City Plan for Dundee 2025/26 update

An update on progress made to improve outcomes for people and communities across Dundee is due to go before Councillors on Monday 26^th October.

The City Governance Committee will consider the fourth annual progress report on the City Plan for Dundee 2022-2032.

The report for 2025-26 sets out progress against a range of performance indicators used to measure how the Dundee Partnership is addressing the city’s key priorities.

The Dundee Partnership brings together representatives from local public, private, voluntary and academic sectors. Through working together, partners aim to improve the lives of people who live, work, learn and visit Dundee.

The City Plan focuses on three strategic priorities aimed at reducing deprivation and inequalities:

• Reduce child poverty and inequalities in income, education & health;
• Tackle climate change and support Dundee's transition to net zero;
• Deliver inclusive economic growth, including through Community Wealth Building.
   

City Governance Committee Convener Cllr Mark Flynn said: “The Dundee Partnership brings together key organisations in the city to work towards a shared vision which ultimately improves the lives and outcomes for people and communities.

“The City Plan for Dundee 2022-32 sets out how we can deliver that vision. This fourth annual report highlights the progress made in key areas while recognising there is still more to be done.

“We remain committed to achieving the goals set out by the Dundee Partnership to grow the local economy in a way that benefits everyone; to reduce the unacceptable levels of child poverty and the other social injustices we see around us, while making Dundee more sustainable.”

The report outlines a number of highlights during 2025-26, including:
 

• a 42% reduction in unemployment among 16 to 24-year-olds and a 16% reduction in workless households;
• 936 families supported through the Fairer Futures Partnership tackling child poverty;
• a 12% reduction in the school attendance gap between pupils living in the most deprived areas and other pupils;
• 47% of council procurement being retained within Dundee, supporting local businesses and jobs;
• a 69% increase in walking and cycling as a proportion of journeys to work.

The report also identifies areas where further improvement is required, including city centre retail unit vacancy rates, the number of working age people with no qualifications, and the proportion of children classified as overweight or obese.

Dundee Partnership strategic leadership groups will continue to focus on addressing these challenges and driving further progress towards the city's long-term ambitions.

Work is also underway to develop the next City Plan for 2027-2037, with feedback from local people gathered through Engage Dundee helping to shape future priorities.

The full report can be viewed on the City Governance Committee agenda on the Council's website.