Friday 16 December 2016

Just where has this year gone?

The past twelve months have raced by and I don’t know about you but I can’t quite believe that Christmas is upon us and it’s almost the end of another year.

I think this year has been both tough and challenging – in many ways. For me personally it’s been a year of change and some new opportunities. I became a Granny again following the birth of Harry so I am now proud Granny to William and Harry! And, I mustn’t forget my gorgeous granddaughter Flory... I also became a widow, losing my husband Ron the week after Harry was born. I think this is known as the circle of life…

This year, I also learnt lots regarding how the House of Lords works and how resilient I need to be to balance my role as leader of the council with my role as Baroness of Bybrook - not always easy – but, I’ve proved it can be done and I am pleased that I am now accessing ministers and decision makers and, as a result, delivering better outcomes for Wiltshire.

What I also had is that I work with some great people in Wiltshire and I am so appreciative and thankful for the support and good wishes that I have received. 

The year has been challenging for the council too. The demand for services; particularly those that help to protect the most vulnerable have increased, placing pressures on the budget, and this is set to continue. 

This issue isn’t one that just affects Wiltshire - it’s an issue that’s affecting the whole country. Yesterday, you may have heard, the government announcement that local authorities can set social care levy increases of up to 6% over the next two years to help fund this increased demand.

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that it’s really positive that we are all living longer – and, that whilst we definitely can and do benefit from the wealth of experience and capacity that our aging population offers, there is also the real pressure to provide the funding and support required for social care services for older people. 

At this time of the year our focus is on the budget; both balancing this year’s and focusing on setting next year’s. The pressures and opportunities we face need to be weighed up. The announcement from the secretary of state for communities and local government, Sajid Javid on the social care levy to help meet social care costs needs careful consideration to make sure we do what’s right for Wiltshire, and this will be debated over the next few weeks.

Looking back - 2016 has been a year of delivery. One thing Wiltshire Council is good at is delivering - and this year has been no exception. Due to my personal situation, for the first time, I was unable to attend the recent staff forums. But, I have seen the short film that captured some of our successes and highlights from the past 12 months. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and members, and for those of you that didn’t get the opportunity to see the film here it is – and, it’s well worth watching.

Next year we will continue to focus on our key priorities; protecting the vulnerable, boosting the economy, and building stronger communities and I am in no doubt that we will make Wiltshire an even better place to live, work and visit in 2017 and beyond.

On behalf of my cabinet colleagues and myself, I would like to say a very big thank you for all your hard work and commitment throughout this past year. We are extremely grateful for everything you do to make such a positive difference to the people of Wiltshire.

Finally, I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy 2017. However you are spending this special time, please do enjoy yourselves and have a well-earned break. A special thank you to those of you who will be working, or on call, over the festive period to ensure our services can continue – it is very much appreciated.

I look forward to working with you all in 2017 and fingers crossed that it brings us more opportunity than challenge!

Yours 

Jane