This week has been exceptionally busy with a lot happening across the county. On Monday we announced an exciting partnership project that will deliver a new South Wiltshire University Technical College (UTC) in Salisbury in September 2014. The project, which is subject to planning permission and agreement of heads of terms, will mean the Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) granting a lease to Wiltshire Council - as the local education authority - for the use of the current Salisbury Police Station, at Wilton Road as a new UTC. The council will then sub-let the building to the UTC, for a minimal (peppercorn) rent. If agreed the UTC will take on the lease from this November (2013). It is proposed that the current police presence in Salisbury will be relocated to Wiltshire Council premises at the Bourne Hill offices, and they will also look at setting up a public access police point in Salisbury library. This would open ahead of Salisbury Police Station closing to ensure a smooth transition of this service. The UTC would provide specialist technical education in Science and Engineering for more than 600 14-18 year-olds, in a permanent fully refurbished building located in the city centre, avoiding the need to re-locate in temporary accommodation whilst a new facility is built, saving more than £3million. Given the current economic challenges that all public sector organisations face we have to look at how we can work differently and share buildings, facilities and resources to deliver improved services and make efficiencies and savings.
On Wednesday the Chancellor announced the spending review which takes effect from 2015. For us this will mean a further 10 percent reduction in the funding we will receive. Whilst this news was not a surprise for us, it does highlight the need to work more innovatively and with others to deliver services in a different way. It will mean that we need to continue to make some difficult decisions over the next four years and to continue to have clear priorities. Overview and Scrutiny committee met this week to discuss the first draft business plan for the next four years. Their input, particularly in relation to the key priorities and actions, will help to inform the plan and ensure that we are focusing on the right areas. The plan is not that different to the previous one and continues to focus on protecting the most vulnerable, boosting the local economy and really involving and empowering local communities so we can help them do more for themselves. It also promotes innovation and creating an environment where we embrace ideas and different approaches that deliver improved services and cost savings.
Talking of boosting the local economy, this week work started on Phase 2 of the Castledown Business Park in Ludgershall. More units will be developed at the park which will provide support for up-and-coming businesses creating jobs in the area. Working with the Army’s 43 (Wessex) Brigade and MoD’s Career Transition Partnership, with the support of the Swindon and Wiltshire Enterprise Partnership and Swindon Borough Council we also hosted a Living and Working in Wiltshire and Swindon jobs fair at Tidworth Leisure Centre on Wednesday to promote future career options for personnel who are leaving the military.
It was great to see the hundreds of people who visited the event and how the council, our partners and businesses all work together to support the many military leavers who want to remain in Wiltshire with their families. It’s vital that we offer the support they need.
On Wednesday afternoon I had the great pleasure of officially closing this year’s Chippenham Games Legacy Event. More than 500 children enjoyed the many activities which included blind football, a mini-marathon, indo-boarding (although I’m not entirely sure what indo-boarding is) and tri-golf. I was thrilled to take part in the Big Dance and I have to say that I am full of admiration for the energy and inspirational leadership of Young Leaders. They really are motivational. It’s fantastic to see events like this that build on the success of last year. It’s these events and the contribution and support of the leaders that is helping to ensure that the spirit of the London 2012 Olympic Games continues and that we build a lasting legacy here in Wiltshire. Well done to the Chippenham Partnership for organising such an inspirational event and to all the children for taking part and making it such an outstanding success.
At the end of the week I attended meetings in London. On Thursday I met Nick Clegg and Greg Clark at Whitehall to discuss ideas and proposals on the city deal programme. We were asked to share our views on the negotiation and process for securing a deal, and; to discuss the ‘Heseltine’ single growth fund, its link with city deals and our thoughts on how the fund should be distributed and today I am attending a Systems Leadership - Local Vision Programme with Maggie, which is focusing on sharing best practice and experiences in both local government and public health. Leaders and senior staff will be encouraged to talk about their innovative approach to service challenges. Maggie and I are planning to talk about how we are managing the growth in demand for services for older people in Wiltshire and the help to live at home programme.
I’m looking forward to attending the curry and quiz event this evening in the atrium to raise funds to assist looked after children to take part in a world challenge. In August 2014 Kingdown Academy is sending 40 students to Tanzania to help build better communities as well as schools and houses. As a corporate parent we have agreed to support this fundraising and the more we can raise the better as it will provide a life changing opportunity for our looked after children. The evening promises to be a couple of hours of great fun and good food, and I’m really looking forward to taking part and testing my general knowledge!
Next week is the Local Government Association’s annual conference and the theme is Rewiring Local Government and what we need to do to involve people and keep democracy vibrant and meaningful...more on this next week...
Jane
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