Chorley Council performing well as annual report is published
Chorley Council’s annual report has been published, demonstrating excellence in performance against its key corporate aims which include housing, sustainability, economic growth and the health and safety of communities.
The 2023/24 report, which maps out the year’s activities, achievements and performance was discussed at Chorley’s Council meeting on 16 July where members expressed that they were pleased with progress and committed to continue to work towards achieving their targets set to support residents, and drive Chorley forward.
Some of the raft of things delivered by the council this year include:
- Assisted 29,649 residents each week
- Supported over 1,042 residents to access support to better meet their needs because of more joined up partner and NHS provision
- Supported 18,066 households with funding, food vouchers and energy support and provided over 45,000 meals in partnership with volunteer, community, and social enterprise organisations
- Provided 19 warm and welcome spaces where 3,622 residents came for support
- Completed 579 handy person jobs
- Supported 172 volunteer groups to improve and thrive
- Welcomed over 13,081 attendees at holiday, activity and food sessions supporting young people and families across the borough
- Planted 34,638 trees, emptied 79,423 wheelie bins each week and recycled 356 tonnes of household waste
- Prevented over 50,000kg of food waste going to landfill by reducing food waste through Good Food Clubs
- Created 301 potential jobs through support and intervention and engaged with 1,123 businesses to provide support and advice
Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council said, “The annual report and performance management processes allow us to be accountable and to make sure we are doing all we can do deliver the absolute best for Chorley.
“This year, I am proud to say that we have achieved great things and as you can see, we have consistently achieved really positive outcomes for our communities”
To support housing where residents can live well, the Tatton Gardens project was completed in 2023 and provides specialist housing and care facilities to individuals aged 55 and over and has transformed the local area.
Enhancements have been made to 12 different parks and open spaces across the borough, and the council has secured £20 million in Government funding for town centre improvements.
As part of the council’s commitment to improving public transport networks, a bus shelter improvement programme is in place to replace 83 shelters across the borough, with 15 (including two living bus shelters) successfully installed and Chorley Bus Station will be improved under the council’s management to further enhance public transport across the borough.
The historic Astley Hall Located in the stunning Astley Park, celebrates its 100 years since opening to the public as a museum this year and the council hosts a series of highly anticipated events across the borough to foster a sense of pride and encourage visitors to Chorley including the flagship Chorley Flower Show which attracts 12,000 attendees, Chorley Live with over 10,000 and 1,500 participants at the Chorley 10k race.
Committed to listening to the business community and ensuring that Chorley remains a great place to do business, the council has launched a Skills and Jobs Programme with the aim of promoting future career pathways, support local skills development, encouraging growth and innovation.
Councillor Bradley continued, “I’m so glad that we have been able to achieve so much over the last 12 months and I know we are in a strong position to continue to do the best we can for Chorley.
“Looking ahead to the 2024/25 financial year, we have several challenges that we will face as a local authority. Increases in demand for services and financial uncertainty and as the cost-of-living crisis continues, it is essential that we have a clear plan in place to deliver and support relief for those who are most in need of help while maintaining high quality public services.
“Our Corporate Strategy has been refreshed, retaining our vision, priorities and long term-outcomes to ensure that we can keep on moving and making positive change and I look forward to delivering even more for Chorley in the next year.”