Budget outturn
I’ve spent the week catching up with all that’s been happening over the past couple of months. On Tuesday CMT discussed the revenue budget outturn for last year which will shortly be reported to Cabinet. I know Jack thanked the finance staff a few weeks ago for their excellent work in rapidly closing the accounts but I have to extend my gratitude as well. It’s a huge task to undertake and the team did a great job in finishing the work before the end of May.
CMT are continuing to develop the financial strategy for the next few years taking account of the nationally recognised financial pressures, particularly in social care and education. Councils across the UK are rapidly running out of wriggle room and my recent discussions with CEOs in other councils reflect this. In the meantime, I’m grateful for the efforts staff are making to control expenditure whilst continuing to provide essential public services.
Freedom of the City
On Wednesday I attended the Ceremonial Council where rugby legend, Alun Wyn Jones, was awarded the Freedom of the City by our councillors. With the Rugby World Cup rapidly approaching I was careful to ensure that Alun did not trip over the tricky steps leading up to the Presiding Officer’s chair as he took his seat, as I have done so on several occasions. It was a great celebration of one of our finest sporting sons. Many people are unaware that Alun has been helping us to attract the Skyline project from New Zealand and this has demonstrated his commitment to making Swansea a great place and a top tourism destination. I’m grateful to him for his contribution both on and off the field.
The next few weeks will be critical for the delivery of the Skyline project and the Leader and I are working hard to ensure that this investment comes to the city.
Young Entrepreneurs
This morning I’ll be dropping in to Castle Square to join the 2019 Swansea Enterprise Challenge Market Day. This is a great initiative designed to develop in our young people the creative thinking needed to design a product to make and sell in the summer term. Pupils create, advertise and sell their products and this includes today’s event in Castle Square where all schools set up a stall to sell their products. Prominent members of the business community will judge the products, and pupils will present their business plans and evaluations of their projects. There will then be Grand Final, hosted by Kevin Johns, at the Brangwyn Hall on Thursday, July 11 where every child that has taken part will receive an award for their achievements. I also hope to attend that event. Thanks to all involved in this fantastic programme and particular thanks to Alison Williams, Head of Craigfelen Primary, for inviting me.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Karen MacKinnon, curator of the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, who was made MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours announced last weekend. With a 25-year career as an arts director and curator, bringing high-profile artists, exhibitions and events to Wales, Karen was recognised for services to the arts.
Well done to our staff who were shortlisted in the recent All Wales Continuous Improvement Community’s Annual Awards. Our Child and Family Services Participation Team were shortlisted and commended for the Working Together for a better Wales award. They developed a video showing how we are giving young people a voice. And a project that has seen two workers providing a child and families wellbeing service to improve patients’ lives, reduce adverse childhood experiences and reduce the need for statutory social services. Congratulations to everyone involved in the projects.
Congratulations to the Grand Theatre staff for hosting the eighth year of Primary Partners. From a one-night only show in 2011, it’s grown to a four-night show featuring more than 1,200 pupils from 24 Swansea schools, organised jointly with Gower College Swansea.
Golden ticket
To celebrate Swansea’s 50 years as a city, we’re giving away 50 pairs of golden tickets to events and some special ‘money can’t buy’ occasions. Our second Golden Ticket draw will be for a pair of tickets to the gala performance of Mal Pope’s brand new musical ‘Calon Lân’. Enter the draw online here.
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