Town Council Strategy 2026-2031
This Council Strategy sets the overarching direction, ambitions, and framework for Bishop Auckland Town Council for the 5 period 2026–2031. It establishes who we are, what we aim to achieve, and how we will work to deliver meaningful improvements for the town and its residents.
This strategy sits above a suite of thematic delivery documents. Each of the identified strategic priorities will be supported by:
• A dedicated sub‑strategy
• A dedicated Action Plan
• A set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
These underpinning documents will guide delivery, measure progress, and ensure accountability.
The Council also recognises the need for a Community Governance Review (boundary review) to ensure our governance reflects the true shape and identity of Bishop Auckland. This is identified as a major strategic priority in this strategy.
This strategy will be subject to community consultation to ensure transparency, accountability and community ownership.
PDF: Town Council Strategy 2026-2031 
You can complete the online Microsoft Form by clicking the link or scanning the QR code below: Town Council Strategy Public Consultation – Microsoft Form
Allotment and Environment Strategy 2026-2031
This Community Sub-Strategy supports and sits beneath the Town Council Strategy 2026–2031, specifically delivering Strategic Priority 5.2 – Allotments and Environment.
It provides a framework through which the council will achieve the agreed Allotment and Environment objectives as set out in 5.2 of the Town Council Strategy and ensures that ambition is translated into measurable, deliverable activity.
Bishop Auckland Town Council is committed to delivering modern, sustainable allotment services and enhancing the natural environment across the town. This strategy provides a clear, forward‑looking framework that places community, sustainability, and good governance at its heart.
Key drivers include:
- A balanced allotment portfolio and provision providing value for money for residents
- Constant waiting lists and growing demand across the North-East.
- Ageing infrastructure at several sites requiring long‑term planning and development.
- Climate challenges, including water scarcity, extreme weather, and biodiversity decline.
- Community expectations for more sustainable and accessible green spaces.
- Finance – Pressure on public finances and cost of living
- Collaborative ambition – Alignment with local regeneration ambitions, climate protection and national guidance from the National Allotment Society.
Appendix 2 sets out the councils current (2026) Allotment and Environment provision.
PDF: Allotment and Environment Strategy 2026-2031
Community Sub-Strategy 2026-2031
This Community Sub-Strategy supports and sits beneath the Town Council Strategy 2026–2031, specifically delivering Strategic Priority 5.1 – Community.
It provides the framework through which the Council will achieve the agreed Community objectives set out in section 5.1 of the overarching strategy and ensures that ambition is translated into measurable, deliverable activity.
It builds on:
- The Council’s Community Engagement Policy (reviewed May 2026)
- Previous Community Engagement Strategy and Action Plan iterations
- Councillor workshops, community feedback, and officer experience
This sub-strategy is supported by:
- A rolling Community Action Plan
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Bi-monthly reporting to Community Committee and quarterly reporting to Full Council
- Annual review and refresh of the action plan.
PDF: Community Sub-Strategy 2026-2031
Strategic and Corporate Sub-Strategy 2026-2031
This Strategic & Corporate Sub-Strategy supports and sits beneath the Town Council Strategy 2026–2031, delivering Strategic Priority– Strategic & Corporate.
It sets out how Bishop Auckland Town Council will strengthen its internal capacity, governance, financial resilience and external influence to enable effective delivery of services and future opportunities.
This sub-strategy provides a clear framework for corporate improvement and strategic leadership, ensuring the Council is well-governed, well-managed and prepared for change.
It builds on:
- Statutory duties and best practice in local council governance
- Councillor workshops and officer experience
- The Council’s ambition to increase influence, visibility and readiness for future service delivery
This sub-strategy is supported by:
- A rolling Action Plan
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Bi-monthly reporting to Committee and quarterly reporting to Full Council