Turbulent Times

I’ve always had a keen interest in politics but can’t remember a week quite like this one. Nor can I remember an issue so divisive as Brexit.  I’ve previously commented that leaving the EU without a deal was predicted to have a number of unpleasant consequences for the economy, let alone unanswered questions about trade in medicines, foodstuffs and numerous other commodities.  Our Brexit Steering Group has continued to grapple with the issues throughout.

The prospect of a possible October election has meant that our electoral services team have had to prepare for every eventuality.  Thanks to the team but also to the staff from across the Council who have helped out given that we’re in the middle of the Annual Canvass process and that the need to ensure the electoral register is up to date is of paramount importance. 

Amongst the staff drafted in to assist were two of our apprentices; Cally Blake (3rd year Multi trade apprentice) and Alex Eades (2nd year Carpentry apprentice).  Thanks to all of you for your help.

Many commentators believe we’re heading for a general election on October 15 but this changes daily as a result of the twists and turns of the political fracas.

At CMT I described the events at Westminster earlier this week as being akin to an episode of the Borgias and as Parliament reconvened this Tuesday the political temperature was at an all-time high.  So on Tuesday it was with some trepidation that the Leader and I weaved our way through the chaotic crowds outside the Houses of Parliament to attend and give evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee Inquiry into regional growth deals.  The inquiry session was productive and we were able to reassure the committee about progress on the City Deal as well as raise the issues of the tidal lagoon and proposals for a South Wales rail metro.  I’m encouraged by the current heightened level of interest in the tidal lagoon in Westminster and the Leader and I will be discussing how best to capitalise on this opportunity.

However, the continuing uncertainty over the future of our economy caused by Brexit needs to be resolved quickly.  The task of regeneration is hard enough for our councillors and officers to deliver without additional risks for developers and investors.

It’s also fair to say the continuing uncertainty also confuses our budget preparations.  Over the next fortnight CMT will be sharing with the Cabinet our best understanding of the assumptions that underlie the settlement for 2020/21 along with some initial suggestions on how to balance the budget.  Recent pledges of financial injections into the public sector would provide some welcome relief from continued austerity but at this point in time the implications for this for local councils in Wales are impossible to evaluate.  Given the need for us to take continued remedial action on this year’s budget through spending restrictions my guess is that we’ll be facing another £28 million gap next year.  We will continue to press home to the Government this is an unsustainable situation and that essential services are under threat here in Swansea and across Wales.

Appointments Committee

Yesterday the Appointments Committee met to determine the appointment of a permanent Deputy Chief Finance Officer.  The Committee agreed the appointment of Jeff Dong, who has been undertaking the duties on an interim basis so congratulations to Jeff.

Swansea 50 years a City

Congratulations to Karen MacKinnon at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery for some excellent coverage of the forthcoming opening of the exhibition to celebrate 50 years of Swansea receiving City status. I was particularly impressed by the Papier-mâché statue of Diego Maradona made by children in Penlan School in 1986 which was far superior to the ghastly version unveiled back in 2017.  I’ll leave you form your own judgement.  

The exhibition opens on Thursday September 26th and I hope many of you will find the time to visit it. And a great effort from our Comms team to get such coverage for this.

Congratulations

Well done to all.our officers involved in opening a new changing places facility at Caswell Bay. This will improve access for all at one of Wales’ best-loved beaches.

It was great to see 15 new apprentices start with us this week. We have a proud record of working with trainees and I wish the latest group all the best for a long and successful career.

Well done to Ben Thomas in our facilities team who was recently crowned Welsh singles bowls champion.

There’s been a great start to the new school year for two of our primaries who’ve received very good Estyn inspection reports.

Crwys Primary is rated excellent for wellbeing and attitudes to learning and good in all other inspection areas.

Portmead Primary is rated good across the board. This achievement is all the more impressive given it has more than double the Welsh average of pupils eligible for free school meals.

Sad news

This week I learned that we had lost two colleagues. 

Councillor Byron Owen was a committed and hardworking member of our Council.  As a Cabinet Member he oversaw some of the most important projects of the time, including of course the Liberty Stadium build.  I worked with him in his capacity as ward councillor on numerous housing and regeneration schemes in Clase and his support at difficult times was invaluable to me.

Councillor John Hague passed away this week.  John was one of life’s original characters.  His irascible style did not always make him the easiest person to work with but this was just a reflection of how committed he was to his ward and his work.  As deputy leader and cabinet member there was rarely a dull moment when John was around and he too leaves an impressive legacy, not least of which is his beloved bowls hall. On the rare occasions we fell out with each other his peace offering would usually be a pork pie and a cup of tea. 

I will miss both these colleagues who have made a massive contribution to the City and the Council.