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Published 28 May 2026

Let’s Talk about Monmouthshire United: Delivering Together

Council Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby says: “When people talk about the challenges facing our communities today, it’s easy to focus on what divides us. But here in Monmouthshire, I continue to see something different. I see people working together, supporting one another, and sharing a strong sense of purpose for our county.

That spirit of unity matters. It is not just something we talk about, it is how we deliver.

Our Corporate and County Plan sets out a simple ambition: to make Monmouthshire a place where people can live well, feel supported, and look to the future with confidence. Those words only matter if they lead to real change in people’s lives. And together, that is exactly what we have been doing.

We have focused first on fairness. Every primary school child can now access a free breakfast and a freshly prepared lunch, helping families and ensuring children are ready to learn. During school holidays, programmes like Food and Fun have supported thousands of children with meals, activities, and a safe place to be. Through Flying Start, we have expanded free childcare for families who need it most, helping give children the best start while supporting parents back into work.

We have also invested in health, wellbeing, and connection. Thousands of residents have taken part in programmes that help them stay active and feel healthier, while more people than ever are using our leisure centres. At the same time, we are opening up, with the help of Let’s Talk Monmouthshire, the council listens and works with residents, because stronger communities are built on trust, participation, and shared responsibility.

Protecting our environment is another area where partnership has made a real difference. Monmouthshire is now the top recycling county in Wales, a result of the efforts of residents and businesses as much as the council. We have secured significant investment in active travel walking, cycling and wheeling routes, worked with Dŵr Cymru to see improved river health, and supported local food production for our schools. These are practical steps that improve daily life while safeguarding our future.

Our towns and local economy are seeing steady progress. Funding has helped bring buildings back into use and support local businesses, while tourism continues to provide jobs and opportunities. This is about creating places where people want to live, work and visit.

We have also worked hard to support those facing the greatest challenges. The use of unsuitable temporary accommodation has reduced dramatically, with more people supported into stable housing more quickly. In social care, delays in leaving hospital have fallen significantly, helping people recover at home and easing pressure on services.

Education remains at the heart of everything we do. Attendance has improved, standards are rising, and outcomes for learners are among the strongest in Wales. New school developments, such as King Henry VIII 3-19 school, reflect our long-term commitment to giving every child the best possible start.

None of this has been achieved by the council alone. It is the result of people across Monmouthshire - residents, staff, partners, communities - pulling in the same direction.

There is still more to do, and we should always be honest about that. But I am proud of the progress we are making together. In a world that can often feel divided, Monmouthshire continues to show that when we work as one, we can achieve a great deal.

That is what Monmouthshire united looks like. And it is how we will continue to build a better future for our county."

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council


Published 28 May 2026

Let’s Talk about Monmouthshire United: Delivering Together

Council Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby says: “When people talk about the challenges facing our communities today, it’s easy to focus on what divides us. But here in Monmouthshire, I continue to see something different. I see people working together, supporting one another, and sharing a strong sense of purpose for our county.

That spirit of unity matters. It is not just something we talk about, it is how we deliver.

Our Corporate and County Plan sets out a simple ambition: to make Monmouthshire a place where people can live well, feel supported, and look to the future with confidence. Those words only matter if they lead to real change in people’s lives. And together, that is exactly what we have been doing.

We have focused first on fairness. Every primary school child can now access a free breakfast and a freshly prepared lunch, helping families and ensuring children are ready to learn. During school holidays, programmes like Food and Fun have supported thousands of children with meals, activities, and a safe place to be. Through Flying Start, we have expanded free childcare for families who need it most, helping give children the best start while supporting parents back into work.

We have also invested in health, wellbeing, and connection. Thousands of residents have taken part in programmes that help them stay active and feel healthier, while more people than ever are using our leisure centres. At the same time, we are opening up, with the help of Let’s Talk Monmouthshire, the council listens and works with residents, because stronger communities are built on trust, participation, and shared responsibility.

Protecting our environment is another area where partnership has made a real difference. Monmouthshire is now the top recycling county in Wales, a result of the efforts of residents and businesses as much as the council. We have secured significant investment in active travel walking, cycling and wheeling routes, worked with Dŵr Cymru to see improved river health, and supported local food production for our schools. These are practical steps that improve daily life while safeguarding our future.

Our towns and local economy are seeing steady progress. Funding has helped bring buildings back into use and support local businesses, while tourism continues to provide jobs and opportunities. This is about creating places where people want to live, work and visit.

We have also worked hard to support those facing the greatest challenges. The use of unsuitable temporary accommodation has reduced dramatically, with more people supported into stable housing more quickly. In social care, delays in leaving hospital have fallen significantly, helping people recover at home and easing pressure on services.

Education remains at the heart of everything we do. Attendance has improved, standards are rising, and outcomes for learners are among the strongest in Wales. New school developments, such as King Henry VIII 3-19 school, reflect our long-term commitment to giving every child the best possible start.

None of this has been achieved by the council alone. It is the result of people across Monmouthshire - residents, staff, partners, communities - pulling in the same direction.

There is still more to do, and we should always be honest about that. But I am proud of the progress we are making together. In a world that can often feel divided, Monmouthshire continues to show that when we work as one, we can achieve a great deal.

That is what Monmouthshire united looks like. And it is how we will continue to build a better future for our county."

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council


Page published: 28 May 2026, 12:58 PM