This is always a difficult time of year financially, but especially for those staff whose services are being reduced or face potential job losses. When we first announced the budget proposals we had 92 staff at risk of redundancy across the Council, due to this year’s budget proposals and previously unmet savings. Since that time we’ve managed to reduce that figure to 26. This is largely down to the efforts of our HR officers and the willingness of staff to consider redeployment opportunities across the council. I’m also grateful to managers who’ve been considering “bumped redundancies” and ER/VR applications as ways of avoiding compulsory redundancies. I know there’s still uncertainty for those 26 staff who are still “at-risk” but efforts to re-deploy people will continue and in consultation with our unions we’ll aim to reduce this number further. It’s also worth reminding staff that our enhanced ER/VR scheme is in place until the end of the month and even those who may previously have been turned down can apply again. I’m grateful to everyone involved for doing all they can in really difficult circumstances.
2017 High 5s were the best
On Monday I met the officers and sponsors who support the annual High 5 awards to evaluate last year’s activities and to suggest improvements for 2018. Last year there were 153 nominations, 80% of which were either from targeted communities or for young people who faced significant barriers. We awarded over 140 Highly Commended prizes, many of which were tailored to the individual aspirations of the young people. This year we had a range of new sponsors including Go-Air, CPR Global and WG Davies, generating £6,336 in sponsorship which meant the entire programme broke-even so I’m very grateful to the sponsors and officers who worked on eve this. The awards get greater visibility each year and for 2018 we’re forming a relationship with the Ospreys to help promotion, producing new publicity material, developing school ambassadors and working on a High 5 app. It’s really encouraging everyone there felt the High 5 Awards was a continuing success, pledging sponsorship support for this year and renewing their commitment to ensure there’s a significant impact for the winners. Two previous winners are now employed by the council and I hope this trend continues. Thanks again to Mark Gosney for his tremendous work on this programme and I look forward to launching this year’s awards in a few weeks’ time. I hope we can increase nominations so please watch for further news on how to get involved.
City Deal
Yesterday the Shadow Joint Committee of the Swansea Bay City Deal met to finalise our joint-working agreement. There’ve been extensive discussions with both UK and Welsh governments over the detail of the arrangements and in the last few weeks we’ve been making progress on the two outstanding financial issues; the retention of business rates and a capitalisation directive which ensures adequate revenue funding to deliver the 11 regional projects. We’ll hopefully be seeking approval from Council in the next few weeks to conclude this and get on with the transformational programme for the city and the region. Thanks to all involved in getting the outstanding issues resolved.
Liberty Stadium
We’ve also concluded the agreement with Swansea City FC over the lease of the Liberty Stadium. Having been involved in numerous, often heated, debates over the past decade it’s great to have a simplified arrangement that guarantees a rental return from the lease. The Council still maintains ownership of the stadium and the Ospreys RFC will continue to play there. The agreement that the council will benefit from a share of the naming rights gives an extra reason for wanting the Swans to retain their Premier League status. Thanks to Geoff Bacon and the property team for their hard work in getting this deal done.
Luke’s a star
Congratulations to Luke Evans, a 4th year apprentice plumber with Corporate Building and Property Services, who’s won a national competition. Luke was named Hipex Plumbing Apprentice of the Year and will now take part in the regional finals in Cheltenham.
Farewell
After 44 years of dedication and commitment Ian Whettleton, Group Leader in Waste Management, has decided to retire. Ian has been a fixture in the Waste Managemnt Team and will be missed by the many colleagues across the Council who know him. Thanks Ian and all the best for a happy retirement.
St David’s Day
A parade, Welsh language events, bands, cookery demonstrations and street entertainers will all be on offer in Swansea’s biggest-ever St David’s Day celebration.
Croeso Abertawe starts on March 1 at the Brangwyn Hall with a ‘Saints, Songs and Celebrations’ show featuring 300 young people from schools joining up to enjoy St David’s Day in music and dance.
The following day the action shifts to the city centre where the two-day Croeso Food and Drink Festival kicks off in Oxford Street, Princess Way and Castle Square. The big day is Saturday where there’ll be an afternoon parade and family entertainment across the city centre. Thank you to everyone who’s helped organise the events.
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