NEW priorities such as improving energy efficiency and the Homes for Ukraine scheme could be added to Malvern Hills District council's Five Year Plan.

The plan, which is reviewed annually, sets out a number of actions to be completed by 2025 under its three priority areas which are communities, economy and environment.

The aim of the plan is to achieve the council's vision of enhancing the Malvern Hills District as a destination to explore and an outstanding place to live and work.

A refresh of the plan will be put forward to the Executive Committee on Tuesday, 24 January 2023.

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Cllr Tom Wells, leader of Malvern Hills District Council said: “Our Five Year Plan refresh is really important, it has been undertaken in the context of the cost of living crisis, and builds on the ongoing work of the council.

"The new actions cover all three of our priority areas, which are essential in continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of our residents.”

New additions include investigating options to improve the energy efficiency of Malvern Splash and Malvern Theatres and continuing to provide support under the Homes for Ukraine scheme including accommodation, community, and life.

There is also an action to deliver a £500,000 government-funded capital grants programme for rural businesses and communities by March 2025.

Other actions have a focus on providing cost-of-living support, supporting the Malvern Hills District Youth Forum to improve mental health education in schools and minimising homelessness and rough sleeping in the district.