and mental well-being of children and young people • Improving enjoyment and achievement for children and young people • Increasing opportunities for children and young people to make a positive contribution

Have we got it right?

• Are the priorities we have chosen really important for the District?

• Are there any Challenges that you believe are facing Cannock Chase District as a whole that are not reflected in this document? If not, what are they?

• Can you help us to achieve our ambitions?

We want your views

You can contribute in a number of ways: • Postal Survey from 24 th March – 5 th May • Internet Survey • Consult with Community Forums – March and June

Any Questions ?

If you would like to receive a copy of the consultation draft, please write to: Nick Hackney Partnership Development Unit Cannock Chase District Council Civic Centre Beecroft Road Cannock WS11 1BG By 5 th May 2008