I’m sure most of you will have seen the media reports this week about our involvement in the effort to retain the Ospreys professional men’s regional rugby club in Swansea. Sports fans and former rugby players have started a campaign to save the club as a professional outfit. We’ve taken what is a rare step in writing to the WRU and the Ospreys’ owners Y11 setting out our concerns about their plans. It matters to us because there are clear economic, reputational, health and wellbeing benefits in having the Ospreys based in the city. Taking the club away is a risk to our vision for the local economy, and the plans for the regeneration of St Helen’s. It also risks discouraging enthusiasm for playing and following sport in our communities and also growing the women’s game. As we know grassroots sport works wonders in bringing communities together and promotes health and wellbeing, as our Sports Awards nominations this year demonstrate. So, having elite athletes like the Ospreys living and playing in Swansea is crucial to the City’s ongoing development and regeneration. I’ll keep you posted.
Another big announcement this week that aims to support our vision for a thriving local economy and city centre is our successful bid for £20m of UK Government funding under its new Pride in Place initiative. More details will follow, but the grant, spread over the next 10 years, is focussed on regenerating the High Street, Dyfatty and surrounding communities, and links closely to our own investment plans for housing and other improvements there. My thanks to Paul Relf and the team for pulling together the bid.
Leadership team this week discussed progress on the actions CMT and heads of service are committed to taking in the light of your staff survey feedback. The team also looked at the development of this year’s services plans. The plans have a direct impact on the work you do every day. They also link with our ongoing review of services to ensure they provide the best outcomes for residents, deliver value for money and conform to service standards and target operating models. My thanks in particular to Suzy Richards and the service representatives involved for developing the Service Planning App for managers that will enable the process to be done more easily and effectively in future.
On Monday I attended a very productive Public Services Board workshop alongside our Deputy Leader Cllr Andrea Williams and partners from health, police, SCVS and the fire service. We looked at a range of topics, including how we continue to work together in the coming years on common objectives for the benefit of our residents. My thanks to Ness Young and Leanne Aherne for their work to help the PSB deliver on its remit to support key areas of joint action which can directly benefit residents more efficiently and effectively than when partners are acting alone.
Hundreds of people have so far had their say on the future of the Civic Centre, unveiled a couple of weeks ago. If you want to get involved, please click here. The project comes at a time when we’re taking further steps to bring more back-office staff into Guildhall from the Civic and our new public-facing home at Y Storfa is attracting praise from the public. Please let your contacts know that apart from bereavement services and the Registrar’s Office, there is no public access to the Civic and all other face-to-face services are located at Y Storfa.
Congratulations to Sarah Lackenby, our head of Digital and Customer Services, who has been appointed chair of the WLGA’s Digital Advisory Group. The group provides practical support and expertise to councils across Wales and I’m sure Sarah’s new role will benefit us in the months ahead.
Don’t forget that if you want to have your say in this year’s 2026/27 budget consultation, deadline day is today. Reports taking into account your feedback go to Cabinet later this month and to Full Council next month for a final decision.
Finally, as most of you know, blood donation is an issue that personally means a great deal to me. If you can give this month, please do. You can find your nearest donor sessions at this link. The Welsh Blood Service’s stocks continue to face pressure, so all support is really appreciated.
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