Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has approved and recommended that Full Council approves the adoption of the 'Growing Opportunities Plan 2023-2025' for Stratford-on-Avon District.
This new plan is set to complement the new Council Plan and is the next evolution of the Social Inclusion Statement and Action Plan 2019-2024. The objectives have been updated as a response to the national Levelling Up initiative but focusing on Stratford-on-Avon District its communities, places and the people who face the greatest challenges.
The Growing Opportunities Plan seeks to better understand the contributors to inequality and maximise choice and opportunity for all residents.
The Communities Team has been working jointly with Warwickshire County Council and the Social Inclusion Partnership to develop this new plan for Stratford-on-Avon District. Additionally, the Voluntary Community Social Enterprise sector (VCSE) and a number of public bodies and other key stakeholders have been consulted on and the results are defining areas of focus for the Action Plan.
The Stratford Development Officer role contracted by Stratford-on-Avon District Council to Warwickshire CAVA will continue vital support especially around income generation to VCSE groups across Stratford District. To date this work has levered over £1,133,966 of grant income to Stratford district and provided vital support to the services delivered and communities supported by the VCSE.
Karen Winchcombe, CEO of CAVA, said: "Stratford District has a vibrant VCSE providing a raft of services across the area, we are pleased that the Growing Opportunities Plan references this vital support that SDC has continued investment in the development worker role for Stratford District to support the sustainability of the sector, who provide vital services and support to people across Stratford District".
The Growing Opportunities Plan is set to be presented at Full Council on Monday 11 December and its accompanying Action Plan will be presented to Council in January 2024 which will detail the areas of focus and the specific actions to be delivered under the headings:
- Reducing rural inequalities
- Improving health and wellbeing
- Empowering and strengthening local communities
- Improving education and skills and increasing financial resilience
