This draft Local Investment Programme (LIP) - sees 'Downloads' - sets out aspirations for growth and regeneration across the district. These proposals build on well-established investment strategies that have been based on what residents have previously told us are priorities for them.  It also aims to tackle the key issues for the district building on recent analysis of the local economy, the housing market and the current and future housing needs of our residents.  We have also looked at projects that are part way through and thought about how best to finish them off and build on previous good work.

The programmes focus on places (area-based projects) and also overall programmes aimed at tackling district wide issues (thematic projects). Following a brief introduction, the document describes each of these projects in more detail including what we hope to achieve from the planned work and how this will be delivered.  Once finished the LIP will also support policy and strategy documents such as the Local Development Framework to shape how the Council moves forward in the coming years. 

Please note that the LIP highlights everything that could be achieved over the coming years – it is not a firm strategy and where projects have not obtained planning approval, these would be subject to the usual planning application process before they went ahead.

Residents will know that cuts to Council budgets will mean it is vital to look carefully at what can be delivered and ensure that we achieve the maximum possible by working in different ways.  This programme looks at what we would like to do over the next 3 to 5 years (and beyond) based on what you have told us and what he have found out over the previous years.  We have indicated the money that would be needed to allow everything to happen and have tried to prioritise work so that projects are delivered in a meaningful and cost effective way.  However, as funding arrangements are still uncertain at this time this plan outlines what we would like to achieve but cannot give any guarantees at this point that it will be.

It is important to get views that shape what we do and when.  We are inviting members of the community to make comments on what is presented so that the plan can be revised, added to and refined if needed.  Some questions we would like you to consider include:

1. What are the top 3 things that you think should happen over the next 15 years?
2. Is there anything missing from the LIP?
3. Which parts of the programme will have the most positive effects for the Wakefield District?

To get the widest views, we are also consulting with local businesses and other delivery partners.  Following this consultation period any amendments to the programme will be made and a final draft will be available. This will then formally endorsed by the Council’s Cabinet.

Consultation closed on 24 June 2011