Thank you to everyone who contributed to our consultation on plans for a new Blaenau Gwent Deal.
The Deal aims to develop a new way of working between the council, residents, communities and partner organisations, to improve people's health and well-being and reduce inequalities.
More than 1,500 people visited our online consultation to find out more, with 250 surveys completed. We also engaged with hundreds of people in town centres and local events before Christmas and held sessions with key partners.
This weekend, a Citizen's Assembly will meet in Blaenau Gwent to consider the responses and start to develop the new social contract. The Assembly will run over three Saturdays in January and February to discuss, debate and develop a new social contract which puts the council, residents, community groups, third sector organisations as equal partners.
Council Leader Steve Thomas said:
"I'd like to thank everyone who took time to learn more about the plans for a new Blaenau Gwent Deal and give us their thoughts.
"Here in our borough, we already have fantastic examples of community groups taking positive action to work with us to improve lives and facilities where they live. The Deal aims to engage more residents and groups in helping their communities become more resilient.
"By investing in prevention and empowering our communities, we can tackle the root causes of inequality and unlock the full potential of Blaenau Gwent together. We will continue to engage with communities and partners as we work to shape a better future.”
The Citizen's Assembly will consist of 40 residents selected by the Sortition Foundation and the Assembly will be run by Local Partnerships, the public sector delivery partner for Welsh Government and the Local Government Association.
The Blaenau Gwent Deal aligns with the council's commitment to be Wales’s first joint Marmot Council alongside Torfaen Council.
You can find out more information about the plans for a Blaenau Gwent Deal by clicking here.
