Well it’s
almost the end of the year and I know I always say this but where on earth has
the time gone? It really has been another whirlwind of a year – both for me and
the council and I’m sure for all of you…
It’s been a
year of delivery and we have some real successes and positive achievements under
our belt.
Where do I
start?
Following
the extreme weather at the beginning of the year we have worked with local communities
to alleviate, as much as possible, the risk of future flooding – fingers
crossed that we don’t see a repeat of the level of rainfall this winter –
although at least we’re better prepared.
Mid-year we opened
the first phase of our first of eight community campuses in Corsham, which has
been an outstanding success; we’ve received millions of pounds from the
government’s growth deal to deliver projects that will boost businesses and the
economy across Wiltshire including investments into Chippenham and Porton.
And, we’ve been working hard to promote and encourage people - young and
old -
to live
healthier and more active lives. It’s well known that the more active we are
the better we feel and the less reliant we become on health and social care
services.
Working with
our health partners we set out how we plan to integrate our social care
services with health to deliver better services for our growing older
population and reduce costs. We published how we will integrate these services
in a Better Care Plan, which is one of five fast-tracked by the government.
Keeping Wiltshire
healthy, active and more resilient has always been our key aim and this year
our local communities again pulled out the stops embracing events and
activities; from welcoming the Tour of Britain elite cyclists, to poignantly
reflecting on the huge loss of life and sacrifice made by Wiltshire soldiers
during the First World War one hundred years ago.
I could
highlight many many more achievements, projects and work
that we’ve done to protect our most vulnerable adults and children and to boost
the local economy. Those of you who attended the staff forums - and it was
great to see you - will know that we highlighted a lot more achievements and we
played a short video as a testament to your hard work.
If you didn’t
see it – here it is - and it’s well worth viewing as it really does showcase
the vast range of services we have delivered over the last six months.
This year –
similar to previous years - we have also had to manage some real challenges and
there’s no doubt that we will continue to face more over the next
few years; particularly in light of the Chancellor’s message, made in his autumn
statement, that clearly stated the recession and cuts will continue for some
years to come.
At the staff
forums you wanted us to update you on ‘how it really is’ without dressing
anything up - and we did!
Next year
our funding from central government will continue to decrease and this, combined
with service demand and inflation costs, means we need to find £29 million. This
will mean some tough decisions will need to be made but we will continue to take
a creative and innovative approach to how we do things.
2015
promises to be another busy year. Planning for the relocation of 4,000 more
Armed Forces personnel and their families to Salisbury Plain will continue; the first
planning application is already in and we recognise that this rebasing will have
a big impact on the infrastructure and services that will be needed. Wiltshire
is a military county and by 2020 we will have the largest settlement of Armed
Forces in the country – making us unique. This is a great opportunity and will
see a huge boost to the local economy.
Our campus
programme will gather pace next year and seven more will be up and running by
2017. The work with partners and communities to deliver these cannot be
underestimated and the offer of services, activities and events will make a
huge difference to how we work with local communities and will
ensure the sustainability of these services into the future.
And, not
forgetting that there’s also the small matter of a general election next year
and no doubt, whatever the outcome, it will impact on what we do.
Finally, I
just want to thank you all for everything you’ve delivered this year, it really
is appreciated. As you know, I’ve already announced that Christmas Eve will be
a day’s holiday and I hope as many of you as possible are able to enjoy this
day and have a well-earned break and some quality family time. For those of you providing
cover for the essential front line services, I would like to say thank you and
please enjoy your break when you do have time off.
I’m looking
forward to seeing family and friends and recharging my batteries ready for
2015!
I wish you
all a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Jane
