A look back at what you've achieved in 2017

Christmas is now only a week away and I know I say this every year – but, where has 2017 gone? 

It has totally flown by. As well as a busy year in Wiltshire and the House of Lords, I’ve spent some time on the independent taskforce set up following the Grenfell Tower fire, which has been both emotional and enlightening.  Like many of you, I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to recharging my batteries and indulging in some family time.

Looking back at 2017 it really has been another year of delivery and achievement and that’s down to all of you. We are an organisation that delivers, even in the most challenging of times. As I said in my last blog our success is our people. 

It’s sometimes hard to reflect and remember all the highlights of the past 12 months; particularly as life moves forward at such a pace, but for me this year has been about the election of a new council – publishing a forward thinking 10 year business plan that stays true to our vision and priorities – and, it’s been about appointing a new leadership team to manage and drive the delivery of our ambitions and plans. 

In a climate when we hear that so many councils across the country are stopping services, I am so pleased that we are an exception and that we continue to invest, This year we opened state of the art community facilities across the county with others underway due for completion in 2018 and beyond – and, we’ve improved the roads and we’re helping to regenerate Salisbury City and other market towns, continually improving the local economy and the place we live and work in.

Next year for me will be a year of opportunity. It’s the time that we push forward our digital agenda and we become even more business-like and grasp commercialism so that we can generate more income in ways that we haven’t tried previously. To protect our front services – particularly for those most vulnerable – we have to try new and different things. That’s what we’re good at – we embrace change and we take risks – we will make the most of every opportunity that we can.

On behalf of my deputy John and all the cabinet members, I would like to say a very big thank you for everything you have done for Wiltshire this year. We are all appreciative and proud of your hard work and continued commitment to making our county even better.

Whatever your plans are over the festive period, please have a well-earned break and my special thanks goes to those of you who will be working, or on call, during this time so that our services can continue. 

Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Jane