Cabinet Sets Out Priorities For Kirklees

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet has set out its priorities for the coming months, with a focus on improving the council’s essential services, making communities safer, strengthening civic pride and delivering better value for money.

Since their appointment in July, Cabinet Members have been working across their portfolios to identify the key areas where action is needed and prepare for delivery.   Their priorities are focused on four key areas:   Fixing the essentials and putting residents first Cabinet will focus on the services residents rely on every day: repairing roads, improving waste services and keeping streets, parks and neighbourhoods clean and tidy.   There will also be greater transparency around service performance, with clearer and more accessible information for residents about how services are performing.   Making Kirklees Safer and supporting those who need our help Investment in the local CCTV network will help prevent and solve crime. The council will also explore how existing powers can be used more effectively to tackle anti-social behaviour and protect residents from behaviour that harms their quality of life.   Alongside this, work will continue to ensure children receive the right support when they need extra help, while stronger collaboration between health and social care services will help support adults who need assistance.   The council will also review its Veterans Charter to ensure appropriate support is available to those who have served in the armed forces.   Strengthening civic pride, thriving places and a growing local economy Making sure investment delivers tangible benefits for local communities will be central to efforts to regenerate and revitalise town centres.   Encouraging more town centre living will form part of this approach, helping to bring new life to urban areas while reducing pressure for development on Kirklees’ Green Belt.   There will also be a focus on supporting local businesses and volunteers who are helping to make a positive difference in their communities.   Ending wasteful spending and delivering better value for money A stronger focus will be placed on making sure public money is spent effectively and delivers the best possible outcomes for residents.   This will include reviewing spending, eliminating waste, reducing forecast levels of council debt and making better use of technology to improve efficiency.   Launching the priorities at today’s (8 September 2026) Cabinet Meeting, Councillor Sarah Wood, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:   “As our administration reaches its 49th day, Cabinet continues to work within the strategies, plans and budgets set by the previous administration for the remainder of this council year.   “As a minority administration, we recognise the constraints we are operating within. But whilst we develop our own vision and mission for the next council year, we are setting out Cabinet’s immediate priorities today within the current framework.   “Residents rightly expect their council to deliver core services well. That’s why we will focus on fixing the essentials. That means repairing roads, efficient waste services and keeping our streets and green spaces clean and tidy.”   “But this Cabinet knows there’s more to do for Kirklees. We want to make our communities safer, give the right support to people who need it and strengthen the pride that so many people have in their place and their community.   “At the same time, we understand that residents across Kirklees are already under financial pressure. We need to make sure the council is spending every penny of taxpayers’ money wisely.   “Over the past few weeks, Cabinet Members have been working hard to get to grips with the challenges we face and identify where we can make a real difference. We are now ready to move from setting priorities to delivery.   “Over the coming weeks, Cabinet Members will set out more detail on the actions we will take to turn these priorities into improvements that residents can see and feel.”