North Lanarkshire Council has approved a major new programme designed to improve services, support families, and create better opportunities for residents. The initiative includes six new strategic projects aimed at tackling some of the biggest challenges facing communities.
Six Strategic Projects to Address Key Challenges
The projects include a new whole-family support hub for children and young people with additional support needs, offering wraparound health and social care. Another project focuses on curriculum innovation to equip young people and adults with job-ready skills in digital technology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. Prevention-first health and social care services will promote healthy living, while an innovative mid-market housing option targets lower-income households. Enhanced digital connectivity and the use of artificial intelligence will improve the delivery of council services.
Progress Since 2019
The proposals follow a comprehensive review of the council’s Programme of Work, which has delivered significant progress since 2019. The review found that 68% of key health and wellbeing indicators have improved, and around 40% of the current delivery plan has been completed, with many projects now part of everyday council services.
Focus on Prevention and Early Support
Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, stated that the strategic priorities aim to create a fairer, more modern, and more resilient North Lanarkshire. He emphasised that the new approach will place a stronger focus on prevention and early support, helping people before problems escalate. This will improve health and wellbeing while making services more effective and sustainable.
Key Proposals
- Additional Support Needs Hub: Bringing education, health, and care services together in one place for families.
- Curriculum Innovation: Helping young people and adults gain skills for future jobs in digital technology, AI, and healthcare.
- Affordable Mid-Market Rental Housing: Expanding options for working households struggling with rising private rents but not qualifying for social housing.
- Digital Improvements: Enhancing connectivity in homes and introducing smarter technology to support independent living and easier access to services.
- Artificial Intelligence: Driving innovation and improving the delivery of council services.
Long-Term Transformation
Councillor Logue added that the programme is not a reset but the next step in a long-term transformation designed to strengthen communities, support economic growth, and improve outcomes for residents. The proposals were agreed at a meeting of the council’s policy and strategy committee on June 11, 2026.
The six strategic priorities will now move forward through a phased programme of service redesign running until 2028.
