This week I had triplets and have been up at 5.30am most mornings tending to their needs before heading into County Hall or to other meetings. It’s almost lambing season and although my triplets were a little early, they remind me that spring is on the way – although at that time in the morning, out in the field, in minus degree temperatures it doesn’t feel very spring like!
On Tuesday I was shadowed by a journalist from Wiltshire Life who is writing an article on my role as leader of the council. He asked some interesting questions including whether I ever get bored? It made me think as I have to admit I have never been bored in this role and I never have the time to be bored. My role is so varied and diverse and it covers such a wide range of matters and issues affecting the lives of so many people in our local communities it never fails to energise and inspire me to do more.
Cabinet met in Salisbury this week to discuss the draft financial plan for 2013/14 and the redevelopment of The Maltings and central car park in Salisbury’s City Centre. We recommended the budget for approval at full council on 26 February. We agreed to keep council tax at 0% rise recognising the impact that the economic climate is having on local residents and we proposed to invest a further £17 million revenue to support key frontline services and £143.6 million to deliver innovative capital schemes.
I was also pleased to announce that as a result of lobbying central government, we have attracted an additional £362,000 in government grant. This additional grant reflects a new formula that recognises the uniqueness of rural areas and the additional costs that are incurred in supporting rural communities. Our allocation was one of the highest nationally reflecting how rural our county is.
Cabinet proposed that the grant should be allocated providing £162,000 for the area boards to focus on children and young people’s projects, facilities and activities in their local communities; we also stated that we would like young people to be involved in deciding the best use of these funds.
The remaining £200,000 to be allocated to schools to enable the service to deliver its strategy for working with schools and settings in the self-governing system. This will help to support and challenge schools to raise standards and ensure we meet our statutory responsibilities to drive school improvement as set out in section 13A of the Education Act 1996.
Since we published our four year business plan in 2011, we have invested £85 million in our frontline services, kept council tax at 0% increase each year and managed the 22% decrease in central government funding. By delivering £100 million of savings we have been able to do this.
Cabinet also agreed to progress exciting proposals to regenerate the Maltings and Central Car Park in Salisbury. We will enter into a ‘development agreement’ with developers Stanhope Plc who will carry out more consultation with local people, businesses and organisations before submitting a detailed planning application for this redevelopment. The development will provide an important economic boost for Salisbury and the surrounding area. The development includes car parking, shops and restaurants, together with enhanced links between the site and the historic city centre.
On Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending this month’s corporate induction training and meeting new staff. These sessions are always uplifting and it’s interesting to see how many staff are joining us from the private sector. It shows how the image and perception of local government is changing and that we are attracting talent and skills from other sectors that will complement what we do.
Next week is busy; I’m holding a press briefing on the budget proposals to talk through the financial plan and the investments we need to make and where we will save money so that we can do this. I am also hosting a legacy community meeting in Salisbury to discuss how we can keep the success of last year alive in the city and surrounding areas. We have already agreed to work with the city council to deliver a number of key events including the Big Business in April and to support an event in the summer at Hudson’s Field; no Torch this time though! It is so positive to be working with the city council and for me building such a strong relationship was one of the many successes of 2012 and I am looking forward to working together this year. Talking of legacy, we will be hosting a business breakfast in the Atrium at County Hall next week for local business leaders. These events provide a good opportunity to network and on this occasion for us to showcase the new building and what it offers.
And, finally I am aware that the corporate awards shortlist will be decided and announced next week. I don’t envy the judging panel as we have so many staff and teams that always do that bit more to deliver an excellent service. I am really looking forward to the awards evening in March and to seeing how the Atrium can be used for this type of event and celebrating the outstanding work that has been delivered by so many of you.
Just off to check my triplets are bedded down for the night!
Jane.
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