Introduction

This Corporate Plan relates to the period 2009-12 and covers the current administration up to the next elections in May 2011. Following the election, a new four year Corporate Plan will be developed.

This plan forms the link between the vision and the services that the Council Tax payers of the district tell us they want. It is expressed as six strategic objectives, each associated with a set of corporate priorities. We use these to help us decide how resources should be deployed, as a basis for our Community Strategy, and to determine how we work within the Local Strategic Partnership to achieve broader goals that benefit the residents of the Vale.

"Our vision is to build and safeguard a fair, open and compassionate community"

The objectives and priorities described in this plan have been recently validated in user forums across the district. Feedback from these meetings has been incorporated into the plan. There will be regular opportunities for the residents and local groups of the Vale to express their views and the Council will continue to respond to their needs and wishes on the performance and focus of their Council. We hope you find the plan informative and we welcome any views on its content or structure.