Cabinet reviews draft Civic Pride strategy
Residents, partners and other stakeholders will soon be asked to further shape a new strategy outlining how they can be involved in decision-making and local service delivery.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is preparing to consult with interested parties on its first Civic Pride (Empowering Our Communities) Strategy.
The draft three-year plan, which will be reviewed by Cabinet next week, provides a framework guiding how the council works with communities as part of its Civic Pride scheme, a long-term legacy from the borough’s 850th anniversary celebrations which aims to create a strong sense of belonging to, and pride in, Newcastle-under-Lyme while strengthening its reputation as a place which is clean, safe and friendly.
Civic Pride is a response to feedback from residents and captures a lot of the work that already goes on by the council and its partners – under a unified #PrideInNUL badge – and is also a call to arms for people of all ages to get involved. Linked events have taken place across the borough as part of the wider strategy, with further ones scheduled for the rest of the year.
Council Leader Simon Tagg said:
Every part of the borough council – from councillors and staff to volunteers and services – interacts with residents and partner organisations every day to make a positive difference. But it’s important to do this in the right way. We also know that when we work together collaboratively, sharing knowledge and resources, outcomes are improved for everyone.
Listening to our communities and finding ways to give residents power over their own lives, and the neighbourhoods they live in, is at the heart of how we work and this is central to our new Civic Pride approach. This is the first step of our journey to support people to achieve the lifestyles and local neighbourhoods that they want to see.
The draft strategy is based on initial feedback about what they do to help themselves and each other, and what the council could do differently as well. It’s a dynamic document that will evolve as we move forward and continue to listen to those who enjoy Newcastle-under-Lyme – whether they live, work, study or visit here.”
The priorities are – Great Places Where We Live, Connected Communities and the Way the Council Listens, Talks and Acts. A delivery plan, which will be reviewed every year, translates high level objectives into practical actions.
One of the actions is working alongside Staffordshire Police, and other agencies, to deliver a community safety action plan to help residents feel safer. While the Newcastle partnership has achieved a reduction in incidences across all types of crime and anti-social behaviour during 24/25 compared to the previous year, it will continue to tackle strategic priorities and strengthen processes where possible.
Cllr. Gill Heesom, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Well-being, added:
One of the council’s priorities is to create healthy, active and safe communities. The draft strategy solidifies our commitment to working closely with partners, local groups and residents to make a difference in every part of the borough so that residents are proud to live there and feel safe and supported.”
The consultation is set to run from July to September, with formal adoption planned for later this year.
A Civic Pride Investment Fund – containing £22,000 for 2025/26 – has been made available to enable local groups to access small grants for their positive activities. Applications can be submitted online where supporting information is also available. The deadline for the first round of funding is Friday, 11 July.