THE corporate plan for Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council for the next four years has been approved with cross-party support from councillors.

Members agreed that the focus going forward needs to be on education; social services; strong and environmentally smart communities; economic development and regeneration and an efficient council.

It was agreed that during this period of continued austerity the council needs to target its limited resources on achieving the objectives in the plan.

The core vision of the council's corporate plan 2018 to 2022 is: proud heritage, strong communities and brighter future.

Cllr Nigel Daniels, the council’s leader, said: “This new corporate plan is an important document for the council going forward as we set out what our priorities are and where we will target the resources we do have against a backdrop of continued austerity.

“I believe the priorities in this plan fully align with what local people have told us during our public engagement sessions, in particular that they want strong and clean communities and they want to see our economy grow for the wellbeing of our future generations.

"Education and social services continue to be priorities as we work to improve standards in our schools so that all our children and young people reach their full potential and we continue to look after the most vulnerable people in our communities.

"We are very proud and protective of our rich heritage and industry here in Blaenau Gwent and this is reflected in the plan and our core vision, but we need to move forward and embrace the emerging technologies that will grow our economy and make our communities more prosperous.”

It can be viewed online at democracy.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/aksblaenau_gwent/images/att8386.pdf.