Torfaen council has published its annual Forward Facing Improvement Plan, which sets out the main short-term issues it wants to improve for people living and working in Torfaen.
This year, the council has chosen six improvement objectives to form the basis of its plan.
These objectives were selected from the vast range of work being undertaken across the council and jointly with partner agencies such as Heddlu Gwent Police, Aneurin Bevan Health Board and voluntary organisations.
The council's objectives this year are:
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Helping frail people continue to stay in their homes
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Improving the way it delivers its disabled facilities grants
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Improving access to Welsh medium education
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Increasing the recycling, reusing and reducing of waste
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Providing opportunities for people to increase their skills for employment
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Improving planning services.
Activities to meet these objectives include:
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Working with the local health board to make it easier for frail people and their carers to access the services they need. This will help prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital and help frail people live independently within the community;
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Improving the way the disabled facilities grant service is delivered, so it becomes more efficient and effective in providing the aids and adaptations people need to their homes;
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Increasing Welsh medium primary and nursery provision in Torfaen and refurbishing and expanding the Welsh medium secondary school;
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Introducing office recycling facilities in all council-owned buildings, so all employees are encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste;
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Investigating possible ways of developing a new household waste recycling centre in the north of Torfaen to encourage more residents to recycle;
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Changing the emphasis of adult education classes, so more courses are aimed at helping people gain qualifications and skills for employment;
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Introducing a graduate intern scheme to assist local people who graduate from university in 2010 to access work in Torfaen and stay in the local area;
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Transforming development control, to improve service, increase efficiency and reduce costs. Development control ensures new developments and the use of land is effectively regulated by ensuring sound decisions are made on planning applications.
The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: "At Torfaen we are committed to improving the quality of life and environment for our citizens and communities, through the delivery of high-quality, value for money services.
"The Forward Facing Improvement Plan contains a set of clear and measurable objectives for the council to deliver over the coming year that will have a positive impact on the lives of Torfaen residents."
The improvement objectives are linked to the council's existing Corporate Plan, the Torfaen Community Strategy and the identified needs of Torfaen citizens.
Progress in delivering these objectives will be reported in the council's performance assessment report in October 2011.
To obtain a copy of the council's 2010/11 Forward Facing Improvement Plan, contact the Improvement Team, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB on 01495 742547. If you would like to play a part in helping the council set its improvement objectives in the future, then sign up to join the Torfaen People's Panel