Update on Salisbury

Following my previous blog, I am pleased to update that the recovery of Salisbury is now well underway and this week plans to decontaminate and clean-up sites affected were revealed and will be discussed at a community meeting in the city this evening.

I have to say that the response from the local community has been so positive given the circumstance that it has faced. The tolerance and resilience shown by everyone will be tantamount to the city’s recovery.

Last weekend I attended the special service at St Thomas’s and was heartened at the energy and passion expressed by so many local people. The reclamation of their city was both cathartic and needed as we move into the clean-up phase of recovery. I was both proud and humbled when thanks were passed onto the council and its staff at the service, for the support and work that’s being undertaken to help Salisbury return to normal.

There is no doubt that it will take some time before things are fully back to normal, but it’s so encouraging to hear that many local businesses and community leaders have said that this is an opportunity to build on the incident and showcase what the city has to offer to a worldwide audience both now and in the future.

For a short period of time both Wiltshire Police and council staff will need to move out of the new building at Bourne Hill offices. This is to allow the clean-up team to carry out the work that’s needed. Services will be relocated during this time and staff were only informed yesterday and have been exemplary in their response; both understanding and can-do and reflecting the community of Salisbury in helping its recovery.

It’s at times such as this extraordinary event in Salisbury that you realise how people come together and respond to what’s needed.

This community bonding at every level whether that’s businesses, community groups, staff working with other teams, partners and national and local agencies that relationships are formed and common goals become the focus.

There is no doubt in my mind that the focus in Salisbury is to get back to normal and its getting there…

Wiltshire needs this beautiful city to thrive and continue to be an anchor for local, national and international visitors. I am totally confident that given the tangible unity and approach across the city that this is happening.

Salisbury is being reclaimed and returning to be even better.

The strength of local communities

I have often talked about how Wiltshire is unique – based on its strong communities that consistently come together to make a positive difference. This is based on the many willing volunteers that help to deliver local events and offer a helping hand to others; particularly those who are older and often less able to cope.

And, as I have also previously stated - if all of us could do a little or a small act; what a big difference we could make.

The shocking incident that happened one month ago today in the beautiful city of Salisbury has highlighted that even in the most difficult of circumstances, the local community has come together to support and help and demonstrate its outstanding resilience.

As I’m sure you are aware, the council is leading the programme to help Salisbury recover. This has meant working closely with local businesses and residents as well as a number of local and national agencies, to do all we can to help the city return to normal.

The health and wellbeing is the absolute priority and DEFRA’s recent message that Salisbury is safe for residents and visitors, outside of the cordoned areas, is extremely reassuring.   

The recovery work needed to decontaminate and remediate the sites affected will take time, but it is essential that this is thorough and carefully planned work to ensure the sites are clean and safe for the future.

The free car parking in the centre car parks and the five park and ride sites was implemented to encourage visitors and shoppers to the city centre and its working!

Investment in marketing will encourage tour operators and visitors to choose Salisbury. We will host these visitors with pride reflecting what makes Wiltshire and the city of Salisbury great.

Strength comes from unity and a common cause; and resilience comes from standing up to what you believe in. Working with the local community we will help Salisbury to recover and go from strength to strength.

Jane

Tackling loneliness and isolation in older people

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

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

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

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 

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