Government Offices make a vital contribution to the Government’s commitment to develop thriving, vibrant, sustainable communities. The ‘Sustainable Communities Plan’ (published by the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister), will affect every region as part of the Government’s drive to raise the quality of life in our communities through increasing prosperity, reducing inequalities, producing more employment, better public services and better health and education.
More information on the national picture
Sustainable Communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer equality of opportunity and good services for all.
Our work - outlined in ‘Creating Sustainable Communities in the South West’ (Jan 2005) - recognises that the South West is a diverse region with a growing population, great economic potential, plus prized environmental and cultural assets.
We focus on:
- achieving a better balance between housing availability and the demand for housing - including improving affordability
- ensuring people have decent places to live - including cleaner, safer and greener localities
- tackling disadvantage, including homelessness
- delivering better services through strong effective local government
- promoting the development of the region.
