Hello,
Now that the
schools have broken up for the summer holidays, combined with the mini heat
wave we saw last week, I think we can say that summer has arrived in the UK and
that it’s that time of the year to enjoy some much needed annual leave.
I know just
how busy it has been recently especially with everything that’s been happening
post-referendum - and, dare I say it – but there does now appear to be a bit of
relative calm in the national political arena. Well, perhaps calm is not quite
the right word, but it does seem to have quietened down a little.
We now have a
new Prime Minister and cabinet and a new minister for local government and I’m
sure over the coming weeks and months we’ll gain more insight into what the
future might start to look like post-Brexit; particularly for local government.
Whatever happens, I know we’ll be ready in Wiltshire.
We’re used to
challenges and change and to responding in a flexible way to meet the needs and
demands of the people of Wiltshire. Working with cabinet and the corporate
leadership team members we are looking ahead and shaping what we think will
change, or need to change, over the next few years. Whilst this is partly
driven by money, it’s also about the demand for services, particularly the
support for those who are most vulnerable. But, it’s also about creating a
strong, robust economy and making sure that we are doing all we can to help all
our local communities become event stronger so that they can do more to improve
their place and lives.
In the next
few days the Rio Olympic Games will start and the publicity surrounding the
Games reminded me of London 2012. I don’t know about you but I can’t believe
it’s been four years since the Olympic torch came through Wiltshire. That was
an extraordinary year and our local communities showed just what can be achieved
when they come together. Since 2012, I have read and heard national reports that
state that the promised legacy from the Games has failed and not come to
fruition, as promoted. In fact the word legacy is seen as negative by many – but,
that’s certainly not the case in this county. Since 2012, our communities have
been even more engaged and active and the participation in sport and activity
throughout the county has soared. This year’s Big Pledge - Road to Rio campaign
has seen more than 18,000 people take part - many of these are young people and
schools - all competing to travel the furthest to Rio by running, walking,
rowing and/or cycling – and by all accounts we gone much further than Rio – I’ve
been told that we’ve done enough kilometres to reach the moon! How incredible
is that? Long may our communities continue to come together and showcase just
how unique and wonderful they are, and long may we continue to work together to
make them even stronger and ready for challenges and changes ahead.
The next six
months will be busy and I’m looking forward to planning ahead; working on what
will be another challenging budget and focusing on the big programmes of work
that will make a difference in Wiltshire. I see the next few years as the time
for innovation and ideas, and looking at new and better ways of doing things –
we need to adapt and change and look to the future.
I hope you
all enjoy the summer and a holiday from work and I would just like to say a
huge heartfelt thank you for all you do – it is really appreciated. Whatever your
plans are, enjoy spending some time with your loved ones, and fingers crossed that the sun continues to shine.
I’m off to
enjoy some quality time with my grandchildren and then a trip to Israel – more
about that in my next blog…
Jane
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