Recovery Plan

A roadmap for how Ashford Borough Council will prioritise services and projects that will build a stronger community and help our local economy recover from COVID-19 has been agreed.

The council recognises that many people have suffered considerable hardship during the pandemic including illness, loss of loved ones, loneliness and isolation as well as financial hardship.

The Recovery Plan therefore sets out how we will help residents to get though these tough times, either directly, or by signposting to where support is available via other organisations.

It covers the next 18 months and includes four key themes:

supporting economic recovery
supporting community recovery
place making, regeneration & infrastructure
organisational change & workforce development

Ashford Borough Council Recovery Plan banner

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “During the pandemic I was extremely heartened by how our communities rallied round to help those who were vulnerable or in need.

“This period of enforced social distancing has also caused us to take a closer look at what is important to us; caring for each other and valuing what we have and what others do to support us in our daily lives.

“Our pledge to become carbon neutral remains a firm commitment. Whilst the coronavirus is a significant setback to our economic and social journey we must look ahead to how we can work together to build a brighter, greener more sustainable future for the borough now and for the generations to come.

“Throughout the coming months there will be many uncertainties facing us and regular review will be necessary in order to keep our Recovery Plan actively on track and responsive to changes be they global, national or local.

“In order to deliver this Recovery Plan for our borough of Ashford, it is important that we all work together to ensure that we return to prosperity and good health as speedily as possible.”

The priorities for the council continue to include providing affordable homes to meet local housing need and more temporary accommodation for those at risk of homelessness, and will also focus on increasing participation in cycling and walking, improving broadband coverage and reliability and refurbishment of Victoria Park.

View a copy of the Recovery Plan report [pdf] 16.1MB that was presented to Ashford Borough Council's Cabinet on Thursday 30 July 2020. Please email accessibility@ashford.gov.uk if you require an accessible version of this document.