Our vision
A clear direction for Tiverton, 2026 to 2031
We want Tiverton to be a thriving, welcoming and ambitious market town, proud of its heritage, confident in its future, and a great place to live, work and visit.
Tiverton Town Council is developing its first Strategic Plan to provide a clear direction for the future of the town and the work of the Council. This plan brings together the ideas, ambitions and priorities of the Council, and sets out how we will work to deliver meaningful improvements for Tiverton over the coming five years.
At its heart, this plan is about moving from good ideas to real delivery. Tiverton benefits from strong community spirit, committed councillors, and a shared desire to leave the town in a better condition than we found it. This plan provides the framework to bring together those ideas into a clear set of priorities, enabling the Council to act more strategically, consistently and effectively.
The Council recognises that Tiverton is shaped not just by formal decisions, but by the quality of its everyday places — its parks, streets, public spaces and town centre, and the distinct character of the places within it. Small, well-targeted improvements to these spaces can have a significant impact on residents’ quality of life and the overall perception of the town.
This Strategic Plan is structured around five key priorities: creating a vibrant town centre and local economy, delivering great spaces and community services, building a strong and connected community, supporting young people to thrive, and ensuring we are a council that delivers. Together, these priorities provide a clear and balanced framework for the Council’s work over the coming years.
We recognise that the Town Council does not act alone. Many of the outcomes we want to achieve will require partnership working with upper tier councils, local organisations, businesses, and community groups. This plan therefore sets out both what the Council can directly deliver and where it will work with others to achieve shared ambitions.
A key priority for the Council will be to take greater ownership and stewardship of local community assets and services where appropriate, ensuring they are well-managed, sustainable, and responsive to community needs. Alongside this, we are committed to strengthening engagement with residents — particularly young people and those who struggle to be heard — to ensure that the future of Tiverton is shaped by those who live here.
Why a Strategic Plan?
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Provide a framework for delivery
Having an agreed Strategic Plan provides a clear framework for Tiverton Town Council to work within. It enables the Council to operate in a more consistent, coordinated and purposeful way, moving from reacting to individual issues towards proactively shaping the future of the town.
The plan brings together the ideas, priorities and ambitions identified through councillor discussions and strategic workshops, creating a shared direction that supports better decision-making and more effective delivery.
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Clarify the role of the Town Council
The Strategic Plan helps to provide a clearer understanding of what the Town Council does, and what it does not do. While the Council plays an important role in local leadership, many services and decisions sit with other councils and organisations.
By setting out where the Town Council will lead, where it will work in partnership, and where it will advocate on behalf of the community, the plan helps manage expectations and ensures greater transparency about how change can be delivered.
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Bring together ideas and turn into action
Tiverton Town Council regularly considers a wide range of ideas, projects and opportunities. This Strategic Plan provides a structure to bring those together into a coherent framework, ensuring they are aligned, prioritised and capable of being delivered.
Rather than a collection of disconnected initiatives, this plan sets out how different areas of work, from the town centre and community spaces to events, young people and local services, all fit together to achieve shared outcomes for Tiverton.
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Commitment to the community
This plan sets out the Council’s commitment to making a positive difference in Tiverton. It reflects the shared ambition of councillors to leave the town in a better condition than they found it, and to act as responsible stewards of its places, services and future.
It also recognises the importance of community input. The priorities within the plan are shaped by local knowledge, experience and engagement, and the Council will continue to involve residents, community groups and partners in shaping and delivering its work.
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A living document that supports accountability
The Strategic Plan is intended to be a living, working document. It will guide the Council’s decisions and investment over time, while remaining flexible enough to respond to changing circumstances and new opportunities.
Progress against the plan will be monitored and reported regularly, ensuring that both councillors and residents can see what is being delivered. By making the plan publicly available, the Council is committing to openness, accountability and continuous improvement in how it serves the town.
Five priorities to get us there
The plan is built around five core priorities: a vibrant town centre and local economy, great spaces and community services, a strong and connected community, supporting young people to thrive, and a council that delivers.
The Council is committed to ensuring that these priorities are delivered in a way that reflects Tiverton’s values as a welcoming, inclusive and respectful town.
Explore our five priorities
What could this mean for Tiverton?
Tell us what you think of the draft plan, and share your ideas for future projects.