Having to make tough choices is part and parcel of life in local government these days and you would think that with all the difficult decisions we’ve had to make over the years that we’d get used to it.
Yet, the reality is that it gets tougher.
Deciding how we prioritise the services to fund and how we continue to protect those who are most vulnerable, with less money and rising demand, is a real challenge.
Last week we set the budget for 2018/19 and as I said at the Full Council meeting I’m really proud of what this council has achieved and continues to achieve in the toughest and most challenging of times.
The budget set out proposals to find savings and where investment will be made to provide new community facilities and improve services. The media coverage following the meeting largely focused on the increase in council tax (2.99%) and the social care levy (3%), and whilst we didn’t want to put up council tax, or have to charge the additional levy for social care services, the reality is that the extra money this generates won’t raise anywhere near enough to cover the demand and increasing costs.
So what’s the solution?
In my view the only solution is to be radical and we’re good at that - being radical.
Nine years on from becoming a unitary council - can you believe that it’s almost ten years? - We’re more financially stable than many other local authorities across the country. But, there is no doubt that we still need to do more. We have to stem cost and look at prevention, early intervention and closer working with our partners; particularly health, if we are to reduce the pressure and rising costs in social care services.
Our recovery and transformation of children’s services (following the Ofsted inspection in 2012) was recognised by the LGA peer review team as an exemplar of cross council working.
The first phase integrated children’s services, bringing Early Help and Safeguarding and Assessment together. The next phase, which is underway, will engage staff, partners and service users in delivering integrated, family-focused provision and better outcomes for children.
The earlier we can intervene and provide the support that’s needed, the greater the benefits including a reduction in the escalating costs. This approach is helping to guide the adult transformation programme, which is also well underway.
Across the whole country there are huge challenges in meeting the needs of the increasing number of older people. It’s a fact that we are living longer and that this brings with it a rise in the need for health and care services. Did you know that Wiltshire has the third largest older population in the country, with 100,000 of the 475,000 residents aged over 65, and this is set to increase?
A recent national study showed that more than 200,000 pensioners had not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month – I think that’s really shocking.
And, right now more than nine million people in the UK say they regularly feel lonely. The impact of loneliness and isolation is one of the biggest demands and costs to the health service and recent research has evidenced that loneliness can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. So what can be done to help combat this really serious and costly issue?
Let’s face it – most tax payers want and expect the roads to be in good condition, to have their bins emptied and to live in safe and pleasant environments, with access to a good range of community facilities and shops. And, whilst some may not need health or social care services right now, it’s almost a certainty that they will in the future.
So, we have no choice other than to do things differently.
The transformation of adult social care sets out a vision to support independent lives in local communities and make our adult care the best in the country by 2020. And while this will save money - it’s not about cost-cutting. It’s about helping people to live for longer in their own homes and local community – which is their preferred option – so that they can benefit from support and stay in a place that’s familiar and safe.
The answer also lies in each of us doing what we can to help others. No one can do everything but, everyone can do something. Wiltshire benefits from communities that care and communities that are happy to take action. I’m sure that they will rise to this growing challenge and offer support to those who need it; whether that’s a cup of tea, an offer of transport to a club, or activity, or the shops, picking up a prescription, or a library book, or some shopping, or just time to chat and take an interest. All of us can all play a part to help combat loneliness and isolation and offer the warmth of being a good neighbour, to help people to stay in their local community and in the place that is their home.
By being radical and working together we will be able to continue to deliver the services that the people of Wiltshire deserve.
Jane
Wednesday, 28 February 2018
Thursday, 8 February 2018
Proposals for next year's budget
It’s already February, and even though it’s dark, cold and wet it’s so good to see glimmers of spring with snow drops appearing and daffodils not far behind.
January and February are always really busy months, as we work through the proposals for the next year’s budget. Over the past few years this has become an increasingly tough task as the reality of the growing demand and cost of some services; particularly those services for older people and children, combined with the reducing central Government grant means we need to find another £25 million of savings – which is never easy.
Having to choose between increasing taxes and reducing, or maybe having to stop some services, or grant support, is so difficult and is never an easy choice.
Thank goodness this council has the benefit of staff who rally to find the best possible solutions to deliver the savings we need to find and protect the services that are needed for those who are most vulnerable in our communities.
Whilst we are proposing to take up the Government’s offer to increase Council Tax by a further 1% to 2.99%, plus we have the Government’s Adult Social Care Levy (a further 3%), this increase only goes part of the way to meeting the demand costs and finding the savings that we need. The solution to meet what’s needed, is our ability to deliver change – change that makes a positive difference – the type of change that Wiltshire Council is acclaimed for.
We will be focused on becoming even more business-like, but we are not a business! We will however look at every opportunity to be more commercial and to generate more income and we will shift more towards digital channels enabling our customers to self-serve. It’s about continual change and transforming our services. Our adult and children’s services are changing, in recognition of the changing demographics and trends, and we know that to meet demand we need to offer services as early as possible and reduce the need for more high cost services. A recent example is the acute hospitals in Wiltshire. A major issue for us and them over recent weeks - which has been well publicised - has been the delayed discharges and, the pressures on accident and emergency. Interestingly, the admissions of people from Wiltshire with respiratory problems - one of the major pressures on the health service at this time of year - has been much lower than many other counties. This has been attributed to the high take up of the flu vaccine in Wiltshire, which is one of the highest in the country. This is an example where our public health team have done a great job working with GPs, schools, communities and businesses to encourage people to get vaccinated.
It demonstrates the major impact that we can have, not just on our own health and wellbeing, but also on the overstretched health service, and that by encouraging and taking preventative action we can avoid high costs and service pressures.
I recently saw a quote that said; “The power of a community to create good health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital”. It made me stop and think that as a community we can make such a positive impact.
A budget is allocating money to provide services. But the driver for our budget is our vision; strong communities. To achieve this we need to continually change, transform and be different and by working together as a focused and cohesive community we can, and are, doing just this.
That’s where we excel, and I know despite the tough choices that need to be made we will continue to make life better for people in Wiltshire.
Jane
January and February are always really busy months, as we work through the proposals for the next year’s budget. Over the past few years this has become an increasingly tough task as the reality of the growing demand and cost of some services; particularly those services for older people and children, combined with the reducing central Government grant means we need to find another £25 million of savings – which is never easy.
Having to choose between increasing taxes and reducing, or maybe having to stop some services, or grant support, is so difficult and is never an easy choice.
Thank goodness this council has the benefit of staff who rally to find the best possible solutions to deliver the savings we need to find and protect the services that are needed for those who are most vulnerable in our communities.
Whilst we are proposing to take up the Government’s offer to increase Council Tax by a further 1% to 2.99%, plus we have the Government’s Adult Social Care Levy (a further 3%), this increase only goes part of the way to meeting the demand costs and finding the savings that we need. The solution to meet what’s needed, is our ability to deliver change – change that makes a positive difference – the type of change that Wiltshire Council is acclaimed for.
We will be focused on becoming even more business-like, but we are not a business! We will however look at every opportunity to be more commercial and to generate more income and we will shift more towards digital channels enabling our customers to self-serve. It’s about continual change and transforming our services. Our adult and children’s services are changing, in recognition of the changing demographics and trends, and we know that to meet demand we need to offer services as early as possible and reduce the need for more high cost services. A recent example is the acute hospitals in Wiltshire. A major issue for us and them over recent weeks - which has been well publicised - has been the delayed discharges and, the pressures on accident and emergency. Interestingly, the admissions of people from Wiltshire with respiratory problems - one of the major pressures on the health service at this time of year - has been much lower than many other counties. This has been attributed to the high take up of the flu vaccine in Wiltshire, which is one of the highest in the country. This is an example where our public health team have done a great job working with GPs, schools, communities and businesses to encourage people to get vaccinated.
It demonstrates the major impact that we can have, not just on our own health and wellbeing, but also on the overstretched health service, and that by encouraging and taking preventative action we can avoid high costs and service pressures.
I recently saw a quote that said; “The power of a community to create good health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital”. It made me stop and think that as a community we can make such a positive impact.
A budget is allocating money to provide services. But the driver for our budget is our vision; strong communities. To achieve this we need to continually change, transform and be different and by working together as a focused and cohesive community we can, and are, doing just this.
That’s where we excel, and I know despite the tough choices that need to be made we will continue to make life better for people in Wiltshire.
Jane
Monday, 8 January 2018
Acts of kindness
It’s 2018 and a new year that will inevitably bring a host of opportunities and challenges. I have no idea where 2017 went - it totally flew by, and I don’t know if it’s just me, but do the years seem to get shorter the older you get?
Last year certainly had its ups and downs. There were dreadful and devastating terrorist attacks that stole the lives of so many innocent and young people, and in London there was the tragic impact of the Grenfell Tower fire that affected young and old and so many families that lived in, and close to, the now infamous tower block. Such sad events and Grenfell for me in particular, acted as a reminder of just how volatile and precious life is.
In the face of such events and at the start of a new year, we often reflect on what matters to us and it helps us to gain perspective and focus on where we live and the lives that we lead.
To me Wiltshire is a sanctuary – it’s a place that offers community spirit, support, calm and kindness. In a troubled world with its unpredictability there is something extremely grounding that this beautiful county provides.
Last year thousands of individuals and community groups across Wiltshire volunteered and gave their time to improve local areas and the wellbeing of others; from litter picks, to walking, cycling and many other activity groups, to sewing, singing, knitting and yarn bombing to cheer us all, to helping provide so many invaluable services including local transport schemes and libraries. Wiltshire is good at volunteering, and its local residents are proud – of the place they live, and themselves.
It’s well known that we all need to feel part of something and to have a sense of belonging to help avoid social isolation and loneliness, and to improve our overall wellbeing. The impact of loneliness often results in mental ill-health and poor wellbeing, which is one of the largest costs in today’s health system.
Wiltshire is a place that provides support to those who need it most, and we cannot allow anyone to become lonely or isolated. If we all did something – even the smallest act or commitment – to help those who need support, just think of the impact we could have.
It’s being aware of those who are on their own and could benefit from some human kindness, interaction and conversation. It’s a fact that people are living longer and as a result the aging population is growing, and in today’s society, it’s highly likely that many older residents won’t have immediate family to wrap around them and provide the support that they need.
This is a role that we can all do; small acts that could make a huge difference. Just checking on someone, or picking up some basic shopping items, collecting library books or prescriptions, or inviting them to a local club, activity, or offering a seat at our table to have Sunday lunch maybe? These acts, amongst many others, will help to improve the quality of life for those who need some support.
And what’s in it for us?
Well they do say that a small act of kindness is hugely beneficial for our mental wellbeing and releases those positive endorphins that really do make us feel good – surely, that’s a good reason?
Inevitably this year will be another busy one reflecting the reality of life in public service. We need to be strong and hold true to our vision and priorities and to continue to help our communities be strong and to support those who are most vulnerable.
I propose that 2018 is a year for acts of kindness, helping in our communities, supporting our neighbours, and to making a positive difference that’s of benefit all round.
Jane
Last year certainly had its ups and downs. There were dreadful and devastating terrorist attacks that stole the lives of so many innocent and young people, and in London there was the tragic impact of the Grenfell Tower fire that affected young and old and so many families that lived in, and close to, the now infamous tower block. Such sad events and Grenfell for me in particular, acted as a reminder of just how volatile and precious life is.
In the face of such events and at the start of a new year, we often reflect on what matters to us and it helps us to gain perspective and focus on where we live and the lives that we lead.
To me Wiltshire is a sanctuary – it’s a place that offers community spirit, support, calm and kindness. In a troubled world with its unpredictability there is something extremely grounding that this beautiful county provides.
Last year thousands of individuals and community groups across Wiltshire volunteered and gave their time to improve local areas and the wellbeing of others; from litter picks, to walking, cycling and many other activity groups, to sewing, singing, knitting and yarn bombing to cheer us all, to helping provide so many invaluable services including local transport schemes and libraries. Wiltshire is good at volunteering, and its local residents are proud – of the place they live, and themselves.
It’s well known that we all need to feel part of something and to have a sense of belonging to help avoid social isolation and loneliness, and to improve our overall wellbeing. The impact of loneliness often results in mental ill-health and poor wellbeing, which is one of the largest costs in today’s health system.
Wiltshire is a place that provides support to those who need it most, and we cannot allow anyone to become lonely or isolated. If we all did something – even the smallest act or commitment – to help those who need support, just think of the impact we could have.
It’s being aware of those who are on their own and could benefit from some human kindness, interaction and conversation. It’s a fact that people are living longer and as a result the aging population is growing, and in today’s society, it’s highly likely that many older residents won’t have immediate family to wrap around them and provide the support that they need.
This is a role that we can all do; small acts that could make a huge difference. Just checking on someone, or picking up some basic shopping items, collecting library books or prescriptions, or inviting them to a local club, activity, or offering a seat at our table to have Sunday lunch maybe? These acts, amongst many others, will help to improve the quality of life for those who need some support.
And what’s in it for us?
Well they do say that a small act of kindness is hugely beneficial for our mental wellbeing and releases those positive endorphins that really do make us feel good – surely, that’s a good reason?
Inevitably this year will be another busy one reflecting the reality of life in public service. We need to be strong and hold true to our vision and priorities and to continue to help our communities be strong and to support those who are most vulnerable.
I propose that 2018 is a year for acts of kindness, helping in our communities, supporting our neighbours, and to making a positive difference that’s of benefit all round.
Jane
Monday, 18 December 2017
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
Monday, 4 December 2017
Positive recognition from our peers
I am often asked what makes a good organisation great. It’s
an interesting question and one which I have had the opportunity to consider as
I gain an insight into how other authorities carry out their business. One
thing I’ve realised is that it’s often easier to find fault and be a critic than
it is to highlight the positives. In most cases when looking at others and how
they do things, you can find examples of good practice – but, what defines good,
and when does good become great?
In my view and experience – achieving great comes down to
one overriding factor – people.
Its people with energy, vision, passion and those who care that
make an organisation stand out from the others and deliver great outcomes.
The recent staff engagement forums and peer review visit brought
this home to me and reaffirmed just how great this council is.
The video, shown at the forums, which looked back at the
past twelve months featuring our vast range of achievements was both
inspirational and overwhelming, highlighting the scale and diversity of what we
do and what we deliver.
This film, combined with the recognition Achieving
Excellence awards video, demonstrated that being great is without doubt about
people.
All the individuals and teams nominated for an award and
those who received one are undeniably exceptional – and, to have their work
recognised by their peers is surely the greatest accolade.
It was, therefore, so good to receive positive recognition from
the external peers following their recent visit to look at how we do things in
Wiltshire. The peers who come from
different local authorities with a wide range of skills and experience spent
around 260 hours assessing us.
Their full findings will be published in due course, but I
can reveal that they found us to have strong leadership, a clear direction, and
an ambitious business plan. But, most importantly, they stated that we have a
great team and that you said this a great place to work, where you feel valued.
For me, this is what makes us great – the people that work
here and go over and above every day to improve the lives of people in
Wiltshire.
In our busy day to day work we can overlook what we’ve
achieved and how far we’ve come. It’s only when others visit us and are wowed
by the buildings, the staff, the attitude and the enthusiasm to continually
improve and do things in new and different ways, do we realise just how good –
or should I say how great – we really are.
We are often invited to share our experiences and learning
with others. Recently I was asked to discuss our unitary journey on
Gloucestershire radio. To us it’s a journey that we completed almost a decade
ago - but for others it’s just the start of their journey to change and improve
their offer. We have got used to welcoming visiting authorities to talk through
what and how we do things, so that they can take away our insight and expertise
and use this to instigate their own change – the change that we now take for
granted.
We are highly regarded as a vanguard council, and we’ve
worked hard for this endorsement. Our continual quest for quality, for
improvement, and for ways to do things even better is what’s at our core and
what defines us.
I am extremely proud to be the leader of Wiltshire Council
and my pride is in all of you – the people that make our organisation what it
is. Thank you for what you do and for making Wiltshire a better place – you are
truly great!
Jane
Friday, 17 November 2017
We will remember them
November is always a particularly poignant time of year. It’s a time when the nation falls silent to remember those who gave their lives so that we have our freedom.
Remembrance services took place across the country and I attended services in Tidworth and Malmesbury. I joined these two local communities as they reflected and paid their respects for the role that our Armed Forces do to protect the country. I never fail to be moved at the huge sacrifice made by so many in the World Wars and other conflicts; particularly here in Wiltshire which is steeped in military history.
Last Saturday, it was 11 November – which marked the 99 year anniversary marking the end of the First World War. Next year - 2018 - will mark the centenary of the Armistice; a significant milestone.
To mark such an historical and special date it’s only right and fitting that Wiltshire considers and creates an appropriate and long-lasting legacy. We cannot forget the hundreds of thousands who served and those who died during the four years of this Great War.
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| Wall of Remembrance |
In 2014, we invited Wiltshire’s communities and children to help commemorate the anniversary of the start of the war. A remembrance service, held at Tidworth Cemetery, brought together the military and civilian communities and a striking Wall of Remembrance – made up of 10,000 crosses, one for each soldier who lost their life – was a significant and memorable feature at this event. School children across the county made the crosses and researched the soldiers who had died in service from their local communities so that each cross bears the name of a soldier and a personal message. This research and participation in creating the Wall is helping to keep the legacy and memories alive.
Our local communities want to mark next year’s centenary and create a lasting legacy. The aim is to plant 10,000 trees across Wiltshire – one for each soldier. The response so far has been overwhelming, with groups and organisations across the length and breadth of our county already identifying sites locally where trees can be planted next November.
Working with the Woodland Trust, we will assist school children in all the communities to plant the trees and mark each one with the name of a soldier.
Across the county memorial woodlands and copses will be created to remember, to reflect, and to never forget.
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| Wiltshire Assembly |
Last week Wiltshire Assembly focused on this and how we continue to work with the military to make sure that we are doing all we can to welcome the Armed Forces.
You may have seen the recent Channel 4 broadcast that showed the 999 What’s Your Emergency programme with the theme of military, which focused on the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that can affect soldiers returning from war zones. It also highlighted civilian and military communities and the issues that can occur when they come together; particularly on a Saturday night.
For me it reinforced the need to continue to bring these communities together for mutual support and benefit.
Wiltshire’s Military Civilian Integration Partnership has gone from strength to strength since it was formally established in 2006. We will continue to work together to focus on what’s needed to provide support; particularly those leaving the Armed Forces and wishing to make their home and secure employment in Wiltshire.
Together we are building truly integrated communities. We are proud to be a military county and we must never forget the sacrifice of so many.
We will remember them.
Jane
Friday, 20 October 2017
My trip to India and recognition for our work with the Armed Forces
As some of you may know I recently took a trip with a colleague from the House of Lords to India. It was a late summer holiday and a break away to see the country and its famous landmarks and attractions.
Wiltshire embraces volunteering and we have always prioritised looking after those who are most vulnerable and I am often overwhelmed by people’s generosity and kindness and their tenacity to help others and make a difference. My visit to India was a reminder that across the world volunteers are helping to make life so much better for others.
On returning from India, this week’s full council meeting highlighted for me our humanity to others in Wiltshire. A family of Syrian refugees spoke to us about their experience two years on since after being relocated in the county. In fluent English they told us their delight to be part of a community where they now work and study and have expanded their family with a new 2 month old baby daughter. Their gratitude shone through and they are thankful for the opportunity to have a future that provides security and support. Everyone at the meeting was humbled and united in their support for the family and the many other refugees we have housed and continue to offer a home to.
We do communities well in Wiltshire and I’m very proud that we do…
I was so delighted that our work to help integrate military and civilian communities in Wiltshire was recognised at the highest level. Alistair Cunningham and Kevin Ladner – who have worked tirelessly to bring these communities together - joined me to receive, on behalf of Wiltshire Council, the MOD's Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from HRH Price Harry at a ceremony in London last week. This is the highest badge of honour for organisations that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated their outstanding support for those who serve and have served. It recognises the work we do to support the military community and our ex-service personnel who have made their home in our county.
We know that to have strong and able communities we need to help them to integrate and provide the support and facilities needed to do this. Whilst we could show India a thing or two, I did learn a lot from my time there. What I do know is that when we unite together and pool our talent and energy we can achieve so much and really go some way to help improve the lives of others and ourselves…
Finally, after 11 years we are saying farewell to Carolyn Godfrey, and I can honestly say that we wouldn’t be as strong as we are now without her incredible service and giving. Carolyn, thank you for all you have done - you will be so missed.
Jane
 |
| Jane and Baroness Liz Redfern |
But the trip also gave me a real insight into a very different culture and way of living and yet in so many ways what I saw and experienced resonated so much with Wiltshire. They have a very strong ethos around building communities that look after their own and support those most vulnerable. They take volunteering and helping others as part of their everyday life and for me one of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the Golden Temple. Every day, all day hundreds of volunteers welcome and feed tens of thousands of people who otherwise would not have a meal or sustenance, or time with other people. Seeing humanity on this scale was both humbling and encouraging. I have shared some of the pictures from my trip to highlight these awesome sights and people.
 |
| Outside the Golden Temple |
 |
| Inside the Golden Temple |
 |
| Taj Mahal |
On returning from India, this week’s full council meeting highlighted for me our humanity to others in Wiltshire. A family of Syrian refugees spoke to us about their experience two years on since after being relocated in the county. In fluent English they told us their delight to be part of a community where they now work and study and have expanded their family with a new 2 month old baby daughter. Their gratitude shone through and they are thankful for the opportunity to have a future that provides security and support. Everyone at the meeting was humbled and united in their support for the family and the many other refugees we have housed and continue to offer a home to.
We do communities well in Wiltshire and I’m very proud that we do…
I was so delighted that our work to help integrate military and civilian communities in Wiltshire was recognised at the highest level. Alistair Cunningham and Kevin Ladner – who have worked tirelessly to bring these communities together - joined me to receive, on behalf of Wiltshire Council, the MOD's Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from HRH Price Harry at a ceremony in London last week. This is the highest badge of honour for organisations that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated their outstanding support for those who serve and have served. It recognises the work we do to support the military community and our ex-service personnel who have made their home in our county.
We know that to have strong and able communities we need to help them to integrate and provide the support and facilities needed to do this. Whilst we could show India a thing or two, I did learn a lot from my time there. What I do know is that when we unite together and pool our talent and energy we can achieve so much and really go some way to help improve the lives of others and ourselves…
Finally, after 11 years we are saying farewell to Carolyn Godfrey, and I can honestly say that we wouldn’t be as strong as we are now without her incredible service and giving. Carolyn, thank you for all you have done - you will be so missed.
Jane
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