What we do

Our key purpose is to improve quality of life for people in North Somerset.

We do this by:

• Bringing together existing plans and partnerships to meet local needs and priorities
• Involving the community and tackling issues that affect them
• Working with partners in the wider locality to further the interests of North Somerset

We are responsible for particular pieces of work, such as:

• Developing and implementing the Sustainable Community Strategy
• Developing and implementing the Local Area Agreement
• The Neighbourhood Management Programme in South Ward, Weston-super-Mare

There are a number of other important plans and strategies that contribute to our work and influence the development and implementation of the Sustainable Community Strategy and that the Strategy will influence in turn. These include:

• Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
• Local Development Framework
• Parish Plans

In all our work we are committed to:

Sustainable development  We will contribute to the achievement of sustainability, both locally and more widely, by working with local people to identify and take acation onlocal goals and priorities. These will link to regional, national and even global aims where this is necessary.

Community engagement We want to harness local skills, experience and enthusiasm within our communities. We will encourage involvement in partnership activities such as consultations, forums, events and local projects as well as decision making, and will continue to work with local people and community representatives to support this.

Customer focus Our customers (including residents, businesses and visitors to North Somerset) are our focus. We will work together to ensure we provide value for money and improve access to services and facilities when delivering our programmes.

Tackling inequalities and disadvantage Overall, the quality of life across the area is good. However, there are some very significant pockets of deprivation reflected by inequalities in health together with limited access to affordable and decent housing, services, employment and training opportunities. We will tackle these issues as a priority.

Promoting community cohesion, equality and diversity We want to encourage a sense of belonging for all, and ensure that diversity is appreciated and valued, with positive relationships developed between generations and with people from different cultural backgrounds.