What is it and how can you get involved?
The Blaenau Gwent Deal is a new collaborative approach by the council to build a fair, inclusive, and resilient community by working closely with residents and partners to co-design and deliver services.
As a council, our vision is for a future without inequality, where everyone thrives.
To achieve this, we need to create lasting change by building trust, fostering shared responsibility, and driving innovation through strong collaboration between the council, residents, and partners.
To do this, we are implementing a new way of working with residents and communities rather than simply delivering services to them.
Cwm Flood Task Force leads the way on new way of working with Council
After being hit badly by flooding during Storm Bert a year ago, in the spirit of ‘The Deal’, a group of residents are working hand in hand with the Council on community resilience and responding to incidents.
WHAT is The Deal?
- The Deal is a movement; it's a mindset about transforming the way we all work together
- The Deal is about developing a new relationship with residents and partners
- The Deal is about building on the strengths and capacity in communities
- The Deal is a genuine commitment to working TOGETHER to design and deliver services and facilities.
It will be delivered according to seven guiding principles developed and agreed by the Blaenau Gwent Citizens Assembly:
- More Public Involvement in Shaping the Place – involving residents early, continuously and meaningfully.
- Fostering Volunteering and Community Leadership – supporting people to take part and contribute.
- Community Hubs – creating welcoming focal points for connection and information.
- Shared Power through Joint Effort – strengthening cooperation between the Council and communities.
- Pride and Potential for the Future – celebrating achievements and supporting people to thrive.
- Recreating Thriving Town Centres – revitalising town centres as vibrant community spaces.
- Learning and Listening – recognising that improvement is ongoing and built through collaboration.
WHY do we need a Deal?
- Since 2010, councils in Wales have lost more than a fifth of their core funding
- Meanwhile, demand-led services have surged
- To plug the financial gap, councils have raised income and cut services, including wider discretionary and universal services - the very things that prevent poor health and reduce long-term demand.
- By becoming a Marmot Council, we have signed up to the principles aimed at tackling socio-economic factors that impact people’s health and well-being.
- The Blaenau Gwent Deal aligns with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and will shape annual delivery plans.
HOW can you get involved?
- If you have a Deal idea – for example, a new community service or facility in your local area – contact your local ward member.
- Volunteer in your local community or join a local group.
- Support local producers, businesses and town centres.
Blaenau Gwent’s Breastfeeding Campaign
Designed by Blaenau Gwent mothers, for Blaenau Gwent mothers, the campaign is proudly community-led. Local mums have trained as peer supporters, offering advice, encouragement, and friendship to others on their breastfeeding journeys. These peer supporters now run regular support groups and community drop-ins across the borough.