As we move into September, summer is coming to an end and I hope lots of you had a break over the last couple of months and managed to recharge your batteries.
My priority at the moment is the business plan which will go before next week’s (September 3) Extraordinary Council meeting . The only main agenda item due to be discussed is the plan which sets out our priorities, vision and direction for the next four years. We know there will be a continued reduction in the funding we receive from Central Government so our plan has to be flexible to deal with any changes that come our way. The plan outlines our three key priorities that must underpin all the work we do. They are: to protect the most vulnerable within Wiltshire, to boost the local economy – creating and safeguarding jobs – and to support and empower communities so they are able to do more for themselves. If we focus on these I am confident that we will deliver our vision to create stronger and more resilient communities.
There’s no doubt about it, this is a challenging time to work in local government: it is fast-moving and ever-changing and we have to meet the needs of local communities with limited funding. This means making savings and looking at how we can do things differently; working with partner organisations, sharing resources and removing waste and bureaucracy. Our business plan has been developed with that in mind.
Looking back on this week, yesterday I met with the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson and Leader of Swindon Borough Council David Renard. We hold this meeting on a regular basis as a lot of our work has an impact on each others’ organisations. It’s always good to meet face-to-face and have these conversations.
Did any of you watch the BBC’s ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ programme this week? As part of his research Nick Hewer from The Apprentice visited our very own Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre to find out more about his ancestors. This led to further research and a trip to several locations in Wiltshire, including Lacock Abbey. There were also some lovely camera shots of the Marlborough Downs. It is also likely that the Marlborough Downs will be featuring on the BBC’s ‘Britain’s Big Wildlife Revival’ on September 15 so keep a look out for it. It is always lovely to see Wiltshire highlighted like this as it shows thousands of people from across Britain just how beautiful this county is.
It’s nice to be back in Wiltshire as I’ve been away for much of this week looking after my grandchildren. I’m tempted to say that next week will be relaxing by comparison but looking at what is in my diary that’s far from true!
I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
Jane.
Lovely, but who is running Wiltshire Coucil? Jane Scott or the Directors?
ReplyDeleteThe new pay awards for senior managers is not great timing and sends a clear message about how people actually feel about the workers on the grass roots level.
Lovely lovely Wiltshire! But from whose perspective? The worker who has not had a pay increment for the last 3 years? Where the cost of living has nearly doubled! Enjoy the farm Jane