luton 2040

A town-wide vision for 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive

www.luton.gov.uk/Luton2020-2040 luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Foreword A place to thrive

I am delighted to present our town-wide vision for Luton 2020-2040, setting out our shared ambition for Luton over the next 20 years.

This is a shared vision for the future of our town, We will then work together to achieve our This is a truly ambitious vision that sets out a which will enable us to make Luton a fairer, healthier long-term ambition for a town where no-one positive direction for the future of Luton, and more sustainable place where everyone can has to live in poverty and to deliver on our where we can all enjoy a better quality of life. thrive and no-one has to live in poverty. We have commitments to addressing climate change, I am proud to launch this new shared vision for worked closely with residents and partners across making Luton a fairer town and providing the our town and look forward to working with all sectors in Luton to create this new vision for our best start for our children and young people. everyone to make it a reality. town and I am extremely grateful to everyone who By 2025, everyone in Luton will be feeling the has played their part in this process. Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE benefits of this exciting vision. Our businesses Leader of Luton Council This new vision builds on the success of Luton and residents will be able to enjoy a thriving over the last few years, including the Luton town centre. Luton will be a living wage town Investment Framework, which has delivered where people earn more money and enjoy a investment and economic growth for the town. better quality of life. Luton will be a child-friendly The vision for Luton 2020-2040 seeks to overcome town where our young people can achieve the immediate challenges we face, to ensure a their aspirations and we will be on course to strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic being a climate resilient and carbon neutral and tackle poverty in Luton so that everyone can town by 2040. benefit from future growth in the town. Everyone in Luton has an important role to This vision document sets out our priorities for play in delivering on this vision. We will work the first five years, to lay the foundations for collaboratively with all our residents, and delivering on our long term ambitions by 2040. organisations across the private, public, Over the next two to three years, we will prioritise voluntary and community sectors to achieve the work to secure a strong economic recovery and to vision and priorities over the next five years and protect our most disadvantaged residents from we will ensure that everyone has a meaningful the worst impacts of the pandemic. voice to shape the future of our town.

2 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040

Contents

Introduction to Luton 2020-2040 4

Luton in 2020 5 The key strengths and assets of our town 6

Building a town-wide vision for Luton 2020-2040 8 How we developed our shared vision 9 The work of the Inclusive Growth Commission 10 No-one in poverty at the heart of a new vision for Luton 12 Long-term commitments at the heart of our shared vision 15 Responding to the impact of COVID-19 16

Luton 2020-2025: Our shared vision and priorities for the first five years 17 Laying the foundations for Luton 2020-2040 18 Our shared vision and priorities for 2020-2025 19 Strategic Priority: An inclusive economy 20 Strategic Priority: Protecting the most disadvantaged 22 Strategic Priority: Child-friendly town 24 Strategic Priority: Carbon neutral town 26 Strategic Priority: A strong and empowered community 28

Working together to deliver our shared vision for Luton 2020-2040 30 Strategic partnership boards 31 Our strategies for delivering Luton 2020-2040 32

3 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Introduction to Luton 2020-2040 A place to thrive

Our shared vision for Luton: Our Shared Vision for Luton: Luton will be a healthy, fair and sustainable town, where all can thrive and no-one has to live in poverty. Luton will be a healthy, fair and sustainable town, where everyone can thrive and no-one has to live in poverty.

This document sets out our shared vision for COVID-19 has further highlighted the significant Our community will also be at the heart of our the first five years of our journey towards 2040. challenges we face in relation to deprivation, vision. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we This will focus on the urgent work that we need health inequalities and the economic impact of have seen once more the incredible resilience and to do over the next two to three years to secure the pandemic. The current crisis has increased strength that exists throughout our community. a strong economic recovery and address the the risk of more of our residents falling into Our vision will build on this, to develop a fairer impact of COVID-19 on our town, as well as the poverty, which will have a knock-on effect on town, where our residents have a crucial role and first steps on our journey to 2040. our local economy and the quality of life for a powerful voice in shaping the future of Luton. all our residents. Since October 2019, Luton Council has been This document also demonstrates how we working with residents and partners across the These unique and challenging times have have worked collaboratively with residents and town to shape and co-produce an ambitious further demonstrated the need for everyone organisations across the public, private and vision for the future of everyone in Luton. in Luton to come together to deliver a new, voluntary sectors to develop this vision as well This is a direct response to the report of the inclusive and ambitious vision for the future as setting out in more detail how we will work Inclusive Growth Commission, which raised a of our town. together to deliver this vision for the town, number of important challenges for our town, through our strategic partnership boards This initial vision also sets a significant including the impact of deprivation on the (Health and Wellbeing Board and Inclusive ambition for the future of our town, by setting life chances of our residents, especially young Economy Board) and their respective strategies. clear priorities to support our children and people in the town. young people to have the best start in life and This is a truly ambitious vision for Luton that At the very heart of this vision is a central ensuring that we respond to the climate crisis builds on our strengths and key assets as a town mission to work together to ensure that by making Luton a greener and more sustainable as well our shared values. Together, we will build everyone in Luton can share in the benefits town. Central to these priorities will be on the success of recent years and overcome the of our town’s prosperity and enjoy a good long-term commitments to ensure that challenges we face today to build a healthier, quality of life, while ensuring that no-one has Luton is recognised as a carbon-neutral town fairer and more sustainable town where everyone to live in poverty. and a UNICEF child-friendly town. can thrive and no-one has to live in poverty.

4 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 Luton in 2020

5 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Luton in 2020 A place to thrive The key strengths and assets of our town

Luton in 2020 is a vibrant, modern and diverse town with many unique features. Luton has a population of 214,100 and is recognised as being one of the youngest and most diverse towns in the country, although the population is projected to become significantly older over the next 20 years.

Alongside the many challenges facing the town, Luton has a number of important strengths and assets that will be crucial to driving the success of this vision over the coming years:

One of the youngest populations in the A cohesive town with a powerful sense of Outstanding connectivity by road, rail and country – a fifth of our residents are below community spirit within our neighbourhoods air – less than 30 minutes from London by rail, the age of 16 close to the M1 and 10 miles from the M25

A super diverse town with a vibrant mix An excellent strategic location – Home to the fifth largest airport in the UK of culture, skills and languages across close to the centre of the Oxford to – supporting jobs, the local economy and our community Cambridge Arc services for residents

Home to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital 6 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Luton in 2020 A place to thrive The key strengths and assets of our town

A strong local economy – worth £7.5 bn A growing arts, culture and heritage offer A strong higher and further education at the beginning of 2020 with events that celebrate our diverse range offer through the University of Bedfordshire, of cultures and support greater wellbeing Barnfield College and Luton Sixth Form College

Home to the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital A voluntary and community sector that delivers a diverse range of crucial services

Outstanding access to greenspace – including six green flag parks and close proximity to the Chilterns

Many good and outstanding schools and one of the few places in the country with Home to Luton Town Football Club

no inadequate schools

7 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 Building a town-wide vision for Luton 2020-2040

8 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 How we developed our shared vision A place to thrive

Following the launch of the Inclusive Growth Commission’s final report in October 2019, Luton Council began an initial open consultation with residents and partners across Luton to shape and co-produce a shared vision for the town for the next 20 years. This vision brings together all of the recommendations from the commission with a clear focus on ensuring that everyone in Luton can benefit from growth so that no-one has to live in poverty.

The vision was also shaped by the COVID-19 organisations in Luton and the surrounding areas In addition, 136 residents also contributed to a pandemic and the urgent need to overcome the through a series of virtual consultation sessions survey telling us about the impact of COVID-19 health and economic impacts of the virus on our as well as receiving responses to online surveys. on their household finances, helping to shape the town and our residents. As a result, the council vision and priorities. Altogether, the consultation received brought forward its consultation on an initial vision more than 200 responses from members of These responses have helped to shape our final for the first five years of our journey to 2040. the public as well as 119 from representatives vision and priorities for Luton 2020-2040. The The council led an in-depth consultation during of organisations across the public, private and responses are summarised in our consultation the summer of 2020, speaking to residents and voluntary sectors. report along with the changes made to the vision.

Participants in the Luton 2040 Consultation More than 500 residents spoke to the Inclusive Growth 10 Members of the public Commission in 2019. 61 119 (aged 25 and over) The Luton 2040 vision consultation received Young people (ages 0-24) 381 responses from residents and organisations in 2020.

Luton Council staff 61% of people said they agreed that the vision set the right ambition for the town. Public, private and voluntary organisations Between 72% and 87% of people said they agreed with each of the strategic priorities individually. 191

9 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 The work of the Inclusive Growth Commission A place to thrive

Following the success of the Luton Investment Framework, in attracting £1.5 bn of inward investment into Luton between 2016-2019, the council formed the Luton Inclusive Growth Commission to investigate how to ensure that everyone in Luton could benefit from economic growth.

The Inclusive Growth Commission was Findings of the commission – Findings of the commission – an independent body, led by Professor Sir Luton’s strengths Luton’s challenges Les Ebdon CBE DL, and made up of eight other commissioners representing the public, private In their final report, the Inclusive Growth The commission also identified several and voluntary sectors in Luton. The commission Commission highlighted a number of important important challenges for everyone in based their investigation around several key findings, including several key strengths and Luton. These challenges included poor lines of enquiry, including skills, economic assets for Luton, as well as specific challenges health outcomes for residents and weaker activity, health and wellbeing, community facing the town. educational attainment than other enterprise and Luton as a destination. parts of the country, as well as lower In terms of strengths, the commission productivity rates and a town centre The commission ran from December 2018 particularly highlighted Luton’s young and that felt unsafe, unattractive and unable until September 2019 and over that time diverse population as a crucial asset for to meet the needs of residents. pulled together a wealth of evidence from promoting a vibrant culture and an attractive organisations in Luton as well as a range of place for businesses to invest for the future. think tanks, experts and other local authorities The commission also found that Luton’s from across the country. The commission also connectivity by road, rail and air, as well as spoke to more than 500 residents and held digital connectivity was an important asset detailed discussions with public, private and for attracting investment and creating voluntary sector organisations from across opportunities for residents. Luton and the wider region. Finally, the commission felt that the The findings and recommendations produced by strength and passion of Luton’s voluntary the Inclusive Growth Commission were the first sector and community was another steps in building this vision for Luton 2020-2040. important asset to the town.

10 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive

Alongside these challenges, the commission To build more collaborative communities, the highlighted poverty and inequality as being report recommended a local wealth building among the most important issues in Luton. approach to procurement supported by anchor institutions and large employers and a new deal The commission recognised that Luton with the voluntary and community sector to help suffered from one of the highest poverty tackle a range of challenges across the town. rates in the country and considered this to be closely connected to many of the other Finally, to ensure that Luton’s residents are issues identified within their report. happy, healthy and successful the report recommended specific action to tackle poverty The final report of the Inclusive as well as measures to develop skills for the Growth Commission – 12 ambitions future and increase earnings by becoming a real for Luton living wage town.

In October 2019, the Inclusive Growth Luton Council’s response to the Commission launched their final report. This Inclusive Growth Commission report outlined 12 ambitions for Luton around The final report of the Inclusive Growth the themes of a productive place, collaborative Commission was gratefully received by Luton communities and happy, healthy and successful Council and partners across the town. In people. The final report stressed that these response to this report and recommendations, ambitions would need to be delivered by the council with its partners began work to everyone across the town, including residents develop a new vision for everyone in Luton. and organisations, to be achieved in full. The vision for Luton 2020-2040 seeks to The recommendations to develop a more address all of the challenges raised by the productive place included creating a thriving commission’s report and to deliver on all town centre, smart city infrastructure, supporting of their recommendations to ensure that flexible working and making Luton a more everyone in Luton can benefit from future attractive location for high-value businesses. prosperity in the town.

11 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 No-one in poverty at the heart A place to thrive of a new vision for Luton

The vision for Luton 2020-2040 is built around a single-unifying mission for everyone in Luton - to ensure that everyone in our town has the opportunity to thrive and no-one has to live in poverty.

This central ambition is grounded in evidence The impact of this is clear to see. Children living Lower educational attainment as a result of relating to the success of Luton in attracting in Luton’s most deprived areas are on average deprivation also makes Luton a less attractive investment and prosperity in recent years as 15 months behind those from more affluent destination for businesses to invest and leaves well as the impact of poverty and inequality backgrounds in their vocabulary skills by the local employers with many hard-to-fill vacancies still felt by many in our town. This ambition age of five, with these skills shown to be an in high-skilled jobs. also builds on the work of the Inclusive Growth important early indicator of progress in later life. The prevalence of poverty and hardship in our Commission and their recommendations to There is also a significant impact on health town affect the quality of life and opportunities make Luton a more inclusive place where outcomes, with men living in our most deprived of all our residents and organisations. The case is everyone can share in the benefits of economic areas expected to live on average nine years less therefore clear for us to work towards this shared growth and enjoy a good quality of life. than those from more affluent backgrounds. For ambition to ensure that everyone can benefit women the life expectancy gap is seven years. The case for no-one in poverty from prosperity and no-one has to live in poverty. Poverty can also be linked to a range of other Among the challenges raised by the social and environmental challenges that affect A definition for no-one in poverty Inclusive Growth Commission in 2019 was everyone in our town. For example, a 2018 To address the challenge of poverty it is the impact of poverty on the life chances study by the Greater London Authority found important to define what is meant by the term of many of our residents, especially our that areas with higher deprivation rates were ‘poverty’ and to measure this in a way that young people. In 2019, Luton had the more likely to experience cases of serious helps to understand the true scale and the seventh highest rate of child poverty in youth violence. Poverty also impacts our local causes of poverty. Poverty is a subjective term, the country and from our initial analysis, economy, with residents having less money to which can mean different things to different we know that around one in three households spend in the town centre resulting in 40% of people, and there are many ways of measuring in Luton are currently below a decent shops on George Street being either vacant or poverty. Although many of these measures can standard of living. occupied by betting and pound shops in 2019. be useful, many also have limitations.

12 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive

For example, many governments use relative Luton Council’s Business Intelligence Unit Approximately two thirds of households are measures of poverty that show the number of has adapted this model for Luton, adjusting estimated to be above the financial quality of people living in poverty in comparison to the the estimated rent and council tax costs life line. An estimated 28% of households are median earnings of the rest of society. Although based on the average amounts for Luton above the financial quality of life line but by less these measures can be useful they can also households of different sizes. Other costs than £10,000 per annum; for these households provide a false impression of changes in poverty such as clothing, food and household services a small change in circumstances can lead to rates, with economic downturns sometimes do not differ as greatly across the country them falling below a decent living standard. showing less people living in relative poverty and were therefore not adjusted for the Using this model, we are also able to estimate despite their incomes falling. localised model. the number of different types of households The Index of Multiple Deprivations, produced Using the adapted MIS model, the council’s that are likely to be in poverty, helping to by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Business Intelligence Unit have set out five understand the causes of poverty for people Local Government (MHCLG) provides a useful financial quality of life bands for people in Luton. in our town. measure to compare deprivation in different These bands range from those that have a secure Using this data, we will be able to carry out locations, however this measure is also relative standard of living to those living in absolute further analysis going forward to shape our and only produced every four years. poverty. Households in Luton that have an vision and strategies for Luton 2020-2040 to overall income that meets the total cost of The most useful measure for our work is the move households up through the financial living from the Luton Minimum Income Minimum Income Standard model, developed quality of life bands. Our aim will be to Standard are above the financial quality of by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a charity ensure that by 2040 no households will be life line, while those who do not are currently that specialises in research into solving the living without basic needs, while also increasing below this line. issue of poverty in the UK. the numbers of families that are enjoying a Using Mosaic data, the council has estimated good and secure standard of living at the The Minimum Income Standard (MIS) model the proportion of households in Luton in each bands of the MIS model. calculates the cost of living for various household of these bands. This modelling estimates that a sizes to achieve a decent standard of living. This third of households in Luton are below a decent takes into account costs such as rent, clothing, standard of living, including 12% that are unable food, and transport and provides different costs to afford basic needs. for households in private and social rent.

13 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive

Estimated % of Luton Minimum Income Standard Model (MIS) Band Definition Luton households*

Households that can comfortably afford a decent Secure standard of living standard of living. The total combined income of these A households will be at least £10,000 per annum above 38.5% the estimated MIS for their household type.

Households that can afford a decent standard of living, including all aspects of the MIS.A small change in Decent standard of living B circumstances for these households can cause them to 28.1% fall below the financial quality of life line. Financial Quality of Life Line (based on the JRF MIS model) Households that can afford all basic needs but not Below a decent standard of every aspect of the MIS such as the cost of personal C 21.2% living services or social and cultural activities to enjoy a decent standard of living.

Unable to afford Households that cannot afford the six most basic basic needs D needs: food, water, fuel, housing, clothing and 12.1% transport.

Absolute People with no home, no income and no access to poverty funding or households where outgoings exceed E income, such as in cases of significant debt and 0.1% addiction.

*Estimates of Luton households in each band were made in 2020 using Mosaic modelling data and based on the Luton-adapted version of the Minimum Income Standard, originally created by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The estimated proportion relating to band E is based on the latest rough sleeper count for Luton in 2020.

14 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Long-term commitments at the heart A place to thrive of our shared vision

In addition to our single-unifying mission to tackle poverty and ensure that everyone can benefit from prosperity, the vision is also built around three underlying commitments. These commitments are designed around the values and aspirations of everyone in our town as well as the important challenges we must address in order to achieve our long-term ambition as a town.

Tackling inequality – The future of our The impact of A town built on young population – climate change – fairness A child-friendly town A carbon neutral town

Tackling inequality is at the heart of the Luton benefits from having one of the youngest The future prosperity of our town and its challenge we face in ensuring that everyone populations in the country, providing enormous residents relies on all of us taking bold in Luton has the opportunity to thrive and potential to the future of our town as a vibrant and decisive action to ensure that Luton no-one has to live in poverty. community where businesses look to invest is a sustainable place for years to come. for the future. Having a young population also The council set out an ambition to make To achieve this we will need a clear brings enormous challenges however, with Luton Luton a carbon neutral town by 2040 – commitment to delivering more equitable experiencing one of the highest rates of child 10 years ahead of the national target. outcomes for all our residents, as well as poverty outside of London. ensuring that everyone in Luton has the Achieving this commitment will require action power to shape the future of the town. It is therefore vital that while we seek to improve and innovation from residents and organisations our town for everyone we have a clear focus on across Luton to reduce our net carbon We will meet this commitment by working giving our young people the best start in life so emissions over the next two decades. With this together to identify and overcome structural that our future adult population are able to reach commitment at the heart of the vision we will barriers, such as discrimination, through their full potential and be the driving force of work in partnership to ensure that our homes, a fairness taskforce and we will establish future growth and prosperity for our town. To our infrastructure, our businesses and our a citizen’s panel to give all parts of our achieve this we will have a town-wide commitment airport are all sustainable. community a powerful voice that makes to make Luton a UNICEF child-friendly town at a real difference. the heart of our vision. This ambition will focus on children and young people aged 0-24.

15 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Responding to the impact A place to thrive of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted upon the health and economic prospects of communities across the world. Luton has experienced more than its share of these challenges, but has responded by leading the way in controlling the spread of the virus and by demonstrating enormous resilience in supporting our most vulnerable residents throughout the crisis.

The impact of COVID-19 The impact of COVID-19 A short-term vision to lay the on wellbeing on our economy foundations for Luton 2020-2040

COVID-19 continues to affect the health of The overall impact on the economy from the With the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 people around the world. Luton, like many places pandemic is still unclear, however we now on the health and economic prospects of our has experienced high numbers of cases while know that the UK economy has experienced town, it is important that we bring forward many families have lost loved ones. the deepest recession on record and our vision for Luton 2020-2040 to overcome unemployment is expected to reach its highest the immediate impact of COVID-19. This initial The pandemic has also impacted other health level in decades. The impact on Luton is still vision for the first five years of the journey outcomes, including mental wellbeing and uncertain, however early indications have from 2020 to 2040 will therefore prioritise our isolation for many vulnerable people and those suggested that Luton could be the second most urgent response to the health and economic who live alone. The Public Health England report affected town in the country in terms of job impacts of the pandemic. on disparities in COVID-19 outcomes found that losses, with around 16,000 jobs identified in people from the most deprived communities We will do this by delivering a Health Inequalities sectors that are very vulnerable. were around twice as likely to die from the virus Action Plan and an Economic Recovery Plan for as people from more affluent backgrounds. the town over the next two to three years, setting us up to deliver a more inclusive economy and a better quality of life for residents by 2025. This initial vision will enable us to lay the foundations for our journey to 2040 and ensuring that no-one has to live in poverty, while building on our other commitments at the heart of the vision.

16 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 Our shared vision and priorities for the first five years

17 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Laying the foundations A place to thrive for Luton 2020-2040

The first five years: Over the next five years, we will see a positive The next steps to 2040: Our vision and priorities 2020-2025 transformation of our town with real benefits Renewing our vision and priorities for all our residents. Luton will be a living for 2025-2040 To achieve our long-term ambition for a town wage town, where residents benefit from where everyone can thrive and no-one has to higher wages and more of our families are Over the next five years we will work together live in poverty we will need to work together to financially secure. to deliver our shared vision by laying the overcome immediate challenges in light of the foundations as set out in the strategic We will have a new town centre masterplan, COVID-19 pandemic. priorities. We will monitor and review our delivering new developments to make the progress against all target outcomes set out This vision and priorities will lay the foundations town centre a safer, greener and more attractive in the following pages and in 2025 we will for our journey from 2020 to 2040, by focussing place for residents, businesses and visitors work together to agree on the next steps for on ensuring a strong economic recovery and to come to. We will have more affordable our journey to 2040. protecting the most deprived in our community housing and residents will take even greater in response as we move beyond the COVID-19 pride in their community. In 2025, we will update our strategic priorities pandemic over the next two to three years. to ensure that we continue to work towards Our children and young people will have our long-term vision of making Luton a healthy, The priorities will also aim to build a more higher aspirations matched by improvements fair and sustainable town where everyone inclusive economy and tackle inequalities, as in educational attainment and we will can thrive and no-one has to live in poverty. well as meeting our commitments to ensure ensure that all our residents have a powerful This will once again be an intelligence-led that Luton is a fair and sustainable town where voice through a new citizen’s panel and process where everyone in Luton has a role our young people can grow up happy, healthy ongoing involvement in shaping the in shaping the future of the town. and secure. future of our town.

18 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive

Our Shared Vision for Luton: Luton will be a healthy, fair and sustainable town, where everyone can thrive and no-one has to live in poverty.

Our Strategic Priorities 2020 - 2025

Protecting the most disadvantaged in Securing a strong economic recovery our town by prioritising services and Making Luton a child-friendly town, from COVID-19, which protects jobs, interventions that focus on prevention, where our children and young people incomes and businesses and enables us alleviate the impact of poverty and grow up feeling happy, healthy and to build a more inclusive economy. reduce health inequalities. secure, with a voice that matters and the opportunities they need to thrive.

Becoming a greener and more A strong and empowered community sustainable town, to meet our supporting fairness, equality and long-term ambition to be carbon local pride and speaking with a neutral and climate resilient by 2040. powerful voice.

19 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 Securing a strong economic recovery from COVID-19, which protects jobs, incomes and businesses and enables us to build a more inclusive economy.

Securing a strong economic recovery following As well as ensuring a strong economic the impact of COVID-19 is essential if we are recovery, the impact of COVID-19 presents to continue growing our economy in a way that a clear opportunity to reform our local Target Outcomes can benefit everyone in Luton. economy to be more inclusive and sustainable A skilled workforce that meets the so that all our residents can benefit from needs of local employers. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant economic growth. impact on our economy, causing the deepest More of our residents in high-value, recession on record and limiting the ability of Our Inclusive Economy Strategy sets out in well-paid jobs within Luton. entire sectors to operate as normal, including more detail the steps we will take to achieve some of our key sectors locally. each of our target outcomes. Diversifying our economy by supporting and growing key sectors Our immediate priority must be to secure a A skilled workforce that meets including the green economy, strong and sustainable economic recovery, the needs of local employers – digital, creative industries, which protects jobs, incomes and businesses To support the growth of our economy manufacturing and aviation. across Luton over the next two to three and enable our residents to access years. This work will be driven by the Inclusive well-paid jobs and opportunities we will A thriving town centre with the right Economy Board through the delivery of our focus on improving skills to meet the needs mix of office, retail, residential and Economic Recovery Plan. This plan includes of our local employers now and in the future. leisure space. actions to support organisations to reopen This will be delivered through a new skills More money spent locally, with safely, to work collectively across our economy strategy which supports people back into increased social value from the public to access funding and support, and working work and meets the needs of employers in sector and anchor institutions. with training and employment providers to the town. help residents back into work.

20 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040

More of our residents in high-value, Through this target outcome we will seek to More money spent locally, with well-paid jobs within Luton – support our existing key sectors such as aviation increased social value from the public Although the town has been successful in and manufacturing, while also working to grow sector and anchor institutions – attracting more high-paid and productive jobs new and emerging sectors of our economy Luton is home to many large anchor institutions over recent years, residents are less likely to such as the green economy and digital and – large organisations and employers anchored occupy these jobs than people from outside of creative industries. within our town. These institutions have Luton. As part of this strategic priority we will enormous influence on our economy through A thriving town centre with the right aim to continue attracting high-value, well paid their significant procurement spend and large mix of office, retail, residential and jobs, while also encouraging more employers workforces. Through the Inclusive Economy leisure space – The challenges facing town to pay the real living wage and Luton being Board we will work with these organisations centres have been rapidly accelerated during recognised as a real living wage town. We will to focus more of their collective spend within the pandemic, with traditional retail outlets on also focus on supporting more of our residents the local economy and to drive increased the high street in decline. Through a new town to access these better paid jobs by improving social value through more local employment, centre masterplan we will work together to skills and reducing barriers to employment. apprenticeships and skills investment. provide a more diverse mix of uses for our Diversifying our economy by town centre that meets the needs of our supporting and growing key sectors – residents and makes Luton an attractive The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted destination for visitors and investment. the challenges our economy faces when crucial sectors that support many jobs are badly affected.

Achievements by 2025

Luton will have a Anchor institutions will A new heritage Luton will be Our new town centre new skills strategy be spending more of strategy, driving wider recognised as a real masterplan will have delivering skills to their money in Luton participation in living wage town. delivered two new match the future through a town-wide heritage in Luton. developments. jobs of our economy. procurement approach.

21 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 Protecting the most disadvantaged in our town by prioritising services and interventions that focus on prevention, alleviate the impact of poverty and reduce health inequalities.

The economic impact of COVID-19 risks an This work will include actions relating to increasing number of families in Luton falling children, adults and older people to achieve Target Outcomes into poverty. Our previous analysis shows better and more equitable health outcomes for that poverty and financial hardship can have residents of all ages. Better and more equal healthy life an adverse impact on quality of life and expectancy for residents across Luton. The Population Wellbeing Strategy will also opportunities, with many of our most deprived deliver on other key work streams under this More of our households will live in residents facing poorer outcomes relating priority to protect the most disadvantaged in good quality and secure housing. to health, education and life chances. our town. This will include continued focus on More of our families will be financially It is therefore vital that we prioritise services prevention and actions to ensure that families sustainable and fewer will experience and interventions that prevent our residents in Luton can be financially sustainable, as well being in crisis. from falling into a cycle of deprivation, reduce as specific actions around children and families, inequalities and alleviate the impact of poverty. housing and community safety. Greater support for mental wellbeing and reduced social isolation for To achieve this strategic priority, our Health people of all ages. and Wellbeing Board will drive the delivery of the Population Wellbeing Strategy. A safer community with fewer cases This will include the work of the Health of domestic abuse, serious violence Inequalities Delivery Board to tackle prevailing and drug and alcohol related harm. inequalities and address wider issues that impact physical and mental health.

22 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040

Better and more equal healthy life More of our families will be financially A safer community with fewer cases expectancy across Luton – Disparities in sustainable and fewer will experience of domestic abuse, serious violence the length of life expectancy and healthy life being in crisis – To reduce the number of and drug and alcohol related harm – expectancy between our most and least deprived people living in poverty in Luton by 2040 we This target outcome will focus on addressing areas are perhaps the most serious impacts of must ensure that in the immediate aftermath a range of serious issues that are often closely poverty for our residents. This target outcome of COVID-19 we prevent families from falling linked to deprivation and are among the most will aim to reduce these inequalities while also below a decent standard of living. To do this we significant in making people feel unsafe in their improving healthy life expectancy rates for will work collaboratively to tackle issues such as homes and in our community. everyone in the town, enabling our residents to debt, homelessness and unemployment that can

live healthy lives and reach their full potential. lead to households falling into financial crisis. More of our households will live in Greater support for mental wellbeing good quality and secure housing – and reduced social isolation for people Poor quality housing for some of our most of all ages – Providing greater support for deprived residents is a significant challenge mental wellbeing will be an important aim, that can lead to poorer health outcomes in later especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. life. In addition, access to secure and affordable Through this target outcome we will also focus housing is crucial to ensuring that residents on reducing social isolation affecting people of can remain financially sustainable. This target all ages, including carers and some of our most outcome will focus on making sure we create vulnerable residents. more affordable homes for residents and drive up standards in the quality of housing. Achievements by 2025

Luton’s Health Inequalities Delivery Board Delivery of 4,000 new homes, Halving the number of Delivery of a new work programme will be delivering better including 500 affordable households living in Community Safety and more equal healthy physical and homes for residents. temporary accommodation. Partnership Plan. mental health outcomes for residents.

23 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 Making Luton a child-friendly town, where our children and young people grow up feeling happy, healthy and secure, with a voice that matters and the opportunities they need to thrive.

Luton benefits from being one of the youngest This priority will be at the heart of both the towns in the country, however our population Inclusive Economy and Population Wellbeing Target Outcomes is projected to age significantly over the next strategies. To achieve this priority we will 20 years. Children and young people in Luton work in partnership with organisations in the All of our children and young people today will therefore be central to supporting public, private and voluntary sector to support will be able to access services that

everyone in the town to enjoy a good quality all our young people to grow up with access keep them safe and secure. of life by 2040. to services that enable them to grow up Reduced health inequalities for all happy healthy and secure. We will also work It is therefore essential that we provide our children and young people. collaboratively to drive greater aspiration and our young people with the best start in life, outcomes for our young people to enable them Children and young people with enabling them to reach their full potential. to be successful in later life. SEND will have the same opportunities Through this strategic priority we will aim as non-disabled children and All of our children and young people to make Luton a child-friendly town, based young people. will be able to access services that on the UNICEF definition that is followed keep them safe and secure – This target Excellent educational outcomes and by many towns and cities around the world. outcome is essential to making sure that all our increased aspiration and achievement This priority will focus on children and children and young people are able to grow for our children and young people. young people aged 0-24. up feeling safe and secure. Building on our Our young people will have This strategic priority also builds on the improvement plan for children’s services, we a voice that is heard recommendation made in the Inclusive will work with everyone in our town to protect and that matters. Growth Commission report around all our children and young people from harm enabling children to grow up happy, and enable them to enjoy happy and fulfilling healthy and free from poverty. childhoods.

24 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040

Reduced health inequalities for all Children and young people with SEND Excellent educational outcomes and our children and young people – will have the same opportunities increased aspiration and achievement Previous analysis, including the work of the as non-disabled children and young for our children and young people – Inclusive Growth Commission, has highlighted people – To provide the best start in life For our young people to thrive in later life the impact of poorer health outcomes for many for all, we must ensure that this is inclusive we will focus on raising aspirations as well as of our young people, including high rates of for children and young people with special achievement to match. Through our education child poverty. These poorer health outcomes educational needs and disabilities (SEND). strategy we will work collaboratively to broaden are also linked to poverty and poorer outcomes Luton’s SEND strategy will be aligned to this the aspirations of our young people and to in later life. This target outcome will therefore strategic priority with six specific outcomes to ensure that all children in Luton attend good or focus on reducing health inequalities for ensure that children and young people with outstanding schools that enable achievement. children and young people across Luton and in SEND can grow up happy and healthy, with a Our young people will have a voice that comparison to the rest of the country. voice that is heard and the same opportunities is heard and that matters – to play, socialise and reach their full potential Like all of our residents it is important to provide as other children and young people. young people with a voice that is listened to and that can make a real difference in shaping the future of our town. To deliver on this target outcome we will build on the creation of our young people’s council to ensure that all our young people feel they have a voice that matters.

Achievements by 2025 Luton’s SEND strategy will All children in Luton Luton will have a good have improved services An active Young People’s Luton will be recognised will be attending good or outstanding Ofsted and support for SEND Council with more young as a UNICEF or outstanding schools, rating for children’s children, young people people saying they have child-friendly town. leading to better services. and their families against a voice that matters. educational outcomes. our six SEND outcomes.

25 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 Becoming a greener and more sustainable town, to meet our long-term ambition to be carbon neutral and climate resilient by 2040.

At the beginning of 2020, Luton Council declared These actions will also support economic growth a climate emergency and set out its ambition for and jobs in emerging sectors of our economy, as Luton to be a carbon neutral town by 2040. well as delivering real benefits to the health and Target Outcomes wellbeing of residents over the next five years. This important commitment will be at the heart Reduced net carbon emissions from of the vision for the town, helping to improve This strategic priority will underpin both the organisations and households. the quality of life of our residents and making Inclusive Economy and Population Better air quality enjoyed by people our economy sustainable for future generations. Wellbeing strategies. across Luton. The council has already played a leading role in Reduced net carbon emissions from A greener transport network that bringing together people from across the town organisations and households – supports employment and increased through a citizen’s assembly and will continue to To meet the long-term goal for Luton to become use of sustainable travel across lead work to shape a climate change action plan a carbon neutral town by 2040, everyone Luton. for the town. in Luton will have a role to play in reducing their net carbon emissions. Organisations and Increased walking and cycling by This ambitious commitment will require households will be able to do this by taking residents, workers and everybody in the town to play a role in reducing a range of actions to improve the efficiency visitors in the town. emissions and changing behaviour to make of homes and buildings, reduce waste and to Luton a greener town. The most sustainable support a circular economy. airport in the UK. Although this is a long term ambition, we will take immediate action over the next five years to move towards our goal of being a carbon neutral town.

26 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040

Better air quality enjoyed by people Increase walking and cycling by The most sustainable airport in the UK across Luton – Improving our air quality is an residents, workers and visitors in the – London Luton Airport is a key asset to our town important aim within this priority that can help town – Alongside a greener transport network, that will have a key role to play in achieving our to deliver our vision of a healthy town. To achieve increased walking and cycling is also central carbon neutral ambition. London Luton Airport this we will work together to encourage more to our carbon neutral ambition. This target Limited has set out its own ambition to become the electric and low emission vehicles and to improve outcome will look to build on the momentum most sustainable airport in the UK. This will require infrastructure in areas of high congestion and of more active travel during the pandemic by the support and collective efforts of the entire poor air quality. enabling more safe walking and cycling routes aviation industry in Luton over the next five years. that are easily accessible to residents, workers A greener transport network that and visitors. Individuals and organisations will supports employment and increased all have an important role to play in supporting use of sustainable travel – As we recover behavioural change through actions and from the impact of COVID-19 we will also schemes that support active travel. prioritise a greener transport network that supports cleaner air and reduced emissions to meet our carbon neutral target. We will also aim to ensure that we have a transport network that is affordable to encourage use and that supports our residents in accessing education, employment and other opportunities.

Achievements by 2025

A comprehensive climate The Luton DART will be A workplace parking levy will More council-owned and change action plan being operational, providing a be in place, funding a more privately rented homes will delivered across the town. greener route to the airport sustainable transport network. meet Energy Performance for passengers. Certificate level C and above.

27 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 A strong and empowered community supporting fairness, equality and local pride and speaking with a powerful voice.

Luton’s strong and cohesive community is This strategic priority will underpin both the among our most important assets as a town. Inclusive Economy and Population Wellbeing Target Outcomes This was demonstrated throughout the strategies. COVID-19 pandemic as many residents and A town built on fairness with equitable A town built on fairness with equitable organisations played their part in supporting outcomes for all our residents. outcomes for all our residents – each other in a time of crisis. To make Luton a fairer town we will work A continually cohesive community This resilience and community spirit will be crucial collectively to remove structural barriers and where our residents get along well to driving our commitment to making Luton a disadvantage for everyone in our town. We will with each other. town built on fairness as part of our shared vision. adopt an approach that is based on the equity A meaningful voice for all our round table developed in Greater Buffalo, To achieve this strategic priority we will ensure residents to shape the vision and New York to bring together people from that our residents and our voluntary and direction of our town. across our community to work together to community sector organisations have a strong achieve equitable outcomes for all our residents. Increased social responsibility and civic voice in shaping the future of our town. pride throughout our community. We will also work together to develop a strong A thriving voluntary and community sense of local pride and build on our community sector that enables our residents to spirit to ensure that our residents can support support themselves and each other. themselves and each other.

Our community will also be empowered to play a greater role in working together to tackle inequality, discrimination and to make Luton a fairer more equitable town.

28 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040

A continually cohesive community Increased social responsibility and A thriving voluntary and community where our residents get along well civic pride throughout our community – sector that enables our residents with each other – Luton has long benefitted Building a shared sense of responsibility and civic to support themselves and each from being a diverse and cohesive community, pride is essential if we are to all recognise and other – Our voluntary and community where many of our residents are happy in their play our part in delivering a new vision for Luton. sector organisations play an important role neighbourhoods. This target outcome will focus This target outcome will focus on empowering in supporting some of our most vulnerable on ensuring that we build on this cohesion so residents to take an active role in improving our residents. This target outcome will focus on that all of our residents get along well together. town and supporting their community through adopting a new community hub model that volunteering and actions that support our local enables residents to become more resilient A meaningful voice for all our residents economy, our most vulnerable residents and our and self-sufficient. to shape the vision and direction of our natural environment. town – Everyone in Luton has a part to play in shaping the future direction of our town. This target outcome will aim to increase engagement and participation of residents from across our community through a citizen’s panel as well as future consultations.

Achievements by 2025

Luton will have its own equivalent of the “equity round table” Community hubs will be in Our perceptions survey will Luton will be recognised as a and a citizen’s panel, delivering operation and supporting show the highest resident disability friendly town. equitable outcomes and a residents across the town. satisfaction on record. meaningful voice for residents.

29 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 Working together to deliver our shared vision for Luton 2020-2040

30 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Strategic partnership boards A place to thrive

The Luton 2020-2040 vision will be delivered through two strategic partnership boards – the Inclusive Economy Board and the Health and Wellbeing Board. Each of these boards brings together representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors across Luton and the wider region.

Each of these boards has now been established and each are responsible for driving the delivery of the vision in relation to their own key areas of focus. These key areas of focus, as well as shared responsibilities are set out in the diagram below:

Inclusive Economy Strategy Population Wellbeing Strategy Delivered through the Inclusive Delivered through the Health and Economy Board Wellbeing Board

Sustaining economic growth Shared activity Reducing health inequalities

Skills for the future A child-friendly town Improving physical and mental health outcomes Local wealth building A town built on fairness Protecting the most vulnerable A thriving town centre and social justice Quality education for all A real living wage town A carbon neutral town Safe and cohesive community Transforming lives through arts, culture and heritage Quality and affordable housing

Growing the airport

31 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 Our strategies to deliver Luton 2020-2040 A place to thrive

Both boards have developed their own strategies to drive the delivery of the Luton 2020-2040 vision across their own key areas of focus. The Inclusive Economy Board is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Inclusive Economy Strategy and the Health and Wellbeing Board is responsible for driving the delivery of the Population Wellbeing Strategy.

Detailed action plans will be developed for the delivery of each work stream within each of the strategies, taking into account the three underlying commitments within each.

32 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive Our strategies to achieve the Luton 2020-2040 vision, by building an inclusive economy and enhancing the wellbeing of our population so that Luton is a healthy, fair and sustainable town where everyone can thrive and no-one has to live in poverty.

INCLUSIVE ECONOMY STRATEGY POPULATION WELLBEING STRATEGY

Driven by partners through the Inclusive Economy Board, this strategy will work to secure Driven by partners through the Health and Wellbeing Board, this strategy will focus on a strong economic recovery from COVID-19 and to reform our local economy so that everyone improving quality of life for all our residents, as well as reducing health and educational can benefit from future growth. inequalities to enable everyone to reach their full potential.

SUSTAINING SKILLS FOR LOCAL A THRIVING STARTING AND LIVING AND AGEING AND ECONOMIC THE FUTURE WEALTH TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPING WELL WORKING WELL DYING WELL GROWTH BUILDING An upskilled The right mix of Reduced inequalities from Increased physical activity and Reducing social isolation Growth and resilience workforce Increased local spend office, retail, leisure birth across Luton lower obesity rates in adults Ensuring elderly residents are of key sectors by public sector and and residential Good educational attainment Better mental wellbeing living in decent housing Increased job Continued investment anchor institutions from early years readiness A safer town centre Increasing screening and Tackling fuel poverty and into Luton Increased social value More children at a healthy weight detection of serious conditions pensioner poverty Career pathways to More sustainable More high value, providing real benefits Greater support for mental Enabling more people to remain meet employer needs travel Reduced drug and alcohol well-paid jobs to residents wellbeing for young people related harm in their own home in old age

A REAL LIVING TRANSFORMING GROWING QUALITY EDUCATION SAFE AND COHESIVE QUALITY AND WAGE TOWN LIVES THROUGH THE AIRPORT FOR ALL COMMUNITY AFFORDABLE ARTS, CULTURE HOUSING More workers earning AND HERITAGE Maximising passenger numbers More good and outstanding Lower crime and reoffending the real living wage and Increasing airport jobs and schools in Luton rates including fewer cases of More affordable homes for Continued growth of creative the Luton living wage economic output Higher educational attainment domestic abuse, exploitation families in Luton industries in Luton and serious youth violence Increasing job security and Reducing homelessness and Greater participation in arts, Becoming the UK’s most SEND provision and measures to back-to-work support Protecting the most vulnerable temporary accommodation culture and heritage sustainable airport tackle educational inequalities Increased capacity and Supporting flexible working Increased tourism opportunities Contributing more to the local Increased access to adult Ensuring more housing is resilience in our community and access to employment and visitor numbers voluntary and community sector education and lifelong learning decent, safe and secure

COMMITMENTS AT THE HEART OF OUR STRATEGIES FOR LUTON 2020-2040 Each strategy will be underpinned by three underlying commitments. These commitments will be to ensure that Luton is both a carbon neutral and child-friendly town, as well as ensuring that it is a town built on fairness and social justice, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

A CARBON NEUTRAL TOWN A TOWN BUILT ON FAIRNESS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE A CHILD-FRIENDLY TOWN Working together to achieve our commitment to be a Working together to ensure that everyone in Luton has the Working together to make Luton a child-friendly town, carbon neutral town by 2040, by growing our economy in opportunity to reach their full potential by eliminating all forms where young people grow up feeling safe and secure, with a sustainable way and enhancing our natural environment. of discrimination and overcoming structural barriers that lead to inequality. a voice that matters and the opportunities they need to thrive.

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 Promoting a cohesive and inclusive society Ensuring all children and young people can access their basic Tackling prejudice, discrimination and hate in all its forms needs and essential services Supporting clean growth and the growth of green businesses and Making sure children and young people grow up feeling safe and secure social enterprises Achieving equitable outcomes for all who are disadvantaged or at risk of disadvantage Reducing educational and health inequalities for children and young people in Luton Improving air quality and the natural environment throughout Luton Making Luton a disability friendly town Ensuring that children and young people with SEND have the same access Enhancing digital connectivity, and green infrastructure – including the Ensuring our community has influence, voice and respect in shaping to opportunities, activities and quality of life as other young people greenest airport in the UK – and increasing active and sustainable travel the vision and priorities for Luton 2020-2040 and the future of the town Enabling our young people to have a voice that is heard and that matters

33 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive luton 2040

ENVIRONMENT HIGH REDUCED UK’s POPULATION LOWER RATES HEALTH THIRD CHURN OF CHILDHOOD YOUNGEST OBESITY INEQUALITIES 6C TOWN RECYCLING CARBON RATE NEUTRAL THRIVING 83% VOLUNTARY RESIDENTS HAPPY 50% BY 2040 37% SECTOR WITH WHERE GOOD CHILDREN IN THEY LIVE QUALITY 35% RECYCLING AFFORDABLE POVERTY RATE HOMES GREEN NO-ONE IN TRANSPORT 1,300 FAMILIES POVERTY IN TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION MANY VOICES EMPOWERED SMART ONE TOWN FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY CITY SIX GREEN HEALTH FLAG PARKS IN EQUALITY WELCOME TO For further details please go to WELCOME TO 508 LUTON 2019 OUTSTANDING PASSPORT TO www.luton.gov.uk/Luton2020-2040 CHILD EDUCATION OFFER EMPLOYMENT FRIENDLY ACCLAIMED COURSES TOWN LUTON EARLY YEARS COMPLETE Or contact us by: LANGUAGE LUTON DEVELOPMENT CREATIVE POUND INDUSTRIES GOOD AND Phone: 01582 546778 SPENT 2040 LOW ON THE UP OUTSTANDING APPROVAL SCHOOL LOCALLY SCHOOLS RATING Email: [email protected] TO WORK £ ✓ PATHWAYS LUTON TOWN £4.5bn HIGHER CENTRE INWARD MAJOR LUTON INVESTMENT CONSTRUCTION AVERAGE AIRPORT REAL PROJECTS SALARIES A NEW £76M TO TOWN CENTRE LIVING HOME FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT THE HATTERS WAGE TOWN ECONOMY OF HAT DISTRICT CONSTRUCTION AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES £ A TOWN BUILT SKILLS HUB – ON FAIRNESS UPSKILLING 720 AND SOCIAL LOCAL PEOPLE JUSTICE BY 2020 UNEMPLOYMENT LUTON 4.1% AIRPORT GROWTH UK AVERAGE 4.5%

34 Luton 2020 - 2040 A place to thrive