A major new programme designed to improve services, support families and create better opportunities for people and families has been approved.
Six new strategic projects will be scoped out to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing communities:
- A proposed new whole-family support hub for children and young people with additional support needs with wraparound health and social care
- A fresh approach to the education curriculum and focus on job-ready skills
- More prevention-first health and social care services to improve healthy living
- An innovative mid-market housing option for lower-income households
- Data-first delivery of targeted services through enhanced digital connectivity and the use of artificial intelligence to improve the delivery of council services.
The ambitious plans were revealed as part of a comprehensive review of the council’s Programme of Work, which has already delivered significant progress across the area since 2019.
The next phase of the plan will focus on modern services, stronger communities and long-term support for residents.
The review found that 68% of the area’s key health and wellbeing indicators have improved since the launch of The Plan for North Lanarkshire. Around 40% of the current delivery plan has already been completed, with many successful projects now becoming part of everyday council services.
The strategic priorities are designed to create a fairer, more modern and more resilient North Lanarkshire, according to Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council.
He said the plans build on years of progress and will enable the council to continue improving lives despite increasing financial and social pressures.
“The new approach will place a stronger focus on prevention and early support, helping people before problems become more serious. This will improve health and wellbeing, while making services more effective and sustainable in the long term,” he added.
One of the key proposals is the development of a new additional support needs hub, bringing education, health and care services together in one place for families.
Another priority is curriculum innovation, helping young people and adults gain the skills needed for future jobs in areas such as digital technology, artificial intelligence and health care.
The plans will also seek to expand affordable mid-market rental housing to help working households who struggle with rising private rents, but who do not qualify for social housing.
Digital improvements are another key focus, with plans to improve connectivity in homes and introduce smarter technology to support independent living and easier access to services. And better use of Artificial Intelligence will drive innovation and lead to the improved delivery of council services.
Councillor Logue added: “The programme is not a reset, but the next step in a long-term transformation designed to strengthen communities, support economic growth and improve outcomes for residents across North Lanarkshire.
“It provides a clear way forward and builds on progress to date, sustaining momentum in a challenging environment.”
The proposals were agreed at a meeting of the council’s policy and strategy committee on Thursday 11 June.
The six strategic priorities will now move forward through a phased programme of service redesign running until 2028.