Sutton Coldfield residents urged to have say on plan for ‘new era’ of local delivery

Residents in Sutton Coldfield are being urged to have their say on a Draft Strategic Plan which represents a new era for the Royal Town - aiming to deliver more local control of community services and assets.

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council’s Draft Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 sets out its priorities for the next four years, and reveals ambitions which include:

• Working through the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership to strengthen project delivery and help create a revitalised Town Centre
• Using devolution powers to transfer control of 14 valued local parks and green spaces to Sutton Coldfield and working with others to create a new Trust to oversee Sutton Park
• Stepping in to help avoid reductions in services currently provided by Birmingham City Council, such as library and community services

For the first time since its inception in 2016, the Town Council is also proposing an increase in the annual precept that residents pay for its services - to help fund this new era of local delivery for Sutton Coldfield.

A public consultation, which runs until Friday 27 September, is asking residents to comment on what they think the Town Council’s priorities should be, including if it should step in to support or help avoid reductions in some services currently provided by Birmingham City Council.

The survey also covers topics such as sustainability, heritage and improvements to the town centre.

Councillor Simon Ward (pictured), leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “The Draft Strategic Plan is an important document that sets the ambitions for the Town Council over the next four years, and its vital that we hear residents’ opinions on what they think should be the town’s priorities going forward.

“Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council is now firmly established, and we are about to enter a new era of local delivery for residents, bringing more control of valued assets and services into the Royal Town.

“For example, we have identified more than a dozen valued green spaces and parks across Sutton which we would like to transfer to local control, and we want to work with others to make the dream of a trust that oversees Sutton Park a reality.

“We also understand concerns about local services being impacted by reduced budgets at Birmingham City Council, so we are also looking at how the Town Council can step in to help support locally-delivered services.

“And the next four years will be crucial to the rebirth of the Town Centre, and the Town Council will work with the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership to drive forward delivery of the change that everyone wants to see.

“In order to help fund this new era of local delivery, the Draft Strategic Plan also includes the first increase in the annual precept since the council was created – an increase that will help us take control of our own future, protect the unique character of the Royal Town and support threatened services.”

Naeem Arif, president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber, said: “The town centre regeneration represents a signification landmark event in the future of the town for residents and for businesses.

“Your feedback will ensure the Town Council is aligned to local residents’ needs.” 

Thousands of returnable surveys are being delivered to addresses across the Royal Town.

The surveys can be either filled in and posted back to the council offices, at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, 62 Anchorage Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2PG, or returned through 16 drop boxes situated in local churches, community centres and libraries.

Drop boxes will be found at:

• Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church
• Banners Gate Community Hall
• Wylde Green United Reformed Church
• St John’s Church
• St Chad’s Church
• Four Oaks Baptist Church (Olive Branch)
• Boldmere Library
• Walmley Library
• Mere Green Library
• Sutton Coldfield Library
• Harvest Fields Centre Ark Community Church
• Our Place Support
• Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
• Second Thoughts (Falcon Lodge)
• Trinity Centre

The survey includes a summary of key points in the Draft Strategic Plan, and residents can view the full document by visiting the website.

Alternatively, the survey can also be filled in online at the Council’s website.

Residents can also have their say in face-to-face community meetings – see the website for details.