The Torfaen Deal

What is it and how can you get involved?

The Torfaen Deal is a new collaborative approach by the council to build a fair, inclusive, and resilient community by working closely with residents and partners to co-design and deliver services.

As a council, our vision is for a future without inequality, where everyone thrives.

To achieve this, we need to create lasting change by building trust, fostering shared responsibility, and driving innovation through strong collaboration between the council, residents, and partners.

To do this, we are implementing a new way of working with residents and communities rather than simply delivering services to them.

WHAT is The Deal?

• The Deal is a movement; it's a mindset about transforming the way we all work together
• The Deal is about developing a new relationship with residents and partners
• The Deal is about building on the strengths and capacity in communities
• The Deal is a genuine commitment to working TOGETHER to design and deliver services and facilities.

The Deal will focus on five missions to improve lives:

• Early Years – Building Bright Futures: invest early, invest smart
• Lifelong Learning and Resilience: skills are the new social contract
• Wellbeing Through Community Leadership: health is created in communities, not hospitals
• Thriving Economy and Vibrant Places: growth with purpose, not growth for its own sake
• Empowered Communities – Shared Power and Success: from consumers of services to co-creators of change.

It will be delivered according to five guiding principles developed and agreed by the Torfaen Citizens’ Assembly:

• Working with and for communities
• Building trust through accountability and communication
• Empowering communities and encourage collective responsibility
• Minimising barriers to participation
• Pursuing environmental sustainability.

WHY do we need a Deal?

• Since 2010, councils in Wales have lost more than a fifth of their core funding
• Meanwhile, demand-led services have surged
• To plug the financial gap, councils have raised income and cut services, including wider discretionary and universal services - the very things that prevent poor health and reduce long-term demand.
• By becoming a Marmot Council, we have signed up to the principles aimed at tackling socio-economic factors that impact people’s health and well-being.
• The Torfaen Deal aligns with the Future Torfaen: A County Plan Well-Being Objectives and will shape annual delivery plans.

HOW can you get involved?

• If you have a Deal idea – for example, a new community service or facility in your local area – contact your local ward member.
• Keep up to date with The Torfaen Deal by registering for Get Involved Torfaen.
• Volunteer in your local community or join a local group.
• Support local producers, businesses and town centres.
• Check out examples of the Torfaen Deal in action on our YouTube channel