A trip to Israel and looking to the future

Hello,

I hope you all had the opportunity to take some annual leave over the summer and like me were able to recharge your batteries a little... and, weren’t we lucky with such glorious weather?

I made the most of the sunshine spending time with my gorgeous grandchildren on the beach and a short break in Crete, followed by one of the most interesting and fascinating trips that I have taken in a long time. As I mentioned in my last blog I had the great pleasure of travelling to Israel and the West Bank, as part of a Parliamentary delegation. 

Israel is one of those countries that you have so many expectations about and the delegation had a packed schedule which enabled us to see this fascinating place. What you see in the media doesn’t actually reflect the reality and having the opportunity to spend five days meeting the Israeli and Palestinian people, you start to build a picture of the complexities. I saw a country that is diverse and multicultural, a world leader in technology and medicine, with a strong and developed democracy. Everyone that I met was vibrant and enthusiastic about the future. 

The visit included seeing the new Palestinian-planned city of Rawabi, and meeting the man behind it, which was especially illuminating. Rawabi plans to be an entertainment, commercial and business hub and a home for 35,000 Palestinians and 300 families have already relocated.  

In every way, the trip was informative and insightful, and came home having learnt so much and better equipped to take part when we debate this complex issue in the House of Lords. 

Now it’s back to work in Wiltshire, and as the summer months draw to a close it’s time to shift our focus to the second part of the year. Inevitably this is the time when we start in earnest to focus on setting the budget for next year and how we will manage the challenges ahead. It seems like only yesterday that we agreed this year’s budget – but I think that demonstrates that whilst time does seem to go quicker these days – budget planning is an all-year-round task that requires close monitoring, review and planning ahead. 

I don’t want to sound like I’m repeating the same messages every year but it is getting tougher and the challenge to maintain key front line services needs a lot of creative thinking and everyone’s input to make sure that we can deliver what people in Wiltshire need.

Working with the corporate leadership team we discuss the pressures that impact on the budget – this allows us to try and mitigate potential problems early. Whilst we have had to tighten our belts over the past few years, our good financial planning and management has stood us in good stead. 

Some local authorities get accused of shying away from explaining their financial decisions, but we feel it’s important to speak to our residents face to face and share what we face and our plans. Again this year we will be inviting members of the public to attend meetings in Trowbridge, Chippenham, Devizes and Salisbury to openly discuss the challenges ahead. Whilst people sometimes don’t agree with the decisions we make, I think they appreciate the opportunity to talk with us and understand the context in which we have to make those decisions. We view these meetings as a vital part of planning next year’s budget and we’re looking forward to hearing what they have to say. 

And it’s also important that we talk to all of you at the annual staff forums, which are scheduled to take place in the autumn. Just like the public meetings, the forums are an opportunity to discuss the direction of the council and our future plans.

It is unlikely to surprise you that we face the combination of increased demand for our services while having less money to spend. Our constant priority is to protect those vital front line services so it means we have to take a good look at everything we do and ensure we are being as efficient as possible. Despite the challenges, we have achieved so much over the years – it’s certainly not all doom and gloom – and we’ll be reflecting on some of these successes at the forthcoming meetings.

In my view we work best when we are challenged to think differently. As we have proven time and again, we are very adept at finding solutions and working with our local communities to encourage them to do more. I’m confident that this will be the case as we head into this important planning for the future.

Jane

Summer's finally here

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

Looking to the future following the referendum result

Hello,

I’ve been involved in politics for many years and I’ve always found it interesting, but I could never have predicted the events of the last few weeks…

It’s not often that I feel sorry for political reporters but with the situation changing so frequently they must be struggling to keep up on the current news.

There has been an almost tangible sense from people - no matter which way they voted - of feeling unsettled about the uncharted territory we now find ourselves in. This is of course a natural reaction, as its clear there will be some big long-term changes ahead of us. We are keeping a watchful eye on proceedings in Westminster; particularly who will be elected as the next Prime Minister who will have to drive forward the process to exit the EU. And, we have yet to fully understand the impact this will have on local authorities and the public sector as a whole.

Our focus in Wiltshire Council remains the same; to provide high quality services and support for our local communities – this won’t change, in or out of the EU.

With what’s happening it was particularly timely that this week I attended the Local Government Association Annual Conference in Bournemouth – and you can guess what the hot topic was.

The conference is an opportunity for council leaders and senior officers to get together and discuss what’s ahead. What is evident – and it’s almost becoming a cliché – is that the next few years (and more likely beyond) local government will continue to face challenges both financial and from increasing service demands; particularly relating to adult social care. This means we have to continue to look at new and even more radical ways to deliver the services that are most needed.

I was pleased to be involved in discussions on topics that are very close to my heart. I spoke about devolution, which is a way of working that we are familiar with in Wiltshire. I was able to draw upon our first hand experiences of working closely with parish, town and city councils to talk about some of the challenges we have faced, but more importantly, the opportunities it has created. As the financial challenges continue into the future we will be looking for local communities to take on more responsibility to help ensure that the services that matter in local areas are sustainable for the future.

I also chaired a panel discussion which prompted serious thought and challenge. The Falklands Veteran Simon Weston was one of three speakers and he spoke with passion and force about how military personnel and their families are treated and viewed by society and potential employers. He challenged us to look at how support and advice is provided and how we maximise the potential of these people to add value in our communities. The theme was the importance of the relationship between communities and the military and the value of the Military Covenant that was established to provide support to armed forces personnel particularly when they leave the military and make the transition into civilian life. Whilst I’m proud of Wiltshire’s historic, and future, ties to the military and the strong relationship we have with our military partners, there is more that we can and will do. I would ask all our services and teams to continue to look at the covenant and to check that we are doing all we can for not only serving soldiers and their families but also the many veterans that live in the county. We must make sure that the thousands of soldiers and their families who will be based here in the coming years receive a real Wiltshire welcome and are supported so that they can settle in Wiltshire and become part of the local community.

After a rather tumultuous couple of weeks it was a real tonic to meet up with colleagues across the country and talk about the future. Of course, we’re no strangers to uncharted territories ourselves and when we became a unitary council just over seven years ago we too faced an uncertain future as we took a step into the unknown. We met that challenge head on and I am being asked to support other authorities who now recognise that combined local authorities make sense.

Wiltshire thrives on positivity and new ideas. We are passionate about what we do and that’s what makes us resilient in the face of any challenge. So whilst the horizon isn’t quite as clear as it once was, we must never lose sight of our vision and direction and with our resilience and drive, I know we’ll be just fine.

Jane

Royal birthday celebrations

We recognise that when communities come together it has a powerful impact. Not just on improving people’s health and wellbeing but also because it gets things done.

Since Wiltshire Council was formed seven years ago our vision has been to support local communities to become stronger and more resilient so that they can do more for themselves.

We quickly realised that if you provide a hook or reason for a local community to engage it results it a lot of creative energy and that in turn sees people - of all ages – coming together and getting involved.

We’ve seen this time and time again in recent years – the fantastic summer in 2012 when the Olympic Torch came through Wiltshire, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in that same year, the Magna Carta celebrations last year, and this year we have the Queen’s 90^th birthday and the clean-up in readiness for this.

We are always overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and excitement of communities to get involved and to participate. And, whilst it’s nice to look back, it’s more important to look ahead. This year is no exception - we know Wiltshire residents are patriotic. More than 1,500 volunteers got involved in March to Clean for the Queen, a campaign to make sure that Wiltshire was beautiful and ready to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday.

Wiltshire was second only to London in carrying out the most registered litter picks in the country over the Clean for the Queen weekend – a huge achievement! The county really does look wonderful as a result and I’m pleased to say that I know many communities continue to organise litter picks to keep their local areas clean and beautiful.

This weekend, I suspect that bunting will be in short supply as so many communities have organised celebrations to mark the Queen’s special birthday. We wanted to encourage communities to use their imaginations and we’ve provided support and advice to more than 80 communities organising street parties and events through a handy tool kit and “how to” guide. I know one thing for sure and that is Wiltshire will celebrate in style.

Next Thursday (16 June) we will be hosting afternoon tea at County Hall to bring the old and young people in our communities together to mark the occasion. This invitation is extended to all of you to join us for some great entertainment and tea and cake. The cakes will be provided as a result of a bake-off for the Queen’s birthday competition and I am not just looking forward to judging the cakes but also to sampling them!

 ‘Community’ is a word often associated with days gone by, but I think it’s actually quite forward-thinking. 

We know as a council that we cannot do everything, and empowering communities to do more for themselves is the future. If events such as Clean for the Queen, and the Queen’s birthday celebrations can inspire people to come together and work together, then that’s a real achievement.

I hope however you are celebrating, you have a wonderful time and I look forward to welcoming you to County Hall next week – hopefully with a winning cake! On that note -  I’m off to find that recipe and get baking!

Jane

Focusing on the future

I’ve always believed that you have to focus on the future and grasp the opportunities and challenges ahead in preference to standing still and being overtaken by events.

Wiltshire is forward thinking and is good at managing change. Take the example of the army basing programme. We started talking about the impact of 4,000 troops and their families relocating to the county back in 2013, when 2020 – the timeline for the relocation – seemed a long way off.

Now that we’re almost half way through 2016 - 2020 doesn’t seem that far away - and thank goodness that we did look ahead three years ago and recognise the opportunities and challenges that the army basing would bring.

We knew that more homes would be needed and planning permission for 917 homes for military families has been granted at Larkhill, Ludgershall and Bulford and building will start early next year.

But it’s not just about providing homes it’s also about welcoming service personnel and their families to Wiltshire and helping them to become part of the local community. The 5 Rifles will be moving later this summer and we have provided additional classrooms at Bulford Kiwi School to accommodate their children and we will ensure that schooling is available for all the families who will be moving to the area.

I recently visited the Forces radio station based in Tidworth that broadcasts to service personnel and families based on Salisbury Plain. The studio is part of the international British Forces Broadcasting Services and it’s an important link for the military based here and abroad.

My visit was to be part of a Forces TV film updating on the army basing programme. The Ministry of Defence is working to provide families, who will be relocating from abroad and other areas of the country, with a snapshot of life in Wiltshire and what to expect and I was delighted to be involved.
The Canadian Housing Estate was the backdrop and we talked about things that matter to families - housing, schools, job opportunities, the local community and what it’s like to live in our beautiful county. I hope families watching the film will be looking forward to their move and I know they will be made to feel very welcome.  Our local communities have been very supportive and involved, which is vital as we all know that an integrated community is far healthier and happier.

By 2020 Wiltshire will house the Army’s largest training area in the UK with three high readiness Reaction Force Brigades and the largest number of Forces personnel.

It’s been a busy three years and there is lots more to do to prepare for these changes. By focusing on the future we are ready to face the challenges and reap the benefits of this programme. This is a major opportunity for Wiltshire that will strengthen our county both economically and culturally as we continue to work together.

It’s not just about focusing on the future, but actively working to shape it for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, visits or is relocating to the county. The next three and half years will no doubt go by as quickly as the past – but our preparation and forward thinking will stand us in good stead to embrace and welcome the changes and the benefits these will bring.

Jane.

An Olympic year...

Isn’t it good to see some lovely sunny and milder days; it reminds us that summer is on the way – and, I don’t know about you but I’m really looking forward to the longer, brighter days and fingers crossed not too many rainy days.

We can also look forward to some key sporting events this year, including the Olympics and Paralympic Games in Rio.

Many of our Wiltshire sportsmen and women will be competing and we wish them the very best of luck. Although they have got to Rio as a result of their exceptional talent, I hope our funding grants from the Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation, which local businesses have supported so enthusiastically, has helped to smooth their path.

Setting up the foundation was just one of the initiatives we delivered as part of the Legacy for Wiltshire programme, which started following the positive impact of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I can’t believe that it has been four years since the Games were held in the UK and we all welcomed the Olympic torch as it passed through Wiltshire.

The Legacy programme will be drawing to a close this year, but in true Olympic spirit we will be going out with a bang as it heads towards the finish line, with a host of community and business events taking place over the next few months.

The programme has achieved what we hoped it would – it will leave a real legacy that means the Olympic spirit of 2012 will continue in many ways into the future and is way more than just sporting events.

What difference have we made? Well, our Wiltshire Business and Sports fundraising Gala Dinner is now a regular fixture, supporting the county’s current and future sporting stars to become Olympians and Paralympians, and there have been many events across the county to encourage everyone – not just the exceptionally talented ones – to be healthier and more active and doing this in a fun way.

One of Legacy’s biggest successes has been The Big Pledge, which this year sets out the Road to Rio challenge, encouraging participants to complete 20 stages on the journey from London to Rio. This is a fun but challenging way for all of us to improve our health and wellbeing. We now realise the huge benefits of keeping ourselves fit and healthy; it helps with our mental wellbeing and to combat many conditions and diseases as well as keeping us younger for longer; and, it’s so much more enjoyable when you have a goal or can take part as a team.

Next Thursday (20 April) I’m looking forward to attending the Wiltshire Business Expo, being held in Salisbury as part of the city’s well established Big Business Event. 98 businesses will be showcased in the Market Square and inspiring workshops, seminars and speakers have been scheduled. This popular event helps to boost the local economy and promote local businesses and suppliers.

Local communities across the county are making plans to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday in June by holding street parties. Just recently hundreds of local people came together to take part in litter pick-ups as part of the Clean for the Queen events which have helped to make Wiltshire even more beautiful in readiness for this national event. I’m sure the street parties will be great fun and a fitting way to mark a milestone birthday for our monarch.

I’m sure the events this year will leave lasting memories – just like those that I can still recall so vividly the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games year four years ago. I’m off to start my Road to Rio challenge and I hope to see you on route!

Jane

Celebrating success

It’s very rare when a week goes by where I don’t have a rewarding experience of representing Wiltshire Council.

Sometimes it can be something as simple as receiving positive feedback about one of our many services, or hearing that an employee has gone above and beyond – which I’m very pleased to say happens a lot.

Just lately we seem to be receiving high praise and celebrating a lot of success.
Last week, I was extremely proud to accept an award on behalf of our Health & Wellbeing Board which won ‘effective health and wellbeing board’ at the annual Local Government Chronicle Awards. To get an award, particularly one as prestigious as this one from the LGC, really highlights the great work that we are doing on the national stage.

As chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board it was extremely gratifying to win because, to put it simply, it means the work we’re doing is of a high standard and it’s making a difference. As chair it is my job to steer the ship and that task is made much easier thanks to the support from people working in the various organisations that make up the board. Everyone involved has a vital role and I know that they are all as delighted as I am that their peers hold all of us in such high esteem.

Our task now is to maintain and, if we can, exceed the high standards we have set ourselves. The true mark of quality is consistently delivering and achieving success over a long period of time, and we are all working hard so that this award isn’t just a one-off, but marks the start of the next round of improvements and delivery.

Achieving success over a long period of time is also a sentiment that many enduring sportspeople will recognise. We are extremely fortunate in our county to have a talented group of athletes looking to succeed. We have seen the benefit that sporting success can bring to the county and the impact it has on our communities. That’s why over a number of years we have done everything we can to show our support and help our athletes on their way to becoming future Olympians and Paralympians.

We recently hosted our annual Business and Sports Gala Dinner with local businesses coming together to raise as much money as possible for our local sporting stars. The businesses excelled themselves once again raising £38,000. This money will help top athletes by providing funding for equipment, transport costs and competition fees. It was so rewarding handing out the grants to people enthusiastically and proudly representing such a diverse range of sports. You name a sport, and we’re supporting it - from swimming to sprint canoeing and boccia to skateboarding. I regularly talk about the importance of communities and in this instance our local business community has once again really stepped up and the support it has shown is truly inspiring.

We will continue to work closely with both our businesses and sporting communities as we go through this Olympic year and, I have to mention; has it really been nearly four years since London 2012 and since we hosted the Olympic Torch in our county? How the four years have flown and what a legacy we have delivered.

Focusing on success, I was thrilled that six of our apprentices have won the South West Apprenticeship Business Challenge 2016. Here at the council we are huge supporters of apprentices and know from experience how rewarding it is to ‘grow your own’ and to see them flourish not only here, but at other local businesses too. I’d like to congratulate Kieran Jenkins, Katy Harrington, Christa Harrington, Claire Ashton, Damion Godwin and Megan Mounty on their success.  I will certainly be taking a keen interest in their future endeavours as I have a feeling it won’t be the last we hear of them.

It’s nice to be able to reflect on a rewarding time and I hope so far this year you too have had positive experiences at work that have made you feel proud. Those moments, big or small, help to keep us energised and motivated, and that can only be a good thing for the council, our residents and each of us.

Finally, I just wanted to wish you all a happy Easter break and thank you for all your hard work and support during this first quarter of the year – which has been particularly busy. Also, a big thanks to all those who are working or on call over the break, it really is appreciated.