Help shape the future of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk districts

People are being urged to tell Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils what matters most to their communities in a new survey which will help shape future plans.

The new council administrations have outlined their initial long-term visions and strategic priorities for the districts - and now want the views of residents, businesses and communities to further develop these.

On Tuesday, both council cabinets agreed to launch a six-week exercise giving people the opportunity to provide feedback and suggest new ideas.

This will include an online survey, which has opened today, and in-person workshops with different groups, businesses and organisations.

Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council leader, said: "It will always be the council’s role to provide high quality services, but we are ambitious and want our district to really thrive."

"We have developed a vision and a set of strategic priorities to address the challenges we face, and which we believe can make Mid Suffolk even better."

"But we want people to tell us what they think of these ideas – and put forward their own. It is important that we work with people to help shape the future of their own communities. We look forward to seeing the responses."

Cllr John Ward, Babergh District Council acting leader, said: "This is an important opportunity for people to really influence what we prioritise and how the district will develop in the future."

"The coalition administration has set out its vision and approach to tackle key issues and where things can be even better. But listening to and working with communities is at the heart of what we do, so we look forward to hearing feedback and ideas."

"The views of local people really matter, and I’d encourage people to check out the survey which will only take five to 10 minutes to complete."

Each council has set out its own vision, and the proposals cover a range of issues.

These include doing even more to address climate change, improving biodiversity, providing more affordable housing, helping town centres to thrive, supporting business, improving rural transport, developing heritage and culture, sustainable development with communities having more of a say, people’s wellbeing, opportunities for young people and tackling inequality.

Further details are available in the survey, which gives people the option to comment on either council’s vision depending on where they live, or how people access the district.

The feedback will be used to help shape a new Corporate Plan, setting a long-term vision for the districts.

The survey is now live and runs until 15 November. It can be accessed at https://baberghandmidsuffolk.citizenlab.co/en-GB/