Residents in Stoke-on-Trent will see an increase in job opportunities, investment in transport and housing and a focus on education over the next financial year.

Council leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to creating a city that everyone can be proud of as part of the authority’s Stronger Together annual delivery plan for the next 12 months.

The plan sets out what the city council will achieve over the coming year, alongside how it will deliver the Stronger Together vision.

This is the third Stronger Together delivery plan and covers the financial year from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. It will go before cabinet members on June 26.

Highlighted within the plan is a commitment to creating and/or protecting at least 600 jobs through the development and expansion of the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. There are also plans to increase the number of apprenticeships in the city and the council.

Investment in housing and transport will also take place, with the development of the Reviving Communities empty homes scheme in the Portland Street area, and the creation of the Etruria Valley link road.

The annual delivery plan also detailed examples of activities and programmes of work which were successfully delivered in 2017-18. These included:

  • Beginning construction work on the Stoke-on-Trent District Heat Network, which will use geothermal hot water from deep underground to heat homes and businesses around the city centre.
  • Developing the Smithfield site in the city centre, with construction on the build-to-rent apartments having already begun, and work due to finish on the new 140-room, four-star Hilton Garden Inn hotel in 2019.
  • Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture status.

Deputy leader Councillor Abi Brown, the city council’s cabinet member for finance and partnerships, said: “Our Stronger Together delivery plan outlines what we aim to achieve within this financial year – as well as highlighting the successes we have already made so far.

“Key priorities for the council this year are education, employment and the development of a transport network to reduce congestion and support growth in the city. The delivery plan has a clear focus on these areas and we are committed to driving continuous improvement in performance alongside the day-to-day delivery of the full range of functions performed by the council.

“All of this fantastic work and more is being done for the good of residents, to support our communities. This will help to make our city a place where businesses want to come to, where people want to visit, and where we are serious about attracting investment.”