The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has agreed on a new strategy, setting out a refreshed vision, aims and priorities for the council and wider area.

The Council Plan 2024 to 2028 defines the authority's vision over the next few years for the council and borough, how they will deliver those priorities and how they will measure success.

Within the context of a very challenging financial position, it will also help prioritise the council’s investment and spending decisions.

The Plan, formally adopted at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday, April 16, sets out five strategic aims with an overall vision to achieve: “A borough of safer, greener and cleaner communities, with opportunity for all.”

These include putting the council on a strong financial footing to serve the borough effectively and ensuring children and young people have a good start in life and opportunities through to adulthood.

Other priorities include the health and independence of people and their supportive communities.

The Plan is not meant to cover everything the council does, but sets priorities and summarises activities that will be delivered to achieve the aims.

The document has been shaped over the last year through engagement events with council colleagues, councillors, parishes, voluntary and community sector partners, and residents including young people, with feedback reflected in the document.

The Plan also includes performance measures to help track progress against the aims and priorities, which will be reported on publicly.

Councillor Simon Werner, the Council Leader, said: “I’m proud to see our new Council Plan adopted. It sets out a clear and strong vision, framed around the priorities that truly matter to communities, and will be the focus for our planning and delivery over the coming years.

“As a council, we are responsible not just for the highly visible services like fixing potholes and collecting rubbish, but also providing essential services to the most vulnerable members of our communities including children, people with lifelong disabilities and older people.

“Our Plan has been agreed within the challenging financial context faced by the council, and putting our finances onto a stable footing remains our top priority.

“This new Council Plan is a key step on putting our council back at the heart of our communities – a champion for residents, supporting our communities and businesses and enabling our voluntary and community sector to thrive.”

Stephen Evans, the Chief Executive, added: “Our new Council Plan is our most important strategic document, giving a strong sense of what we’re about as a council. I’d like to thank everyone who helped shape the final version as we move ahead with implementation.”

Following its adoption by Full Council, the Council Plan is available on the council’s website at rbwm.gov.uk/councilplan