How Falkirk Council will better tackle poverty across the local area, what progress has been made after a far-reaching inspection took place and, what plans we have for transport are all set to be discussed at the Council’s Executive on Tuesday 11 April.

Some of the key reports being discussed include:

Falkirk 2022 Delivering Best Value – Strategic Action Plan Progress

This report is the final update to be taken to Executive, and highlights progress made against our Best Value Action Plan and how it is helping to deliver on Council priorities.

Further Best Value improvement work will be factored into the Council’s 2023/24 strategic plans subject to consideration by members later in the year.

Tackling Poverty in Falkirk - Income Maximisation Strategy

This strategy, produced following engagement with Council services, partner organisations and community groups, details the Council’s proposed actions over the next two years which will focus on:

• Developing simple, easy to use tools and resources empowering households to check their own eligibility for benefits and in-kind support.
• Improving knowledge of those who work directly with households and communities.
• Using data effectively to allow us to proactively target support to households most in need.
• Improving our communication to make sure it reaches the right audience, at the right time, and is clear and action focussed.

Local Transport & Active Travel Strategies

A lot has changed since the Council published its current Local Transport Strategy in 2014. Members will consider the updated transport strategy and the Council’s first area-wide Active Travel Strategy.

The Local Transport Strategy sets out roads and transport plans for the next 10 years while the new Active Travel Strategy highlights how it will create a safe, reliable, convenient, accessible, and sustainable transport infrastructure.