We’ve received a provisional indication of the likely budget settlement for the 2017/18 financial year. Overall the news is positive, although the slight increase announced will be offset by a number of major unavoidable budget pressures. It’s likely that we’ll need to find reductions of around £15 million to achieve a balanced budget and CMT is working closely with Cabinet to consider the savings options needed. The proposals will be considered at Cabinet in November and we will then go to public consultation on the specifics with a view to agreeing a final set of proposals in February. During the consultation period we also plan to hold staff roadshows at various venues – more details to follow.
City Deal
Work continues apace on the submission of the Swansea City Deal. Last week the four regional councils in the South West agreed a set of projects as part of the Internet Coast proposal, which has now been submitted to the Welsh Government and UK Government for consideration. The next few weeks are likely to be busy for all involved as the UK Government challenges the proposals in formal sessions with representatives from the region.
If we are successful then 11 projects stretching from the Pembrokeshire Marine Energy Scheme through to our City Digital District will see a £1.3bn investment to improve skills, infrastructure and innovation. We hope that the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, will indicate his support in the Autumn Budget statement on November 23. Thanks to all who have worked so hard on this.
In a further bid to bring investment to Swansea, the Leader and the Lord Mayor are flying out to China today to meet key Chinese officials in the cities of Wuhan and Nantong. Further strengthening the links we already have with these cities, the intention is to secure deals that will boost economic development, tourism and education here in Swansea. Largely funded by Chinese partner organisations, the delegation visit will also include representatives from Swansea’s business and academic communities as we look to tap into the lucrative Chinese marketplace.
Survey
Thank you to everyone who completed the recent staff survey. We’ll be analysing the feedback and identifying the key issues for staff. Once we do that we’ll put together an action plan to address issues both corporately and in specific areas. I’ll update you in the coming weeks.
Awards
Last night I attended the freedom ceremony for Wales football manager Chris Coleman in the Guildhall. It’s the highest honour the Council can confer on an individual or group, so Chris was humbled to join an exclusive club that includes the likes of John Charles, President Jimmy Carter and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.
I’m sure I speak for everyone at the Council when I say Chris is a terrific ambassador for Swansea who’s thoroughly deserving of being recognised in this way by his home city.
Footballers are not normally associated with eloquence but Chris spoke emotionally and fluently about his love for and gratitude to the city, family and community. Group leaders all praised his contribution to the nation and City and Councillor Clive Lloyd paid a personal tribute that raised a laugh and a round of applause. I can remember his first appearances for Swansea City in the 1980s so it was a real pleasure to talk to him.
I’m delighted we’ve been shortlisted for Service Transformation Project of the Year at this year’s ITSM Industry Awards for our work on the ICT service desk automation with Assyst. This is an award based on submissions from across the UK in both the private and public sector and we have reached the last four. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner which takes place during the ITSM16 Conference on 21st November. Thank you to everyone involved for their efforts.
Aberfan
At 9.15 this morning, workers in the Civic Centre and Guildhall observed a minute’s silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster. It’s important we all take time to reflect on one of the worst tragedies Wales has ever known as we join other public sector organisations across the country in paying our respects to those who lost their lives back in 1966.
Well done
It’s now been nearly a week since the redeveloped Glynn Vivian Art Gallery re-opened to the public. I was lucky enough to be at the attraction’s official re-opening last Friday night, so I’ve seen for myself the huge amount of hard work that’s gone into transforming the building into a destination art gallery of international significance. Figures show almost 4,000 visits to the gallery within the first few days of its re-opening which is a great achievement.
Well done to staff in tourism, who have just launched their autumn crossover campaign for Swansea Bay to help attract as many visitors here as possible over coming months. Called Legendary Adventures, the campaign includes a stunning video that’s already been watched and shared hundreds of times on social media.
Leave a Reply