Our transformation
Our ‘adapt | grow | thrive’ Transformation Programme is about rethinking what the council does, it’s not just about doing things differently, it’s about doing different things. It is about making fundamental changes to the way the council operates and how to offer better value for money in how the council deliver services to its residents. It is how the council will empower people, how technology will be harnessed, processes improved and make better use of the council’s physical infrastructure to deliver its priorities and be financially sustainable in the future. It is how we will change the council’s culture and behaviours to discover better ways of working, based on its vision and its values.
In February 2025, the council set a balanced budget for 2025/26, which meant it no longer needed to rely on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government for day-to-day spending.
View more information about our Transformation position.
The transformation programme will create a leaner, more effective and efficient organisation, able to adapt to external factors outside its control whilst ensuring the focus remains on delivering positive outcomes for residents, businesses, and visitors, and helping people and the city to thrive. We are calling the transformation programme adapt | grow | thrive:
adapt… to achieve a sustainable financial position and succeed within a volatile world we will create a more effective and agile organisation focused on outcomes for our residents.
grow… for longer-term success, we will work with our partners to achieve growth and prosperity for our region and our city.
thrive… the work that we are doing with our partners will enable our residents and the city to thrive.
To be successful we will:
- Review the services we offer and how we deliver them
- Change the way we work by reviewing our processes, our structures and how we use technology
- Become more efficient so we can afford to do what needs to be done
We will embrace a culture of positivity, openness, and collaboration, while remaining customer-focused and delivering on our commitments to the city.
A successful outcome means:
Budget set for 2025/26 without additional Exceptional Financial Support (EFS)
Children and young people are safe and valued
Ten-year Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) agreed based on growth and devolution
A more resilient community with improved housing, labour market participation and pay
Investment portfolio for the region and city to increase growth and productivity
Residents have support, where necessary, to live independent lives
A focus on prevention, led by a public health approach
An engaged council at the heart of city partnerships
Learn more about how our services will change
