Decision details

Opportunity Bucks was the Council’s local partnership approach to levelling up, working in partnership across the county to improve outcomes for people who were experiencing the most hardship.  Outcomes for people across the county were, on average, good. Income was above the national average, educational attainment was high, and the proportion of people claiming out of work benefits was low.

However, the county averages masked the challenges that some people in some specific parts of the county were facing. 10 Ward areas had been identified where outcomes were substantially worse for residents, with more people in these Wards claiming benefits, having worse health outcomes, experiencing higher crime and having limited opportunities.  The Council’s aim, through the Opportunity Bucks programme, was to ensure that everyone in the county had the opportunity to succeed, that we grow together as a place and that nobody was left behind.  The Cabinet report provided an update on progress made since the official launch of the programme on 7 December 2022.

RESOLVED –

That the progress of the Opportunity Bucks programme be NOTED.