Council launches new Performance Improvement Plan to enhance services, economy & community wellbeing

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Interim Chief Executive, Valerie Watts, launches the 2025-26 Performance Improvement Plan.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has officially launched its new Performance Improvement Plan for 2025–2026, setting out a bold agenda to improve public services, support economic growth and enhance the quality of life across the Borough.

The plan lays out a series of focused objectives and measurable actions that aim to build a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community, reflecting the Council’s statutory commitment to continuous improvement.

Closely aligned with the Community Plan, Corporate Plan, and wider initiatives such as the Sub-Regional Economic Plan and Belfast Region City Deal, the Performance Improvement Plan outlines a strategic and locally responsive approach to development.

Among the key objectives this year is economic regeneration through the development of a Local Economic Partnership action plan. This will contribute to balanced regional growth and strengthen Mid and East Antrim’s economic resilience.

Support for town centres is another central pillar. The Council will roll out new initiatives to boost footfall, promote local business and breathe new life into high streets, many of which continue to face post-pandemic and economic challenges.

As part of a renewed focus on public engagement, the Council will install new town centre information notice boards, designed to keep both residents and visitors informed about local events and Council services.

The plan also prioritises tackling violence against women and girls, with proactive measures focused on prevention, education and partnership working to address the root causes of abuse and promote safer communities.

Environmental sustainability remains a cornerstone of the Council’s agenda. A new, simplified recycling system will be introduced to make it easier for households to reduce waste and boost environmental performance.

Further community stewardship initiatives will encourage residents and businesses alike to take pride in Mid and East Antrim, helping to make the Borough cleaner, greener, and more welcoming.

Speaking at the launch of the plan, Valerie Watts, Interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said:

“Our vision is to be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community, where people work together to improve the quality of life for all.

“As a council, we aim to deliver high-quality services for our citizens, and we are committed to working in better ways to achieve this.

“Our Performance Improvement Plan is part of our arrangements to secure continuous improvement. It focuses on some of the issues affecting our Borough, whilst working alongside the Mid and East Antrim Community Plan and our own Corporate Plan, to deliver the best outcomes for our citizens, communities, businesses and visitors, including our City Deal projects which will develop our tourism assets and grow our economic potential.

“Addressing the needs of Mid and East Antrim remains our highest priority, and we will continue to make improvements, where we can, to improve the quality of life and environment for our ratepayers and communities.

“Working in partnership with our citizens and other stakeholders will help to shape a future that reflects our shared values and ambitions, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable Borough for generations to come.”

The full Performance Improvement Plan 2025–2026 is available online at: midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP