Making a Difference, Runnymede Borough Council's Sustainable Community Strategy and Corporate Plan

Runnymede Council's focus has always been on achieving outcomes and seeking to make a difference for those who live, visit and work in Runnymede. 'Making a Difference', published in 2009, is a statement of the Council's long-term ambitions for the Borough, and sets out in one place the priorities the Council and its partners will focus on to achieve these ambitions over the next ten to fifteen years.

It was developed in consultation with residents, community groups, businesses, and public services, and combines and builds upon core aspects of the Council's previous Community Strategy (2002), Strategic Plan (2005-10), and other long-standing policy aims.

The Council's principal aim is to enhance the quality of life for residents and provide an attractive environment for businesses and visitors. To achieve this aim, the Council and its partners will focus on shaping a Runnymede of healthier, safer and more prosperous communities.

Healthier and safer communities

A Runnymede with pleasant neighbourhoods, less fear of crime, a safe and healthy environment for young people, and better access to health and social care for vulnerable people.

This will be delivered through:

• maintaining clean and safe streets
• increasing access to health and social support facilitie
• supporting vulnerable people
• promoting sports and leisure facilities
• supporting communities

Prosperous communities

A Runnymede that fosters economic prosperity, with strong local businesses, vibrant town centres, reduced traffic congestion, an adequate supply of affordable housing, better access to parks and open spaces, and sustainable use of resources.

This will be delivered through:

• increasing access to decent housing
• identifying and implementing solutions to traffic congestion
• supporting and promoting local businesses
• revitalising town centres
• safeguarding and increasing job prospects
• protecting the natural environment
• promoting the sustainable use of resources

Underlying these long-term priorities, Runnymede Council is committed to ensuring it continues to be well-run, provides value for money and pursues opportunities for partnership working. The Council will seek to maintain the quality of and satisfaction with our services, and ensure that services are accessible and responsive to all who need them. For details of our Equality Policy, please see the Equality web page.

Making a Difference (PDF).

Many of the priorities and actions in Making a Difference can only be delivered by working closely with local partners. Many of these key stakeholders are brought together in the Partnership for Runnymede which meets four times a year. More information on how Making a Difference will be delivered in partnership is available on the Partnership for Runnymede web page.

Ultimately, Runnymede Council is responsible for ensuring the delivery of Making a Difference. For this reason, progress against targets and outcomes are reported in the Council's committee-based service plans, which should be considered alongside Making a Difference. More details of Runnymede Council's service plans and performance management framework are available on the Performance Management Framework web page.

Making a Difference will help shape the Council's Local Development Framework (LDF), which provides the planning and development dimension to that which the Council is seeking to achieve in Runnymede. Information on the LDF is available on this website.

www.surreycc.gov.uk/empoweringthefuture

www.surreycc.gov.uk/makingadifference