South Kesteven District Council yesterday (Oct 1) agreed a new Corporate Plan setting out its vision and priorities for the next three years.

The key document will provide the framework for the delivery of services to residents and businesses and aims to make South Kesteven the best district in which to live, work and to visit.

SKDC Leader Cllr Kelham Cooke said: "Having a clear corporate plan and vision is essential to the success of any organisation. It is where everything starts, how actions are determined and how results are measured.

"In these uncertain times, when everything around us is constantly changing and evolving, our Corporate Plan provides the cornerstone of our promise to those we serve and clarity for those we work with and those who work for us."

Five priorities are highlighted in the Corporate Plan, based on an analysis of the current performance of SKDC both as a district and as a council, and emerging opportunities and challenges:

Growth and the Economy

Housing that meets the needs of all residents

Healthy and Strong communities

A Clean and Sustainable Environment

A High Performing Council

Actions that will help the council achieve its goals include: Investment in leisure facilities

A commitment to reduce the council's carbon footprint

Delivery of the St Martin's Park project in Stamford

Building of high-quality homes of all types and tenures in the district

The implementation of our Covid-19 recovery plan

Cllr Cooke said: "Our Corporate Plan takes a pragmatic and deliverable approach to the challenges we face and our commitment to those who live, work and visit our district."

In support of the plan, and in the face of increasing pressure on local authority finances, a corporate restructure is also being implemented that will save an estimated £300,000 a year.

Cllr Cooke said: "We cannot deliver on our vision for South Kesteven without our hardworking, dedicated and loyal staff; and they cannot deliver for us if the corporate structure of the council does not properly align with our priorities set out in our Corporate Plan.

"The restructure presents a leaner strategic management team, but I am acutely aware that also affects people's lives and livelihoods.

"Our Chief Executive, Karen Bradford, has not only spent a great deal of personal time speaking with those members of staff directly affected, but also ensured a process that respects the sensitivity of corporate restructure and the impact on those affected."