Budget Proposals to Help People Stay Healthy and Well

South Tyneside Council is proposing to target investment at things that will help residents in South Tyneside stay healthy and well throughout their lives.

The draft Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which will be considered by Borough Council on 23 February, includes proposed investment in key areas to help tackle some of the most fundamental challenges in society. Budget proposals have been put forward to directly support the Borough's 20-year Vision to make South Tyneside a place where people live happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives.

The Vision is supported by the Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care strategies which were co-produced with local people part of the 'Our Council' change programme which seeks to ensure people have their say on services in South Tyneside.

Investment proposals include measures aimed at boosting capacity to support more people to live at home, rather than having to go into residential care. This is in direct response from residents who said they wanted to live well independently for as long as possible. A multi-million pound programme will deliver Extra Care accommodation, delivering up to 300 new homes, which will address the lack of specialist affordable accommodation options in the borough that help people with differing levels of care and support needs to live well and independently.

New Teams dedicated to supporting people with a learning disability and with mental health issues will be strengthened while technology will be better used to support people more effectively.

Proposed investment over the next five years will see additional provision in some of the Borough's over-subscribed schools, including specialist facilities for children with special educational needs.

Road safety around some schools that have been identified for works is set to be enhanced with either improved crossing facilities, traffic calming and/or better signage while better playground safety gates are also proposed.

There are also plans to improve and replace some of some of the Borough's children's play equipment to make it more accessible for users with disabilities and make playgrounds inclusive for all. The council manages 43 traditional playgrounds, 20 multi use games areas and 10 outdoor fitness areas across South Tyneside. Providing these facilities encourages children to stay active.

Investments in playing fields and facilities is also proposed along with improvements to cycling and walking routes to provide better connectivity to jobs, education, neighbourhoods and attractions.

Councillor Joanne Bell, Lead Member for Governance, Finance and Corporate Services said: "The budget has been prepared using evidence, insights, and feedback from thousands of people right across the Borough. Its content aligns with our 20-year Vision and its five ambitions and responds directly to what people have told us matters to them.

"We've protected frontline services and looked to target investment at things that deliver for the people of South Tyneside. We are committed to doing all we can to help people stay well and healthy throughout their lives and these proposals are testament to that."