Increased climate change action, close collaboration with communities, and a focus on good housing will be priorities for the new coalition at Babergh District Council. 

The administration, made up of Green, Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors, has this week spelled out its ambitions for the four-year council term.

Collaboration and partnership with communities, the voluntary sector, business, and neighbouring councils are at the heart of the coalition vision. 

Liberal Democrat councillor David Busby, council leader, said: "We will listen to and work with communities on the issues that matter most to them, giving them a say on their future. We will also support and empower them to deliver community-based solutions." 

Dave Busby, Deborah Saw, and John Ward (Pocture: Babergh)

The administration will take the lead in responding to climate change, while protecting and enhancing the district's natural and historic environments. 

This will include encouraging the building of energy efficient homes and commercial buildings with high insulation standards and low carbon heating systems – while ensuring council housing reaches these standards too. It will also look at ways it can support community energy projects. 

Green councillor Deborah Saw, joint deputy council leader, said: "We recognise the threat climate change poses to the future of our communities and the impact it is having today. Our role will be to bring groups together to develop new solutions, create an environment where these solutions can be put into practice, seek out funding and ensure our people have the new skills that will be needed." 

Supporting market towns and villages to flourish will also be an area of focus, alongside business support, promoting inward investment, and ensuring people can learn new skills and secure good jobs.

The council will also lobby to bring infrastructure up to 21st century standards in a way that minimises its impact on our countryside.  

Independent John Ward, joint deputy council leader added: "We will champion our market towns and villages, helping to preserve their unique character but working with all parties to develop new approaches to ensure they provide the services and facilities that communities want now and in the future."

The coalition has also highlighted the need for well-designed, affordable homes, and wants to ensure local communities have more say in the future development of their area. 

It will also look to attract more visitors to the district to appreciate its heritage, character and beauty, and will also promote pride of place by ensuring it is clean and tidy.