BLAENAU Gwent council has approved a business plan for what it wants to achieve by 2017.

The business plan, known as the corporate improvement plan, sets out the priorities for the council.

This includes maximising children and young people’s learning and achievement levels; allowing people to help themselves and making the living environment vibrant and attractive.

The newly formed Blaenau Gwent citizens’ panel was among the groups consulted on the plan and it was approved by councillors last week.

Council leader Hedley McCarthy said: “Blaenau Gwent’s corporate improvement plan sets out our direction for improving services and making the council even more efficient. Despite the challenging time the council is facing, due to severe financial pressures, we are looking closely at the way services are delivered. We are ensuring resources are used in the most efficient way, responding to the needs of the community.”

For more information, see blaenau-gwent.gov.uk