Residents encouraged to have say on draft council strategy

Borough residents, partners, businesses and community groups can now have their say on the council's draft vision and priorities for the next four years which outline its ongoing commitment to putting residents first.  

The Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, said: "The draft strategy builds on the successes of the council to date and sets out a vision, ambition statements for residents and the council, and various commitments to residents about what the council will do during the coming years.  

"It will provide an overarching framework for council policy, business planning and performance management, and the council's approach of strong leadership, sound financial management and transforming how we work will sustain our high-quality services and facilities for residents." 

The council's vision remains putting residents first, and the ambition statement for residents is that Hillingdon is a safe, inclusive, more digital borough with a strong economy.  

For the council itself the ambition is that it strives to be an efficient, well-run, digitally- enabled authority and works with partners to deliver services to improve the lives of its residents.  

The five commitments to residents included in the draft strategy are:  

1. Safe and Strong Communities  
   Hillingdon is a safe place with resilient, strong communities with access to good quality, affordable housing.  
2. Thriving, Healthy Households  
   Children, young people, their families and vulnerable adults and older people live healthy, active and independent lives.  
3. A Green and Sustainable Borough  
   Hillingdon will be a sustainable, carbon-neutral borough, protecting Hillingdon's heritage, built environment and valued green spaces. Residents live in pleasant neighbourhoods with access to sustainable waste management and transport. 
4. A Thriving Economy  
   We are actively working with local businesses and partners to create a borough where businesses grow within a strong economy and local people can improve their skills and enjoy good quality jobs.  
5. A Digital-Enabled, Modern, Well-Run Council  
   We are a well-run, sustainable council with sound financial management, achieving positive outcomes for residents. 

The strategy will also be considered by the council's select committees before Cabinet considers all feedback and the final draft in October, prior to the strategy being presented for adoption to Full Council in November.  

To view the strategy and have your say visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/council-strategy before the closing date of Friday 9 September.