Wirral Council has approved a new plan that aims to bring more than 2,000 new homes to the borough. Councillors backed the Wirral Plan 2027-31, which sets out the area's ambitions for the coming years, at a full council meeting on October 12.
The document covers the next four-year election cycle. In May, Wirral will hold a full all-out election, with all 66 council seats up for grabs.
2,200 homes and council tax boost
By the end of the decade, the plan says 2,200 new homes will have been built, boosting council tax revenue in the borough. It also claims that UNESCO World Heritage Site status will have been secured for Birkenhead Park by the end of the plan period.
During the four years, the council is expected to adopt AI bots and move to a cabinet system of governance, replacing the current committee system.
Leader's vision for investment and jobs
The leader of the council, Cllr Paula Basnett, told the chamber: "I welcome the Wirral Plan because it gives us an opportunity to set out, not only the council we want to become, but also the future we want to create for Wirral.
"We are a borough with enormous potential. We have outstanding businesses, talented people, strong communities, and a location that offers opportunities for investment, regeneration, and growth. But I believe we can achieve far more. I want Wirral to be a borough that attracts investment, creates skills and well paid jobs, supports businesses to grow and gives our young people the confidence that they can build successful futures here without feeling they have to leave to find opportunities.
"I want us to accelerate the delivery of new homes, regenerate our town centres, and create neighbourhoods where people are proud to live."
Conservative group's response
The leader of the Conservative group on the council, Cllr Simon Mountney, said the Wirral Plan is "fine", but added: "In my opinion it doesn't go far enough and fast enough."
The new Wirral Plan was unanimously approved at the full council meeting.
