The corporate plan sets out our priorities for Harlow and how we will achieve, measure and fund them from 2024 to 2028.
The plan is based on a wide range of datasets and was created in collaboration with elected political leaders, residents and staff from across the council. This has been done to make sure our plan is clear, evidence-based and focused on what matters most.
This page provides a summary of our corporate plan. To read our plan in full, download the full version of our corporate plan 2024 to 2028 (pdf)
Putting the heart back into Harlow
Harlow was created just after the Second World War to give people a better future – and that’s just as important today for everyone who lives and works in Harlow.
We’re determined to put the heart back into Harlow by delivering a vibrant, safe and welcoming town centre that will restore pride in our town, attracting investment and opportunities for all.
We want our town to be a place where people of all ages enjoy spending their time, led by a new arts and cultural quarter with events and activities for everyone.
We want to keep the Harlow pound here, so residents choose to spend their time and money in Harlow, supporting and encouraging local businesses to flourish and succeed.
It’s not just a renewed town centre that’s important for our future. Our beautiful parks and green spaces are rightly treasured, but we know people want to feel safe in – and proud of - their homes, neighbourhoods and communities.
We know how proud our staff are of the place we call our town. Our staff are already focusing on the day-to-day services that make a difference across the town – tackling issues in your street, repairing council homes and delivering more housing for local people.
We’ll continue to put what’s important to residents first, despite the financial pressures we, like all councils, are facing.
Our town has a strong track record of innovation – fibre optics were invented here – and that spirit of invention and discovery will play a part in our reinvention of Harlow.
Our missions and priorities
We know we haven’t always got it right for some of our residents who have felt let down. But we’ve been listening to people’s concerns and priorities, and we’re determined to rebuild trust with everyone who calls Harlow their home.
We’ll be honest about the challenges ahead; we’ll be clear about what we’re going to do and why it’s important for our future.
We know how we’ll make a difference to Harlow in the short term. But that’s just the start of our work to deliver a bright future for everyone here and we will keep focusing on what’s most important for local people - making Harlow a better place to live, work, raise a family and start a business.
To Transform Harlow’s Housing we will...
- provide better access to housing for all residents
- invest in new and existing council housing
To Renew our Neighbourhoods we will...
- create thriving neighbourhoods
- respect our natural resources through minimising pollution and waste and creating clean and inviting green spaces
To Rebuild our Town we will...
- create a welcoming renewed town centre
- invest in new and existing estate infrastructure
To Secure Investment for Harlow’s Future we will...
- facilitate sustainable growth and investment in the town
- build the skills and education of future generations
- deliver services which protect and support the town’s businesses and homes
To Protect our Communities we will...
- create a safer future for Harlow where communities benefit from targeted action on crime and antisocial behaviour
- support a healthier future that addresses inequalities and provides access to the right support to boost health and wellbeing
To Deliver High-Performing Council Services we will...
- strengthen engagement with the council for people of all ages and backgrounds
- listen to what residents tell us and use this, alongside supporting data, to make decisions
- actively tell residents how we use council resources and how others can work with us to deliver services
- continuously improve service provision and provide excellent customer service in all
- we do
- build resilience around our people, resources and finances to not just deliver
- services, but make them better