I think I may be turning into a mince pie! You know its Christmas when every meeting you attend there are mince pies on offer and you feel it’s rude not to have one, or to offer one to those attending.
This week has been another week of meetings and it started with a press briefing to discuss the items that will be considered by cabinet next week. This included the new highways and street scene contract which will be awarded to a new contractor based on price and quality, a report that proposes reducing the number of street lights that can be turned off at off-peak times to save energy and money and reduce light pollution, and an update of the council’s budget position eight months into the financial year. It’s important we review the budget at each cabinet, as the pressures and demand on some of our services has meant we need to review what we are spending in other areas. The key pressures are in children’s services as there is a national increase, which is reflected in Wiltshire, in the number of children coming into care. The media were interested in why this is the case and whilst we don’t have clear evidence, we believe it is linked to the current economic situation and the impact this is having on many families. Meeting the local media also provided an opportunity to discuss the new Healthwatch Board and our search for a chair and four members to be the champions and voice for users of health and social care services in the county. The board will be the watchdog for these services and is part of the integration of health into the council. The advert for these roles is on the website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/localhealthwatch and we are looking for people with energy, enthusiasm and the ability to speak on behalf of users and to help shape future services.
I attended Calne and Melksham area boards this week and I have been so pleased by the reaction of the area boards that I have attended since September, which is almost all of them. They have all been so positive about the events and impact of this unique year. There is so much enthusiasm to keep the momentum going and to create a lasting legacy for our county. I’m looking forward to working with the communities next year and delivering lots of events and activities. I have to say that Melksham looked wonderful with all their Christmas lights and the board was attended by lots of young people who were recently recognised for the work they do in their local communities, clubs and schools at a special young people’s awards ceremony.
The Wiltshire Assembly was held in Salisbury on Wednesday and the focus was inspiring young people and building on the momentum of 2012 and Jon Hubbard talked about the successful Young People’s Awards that I have just referred to. It would be so good to see if these awards could take place in other areas as we need to recognise and celebrate our wonderful young people.
There was a great range of speakers at the Assembly including Debbie Flood, Olympic silver
medallist and World Championship gold medallist rower who talked about her experience
and drive to reach the top in her chosen sport. We also focused on apprenticeships and
heard from Luke, an engineering apprentice at QinetiQ, and his experience of the workplace
and the support of the company he is training with.
Angus Macpherson, the newly elected Police Crime Commissioner also attended along with many other partners and it was good to see such positive and lively networking. The assembly provides a great opportunity to bring everyone together and to discuss what’s happening in Wiltshire.
Yesterday I met the team at the Chippenham depot and it’s always good to hear how things are for our front line staff and to provide an opportunity for questions. In the evening I was invited to present awards to Wiltshire’s Diving Club in Trowbridge. I was extremely impressed by the skill and dedication of the divers and definitely think we could have a future Tom Daley in Wiltshire.
And finally, as a small thank you, I have arranged for chocolates (not mince pies!) to be delivered to all the hubs, from myself and the leadership team. This year has been exceptional and so have all of you. Thank you for your support and commitment to providing the very best for the people of Wiltshire.
Jane
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