I’ve mentioned previously it’s essential we and other councils improve our relationship with citizens. Our reputation depends upon it and the way we engage the public and build trust is central to this.

In my experience our public consultation and engagement is generally good, albeit inconsistent.  This is unfortunate because it’s only the examples where it goes wrong which attract attention and headlines. 

There are legal duties we must observe and failure to consult effectively is a primary reason for challenges against councils being upheld in the courts.  That’s why we have to be clear about the principles and processes for effective consultation. 

CMT this week endorsed our draft Consultation and Engagement Strategy prior to seeking formal approval from councillors. It’s based on best practice including the National Principles for Public Engagement in Wales and the National Children and Young People’s Participation Standards for Wales.

The core principles are:

Planning:

• Be clear about why we are undertaking a consultation and engagement activity
• Ensure that existing consultation and engagement results are used where applicable
• Have a clear idea of who needs to take part
• Identify appropriate resources
• Ensure sufficient time is allocated for the consultation process
• Identify opportunities for joint working at the planning stage

Doing:

• Be clear about how people can be involved
• Ensure the consultation and engagement methods and language used are suitable for the Audience
• Provide clear information about what we are consulting on
• Be clear about what the results will be used for
• Ensure all affected stakeholders have the opportunity to be involved

Decision Making, Review and Feedback:

• Ensure results of consultation and engagement activity are considered when making decisions
• Share the results (where appropriate) with as wide an audience as possible
• Effectively feedback the outcome to participants e.g. summary of results
• Promote the outcomes of our key consultation and engagement activity both internally and externally

I know that for many of you these will be self-evident principles but if we can observe them consistently I’m confident that our good relationship with citizens will continue to improve.

Purse strings

As you know, we’re facing very difficult budget decisions again this year due to the anticipated Welsh Government funding settlement, on-going service pressures and new demands. We’re also facing a significant over-spend this year and we need to take action in order to reduce spending. So this is a reminder that the steps we announced earlier this year are still in place and remain so until further notice.

These include strict vacancy management and continuing to implement the agreed list of spending restrictions.

And it also includes areas of non-essential spending which require approval from the relevant senior officer. These are:

• ICT hardware and software – Jo Harley.
• Furniture – Geoff Bacon.
• Advertising and bulk printing (non MFD) – Lee Wenham
• Publicity/promotions –  Lee Wenham

As we set out on another budget process with Cabinet in the coming weeks, it’s essential we all support these measures on an on-going basis to help reduce our spending.

Still pushing for the Lagoon

Many of you will recall the significant interest in the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and the Love the Lagoon campaign. I’m pleased to say we’re still progressing the project and have recently met with Welsh Government to try to move towards the formal procurement stage. This follows on from a soft market testing with potential delivery partners which reaffirms the previous finding of the Hendry Review and the subsequent feasibility study.

There’s still some way to go but we’re optimistic this project can be delivered and be a real asset for the Swansea Bay region and also contribute towards our commitment to tackle climate change emergency in line with the recent Council Notice of Motion.

Thank you

The many volunteers who run our 38 community centres have been invited to the South Penlan Community Centre this afternoon so we can show our appreciation for their time and effort. Some have been volunteering for more than 50 years. Best wishes to all involved in the presentations.

Swansea City

I don’t often mention football in my blogs but some of you will know I’m a keen supporter of the Swans so the fact they’ve made their best start to a league campaign in 41 years must be putting a smile on the faces of those in the Council who follow them.  Let’s hope it continues.