BRAINTREE Council is planning to increase the availability of affordable homes and develop safer communities as part of a major strategy for the next year.

The council approved its Annual Plan at a cabinet meeting on Monday.

It has set out how the council will deliver its key priorities for residents and businesses from now to March 2025, and how it will support its overall corporate strategy between 2024 to 2028.

A spokesman said: “The council’s vision is to create a district of opportunity where communities can thrive, people prosper, and environment is cherished for all to enjoy.

Braintree and Witham Times: Housing - East Street, a Braintree affordable housing developmentHousing - East Street, a Braintree affordable housing development (Image: Braintree District Council)

“This will underpin the plan’s activity and projects for the coming year.”

Some of the key targets in the Annual Plan include supporting residents through the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis by providing targeted assistance.

Targeted assistance refers to allowing easy access to food, essential goods, and enhancing health and wellbeing support for young people.

The council is also focusing on working with partners to increase the availability of affordable homes, incentives for landlords to offer affordable rented accommodation and supporting people in need of energy-saving upgrades.

Braintree and Witham Times: Location - Halstead High StreetLocation - Halstead High Street (Image: Braintree District Council)

It will also call for more community involvement when it comes to planning policies which affect the district.

Practical support and change for women and girls across the communities within Halstead through the safer streets programme are also to be implemented in the plan.

The council says it wants to support Halstead’s assets “that positively impact local communities” through a second round of the community fund by this December.

Braintree and Witham Times: In charge - Braintree District Council leader, Councillor Graham ButlandIn charge - Braintree District Council leader, Councillor Graham Butland

Council leader Graham Butland said: “This annual plan sets out our to-do list to make our vision a reality for residents, investing in improving our services combined with tackling inequalities.

“Our focus remains to deliver value for money, putting Braintree district residents at the heart of all that we do.

 And working together with our partners to build a more sustainable future for those that live and work in the district.”  

To read the full Annual Plan and corporate strategy, head to braintree.gov.uk/councilpriorities.