Five-Year Council Plan Set Out At Committee Meeting

A draft five-year strategy outlining how Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council intends to deliver services, grow the local economy and manage the environment has been presented to councillors.

The Draft Council Plan 2026–2030 was brought before this evening’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for consideration, with a recommendation to approve it and progress it to full Council.

The document sets out the Council’s vision, priorities and commitments for the period, alongside how it plans to measure progress and allocate resources.

How the plan was developed

Council officials said the plan was shaped through a combination of data analysis, consultation and engagement.

This included a citizens’ survey involving more than 2,700 residents, workshops with elected members from all district electoral areas, and input from staff across departments.

The strategy is also aligned with the long-term Community Plan, “A Better Future Together”, which provides the overarching direction for the borough up to 2030.

Strategic priorities

The draft plan is built around five interconnected priorities, which are intended to guide Council activity over the next five years:

• Engaging and communicating with customers – including commitments to clearer communication, improved access to services and increased use of digital platforms
• Empowering and supporting people – focusing on staff development, community wellbeing and reducing social isolation
• Creating conditions for economic opportunity – aimed at supporting business growth, improving town centres and attracting investment
• Sustainability and managing the environment – including climate action, waste reduction and biodiversity protection
• Governance and continuous improvement – strengthening transparency, performance management and accountability

Each priority includes specific actions, performance indicators and measurable outcomes.

Economic development and investment

The plan outlines several major investment and development ambitions.

These include progressing a £72 million Growth Deal and delivering a £20 million Coleraine Future Town Fund programme over the coming years.

There is also a focus on improving digital connectivity, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and reducing vacancy rates in town centres.

The borough’s tourism sector is identified as a key economic driver, with approximately 1.2 million visitors annually and a continued emphasis on enhancing its position as a visitor destination.

Community and wellbeing

Improving health, well-being, and community cohesion is another central theme.

The Council commits to increasing participation in leisure activities, supporting community and voluntary organisations, and addressing issues such as loneliness and social isolation.

Targets include increasing leisure participation levels and maintaining fear of crime levels below the Northern Ireland average.

Environment and sustainability

Environmental sustainability features prominently in the draft strategy.

The Council plans to adopt a Climate Change Strategy, increase recycling rates, and develop biodiversity action plans.

Targets include achieving a municipal recycling rate of 60% by 2030, rising to 65% by 2035.

There are also commitments to improving green infrastructure, maintaining public spaces and progressing the Local Development Plan.

Financial framework

The plan is underpinned by financial principles focused on value for money, sustainability and transparency.

Council income is largely derived from rates, with around 49 pence in every pound collected allocated to local council services, while the remainder goes to regional government services.

Officials also note that Council debt has been reduced by approximately 49% over the past decade.

Governance and accountability

The strategy emphasises governance and performance.

Measures include annual benchmarking, performance monitoring across services, and maintaining the Council’s position as one of the most efficient in Northern Ireland.

The plan will be reviewed annually by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee to assess progress against targets.

Next steps

Councillors were asked to consider the draft plan at this evening’s meeting before making a recommendation to full Council.

If approved, the strategy will guide Council decision-making, investment and service delivery across the borough until 2030.