Council sets out blueprint for building a better borough

And residents are being called on to get involved by reporting problems, supporting local businesses and volunteering so they can take pride in where they live.

The Council Plan 2026–2030, Building a Better Borough: People, Places, Prosperity and Performance, sets out the council’s priorities for communities and businesses, the action it will take with partners to deliver the plan and how it will be measured.

Its central aim is for residents to be able to see and feel the difference, with resources focused on frontline priorities, measurable results and improvements which protect the borough’s identity, despite any future proposed organisational changes.

The council will target crime and anti-social behaviour, tackle poorly managed housing and support vulnerable residents to live safely and independently. It will also invest in parks, leisure and recreation, prevent homelessness and help community organisations and volunteers strengthen local neighbourhoods.

Promises on practical, visible improvements to streets, town centres, parks and public spaces are another key priority. Firm action will be taken against fly-tipping, littering, dog fouling, neglected properties and illegal activity. Operation TLC will bring residents, councillors, council services, businesses and partners together to improve areas across the borough.

A commitment is being made to back local businesses, attract investment and support the creation of skilled, well-paid jobs. Major regeneration projects at Rye Park, Karparc and Astley Place will be completed, alongside work to maximise the legacy of Town Deal investment in Newcastle and Kidsgrove. This is in addition to the promotion of key strategic employment sites at Keele, Audley and Chatterley Valley, while a new Creative Hub will provide space for creative, digital and cultural businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups. Markets, festivals and other events will also be supported to increase footfall and strengthen local town centres.

Overall council performance will be measured on efficient services, strong financial management and making sure every penny of taxpayers’ money is well spent. It will challenge unnecessary expenditure, make better use of its land and property, simplify services and use digital technology and AI where they can improve services or reduce costs.

The borough council’s leader has pledged to involve businesses, voluntary and community organisations, sports clubs, parish and town councils and public sector partners as the plan is put into action

Jonathan Gullis, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Leader, said:

Our ambition is simple: to make Newcastle-under-Lyme a borough people are proud to call home, where families feel safe, businesses can thrive and residents can see their council delivering for them.
 

For too long, local government has been too focused on strategies, targets and bureaucracy rather than the everyday things that matter to people. Our Council Plan is about changing that. Cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, better parks, thriving town centres and making sure every penny of taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.
 

But building a better borough cannot be achieved by the council alone. It requires all of us to play our part. Residents taking pride in their streets, businesses investing in their communities, volunteers giving their time and neighbours looking out for one another. That's how we rebuild strong, proud and thriving communities.
 

This is not a plan to sit on a shelf gathering dust. It is our blueprint for action, with clear priorities, measurable results and a determination to deliver real change. Ultimately, we want people to judge us not by what we say, but by what we deliver and the difference they can see and feel in the places they call home.”