In partnership with our communities, the Council's vision of the Falkirk Council area is as 'the place to be in the third millennium'.
This vision is set out in the Strategic Community Plan and has been at the forefront during the development of our Corporate Plan. The vision is that:
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the legacy of our past and the potential of our future are protected
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our area is at the centre of Scotland
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our future is as one of the most culturally diverse and distinct areas in Scotland
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our future has investment in jobs, learning, homes and leisure for all
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our area is 'the place to be' in the third millennium
We believe it is challenging and unique to our area. The Falkirk Council area has strong local communities, each with its own distinctive landmarks, industries, events, achievements and heritage. We had to channel these assets into a cohesive vision, while recognising the individual communities that make up the Falkirk Council area. Along with our partners, we agreed that all our activities should have a clear link with and make a positive contribution to promoting and achieving this long-term vision and this Corporate Plan sets out our priorities for 2008–2011.
A commitment to sustainability, equality of opportunity and social inclusion and cohesion is central to our vision. We want to make sure everyone in the area feels part of it, especially those who are most disadvantaged or socially marginalised. Engaging young people positively is one of our top priorities. The Falkirk Council area is home to more young people than most areas in Scotland. They are the future of our area and we want to equip them with the skills, ambition and self believe to realise their potential.
Equally we recognise that in order to have healthy and vibrant communities, we must make sure people of all ages feel part of our vision and our future. This includes our youngest and oldest citizens.
The Council already has a strong track record in establishing innovative and effective partnerships, linked to our strategic priorities, across a range of sectors. We work closely with other public organisations as well as the private sector, involving key stakeholders and the community through initiatives such as the business panel and My Future's in Falkirk and we will enhance this partnership working in the coming years.
We have a firm foundation to build on. The Falkirk Council area is one of the country's fastest growing, more houses are being built, our crime rates are among the lowest in the UK, our clear-up rates are high and we are one of the best connected places in Scotland, with major motorways, excellent rail connections and expanding port facilities at Grangemouth.
In order to achieve our vision we have four goals. These are:
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further developing a thriving, sustainable and vibrant economy
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continuing to improve the health, safety and well being of our citizens and communities
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increasing our efforts to tackle disadvantage and discrimination
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enhancing and sustaining an environment in which people want to live, work and visit
Our values are:
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public service
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performance
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partnership
In drafting the Corporate Plan, we had regard to a number of challenges and priorities. These included national strategic priorities. We note that their stated priorities align broadly with our own.