Newcastle’s new Labour administration has set out the principles that will guide our work after taking control of the council.
Our central priorities will be creating employment, tackling inequality and protecting residents who are being hit hardest by the government’s programme of austerity.
Newcastle is beginning this new chapter while facing severe reductions in council funding and growing demand for essential services. We know that statements of principle will mean little unless they lead to practical improvements in residents’ lives. Our progress will therefore be judged by the employment we support, the inequalities we reduce and the help we provide to communities under pressure.
This mission will shape the council’s work across economic development, skills, welfare support, housing and homelessness prevention. We want to use every power and partnership available to the council to create opportunities and ensure local residents can benefit from Newcastle’s future growth.
Our approach will also bring the work of the council closer to Newcastle’s neighbourhoods. Labour councillors will continue listening to residents, helping with individual problems and using the evidence gathered through ward work to improve council services and decisions.
We believe growth and fairness must go together. New investment is important, but its success must also be measured through better employment, apprenticeships, stronger communities and opportunities for people who have too often been left behind.
We will work with trade unions, voluntary organisations, public services, businesses and residents to deliver this programme. Where government decisions restrict what Newcastle can achieve, our Labour administration and representatives will continue pressing for fair funding and greater local control.
Labour leader of the council, Cllr Nick Forbes said:
“Our mission is to build a Newcastle based on jobs, fairness and social justice. We want to bring investment and good employment into the city while ensuring that local people, in every one of our communities, can share in the benefits.”