On Monday the UK Government dealt a bitter blow to the tidal lagoon with their decision not to support the scheme by subsidy. No major energy project has 100% popularity but the support from the community of Swansea and our region was overwhelming. The war of words that continues is testament to that.
Personally I’m deeply disappointed, it’s a lost opportunity to create a new industry and to translate the Future Generations legislation into real outcomes for citizens.
Many will be confused by the arguments over the level of financial support required and whether the decision was based on the pilot project rather than the pipeline of similar schemes proposed. The comparison with off-shore wind generation and the reduction in cost following pilot schemes is unavoidable. Presumably, if the legal requirement in relation to non-disclosure of commercially sensitive information is released we will have a clearer picture of the facts.
But we are where we are, so the question is what do we do now?
The Leader and I are adamant we mustn’t give up on the lagoon project. The requirement for zero carbon, reliable and sustainable energy will increase in the coming years. Energy security is a real concern for future generations. The community, business and cross-party political support in South Wales for this is something we must build upon and we’ll continue to look for ways to deliver it. The Leader and I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the people of Swansea and the region for this project, grateful to the work of all the staff who dealt so effectively and efficiently with the planning application and full of admiration for the communications team who’ve run a first class Love the Lagoon campaign.
City Deal
On Monday the Leader and I met the Secretary of State for Wales, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport to discuss progress on the City Deal projects. It was pleasing to explain the work that’s been done in Swansea and across the region in the run up to the signing of our Joint Working Agreement next month. This means we can draw down cash from UK and Welsh Governments to deliver our key projects in the city centre; the Digital Village, Digital Square and Arena and Box Village and Innovation Precinct. Our team is currently working on the extensive and exhausting five case business model and my thanks go to all involved.
The First 1,000 days
The Core Group of the Public Service Board met again this week. Along with revisions to governance and action planning we heard a presentation on the First 1,000 days from colleagues at Public Health Wales.
The first 1,000 days, during pregnancy and up to a child’s second birthday, represent a critical part of childhood when we form attachments to our caregivers, learn how to safely explore and trust the world around us, and start to communicate. It is when we see the most rapid phase of brain growth and development and where the foundations are laid down for our future health and wellbeing. This critical period has a long lasting impact on individuals and families. They shape the destiny for children as they grow up: their educational achievements, their ability to secure an income, their influences on their own children, and their health in older age.
The PSB agreed to sign up to the First 1,000 days partnership agreement and committed to improved joint working in this critical area.
Congratulations
Nicola Fredrickson, Deputy Head at St Helen’s Primary School, has won a silver award in the UK teaching awards. She’ll now attend the National Awards in October. Jack Branford, a teaching assistant at the school, and one of Nicola’s ex-pupils, was also awarded a certificate of excellence for his role. The school was also awarded a certificate of excellence in the school of the year. Congratulations to all.
Congratulations to the team at Swansea University for another successful Soapbox Science event last week. Once again there were some great presentations on work done by female researchers in STEMM subjects ranging from the impacts of video games on the brain to monitoring diseases using printed sensors.
More planes than you can shake a stick at
Well it’s the Wales Airshow for me this weekend as I join the throngs on our annual pilgrimage to Swansea beach for one of the UK’s most-loved events. Thanks once again for all those providing the logistics that enable this huge and complex event to happen.
Eid
A word of thanks to to everyone who got involved in the Eid in the Park celebrations last Saturday at Singleton Park. It was organised by us in collaboration with the Welsh Islamic Cultural Association Swansea and Swansea University and more than 5,000 people came along.
Farewell and thank you
Last week I mentioned a long list of long-serving staff who are leaving. Unfortunately, I missed out Neil Sewell who works in Audit and has 34 years’ service. My best wishes to Neil and all our other leavers, many of whom are having a farewell drink today.
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