This week I had the opportunity to vent my views on how the financial pressures are affecting councils and staff morale.
I was interviewed by the Wales Centre for Public Policy Studies on the topic of “How have Welsh Councils Coped with the Cuts”. The work is funded by the Welsh Local Government Association and hopefully the views of the 12 participating councils will be taken on board by Welsh Government in future budget planning. The Leaders and Section 151 officers (who oversee finance) are also being interviewed.
I explained that we’ve seen the severe impacts of austerity this year, but we’re doing all we can to continue to deliver services with fewer resources. The performance of services has been maintained through staff commitment and effort, but over time this pressure will inevitably impact further on morale. I emphasised the future looks equally bleak and the lack of clarity over local government reform is not helping matters. I set out my views on what the Welsh Government might do to improve the current financial situation by indicating longer-term financial settlements and giving councils more freedom and flexibility to trade and to retain business rates. These were points I made earlier in the week when I held my quarterly meeting with the Welsh Audit Office.
The survey will be published in September, in time for the budget discussions, and I’ll share the findings with you as soon as they are available. In the meantime I continue to appreciate the work that staff are doing to shield the public from the impacts of continuing austerity.
On the subject of local government reform I understand that discussions are taking place within Welsh Government and an announcement will be made imminently. I’ll update you as soon as I’m able to.
Team Swansea
Our Public Service Board has agreed its Well-being plan which sets out shared priorities for us, ABMU, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police, National Resources Wales and others. The four Wellbeing Objectives are children have the best start in life; people live well and age well; working with nature; and stronger communities, supported by a series of steps. It follows on from the consultation which generated 500 responses, although not everything everyone wanted could be included. However, it’s a great start to a team Swansea approach in tackling key issues.
Biggest Weekend
The Biggest Weekend is not just about a one-off event at Singleton Park. It brings a host of artistic activity which supports our Welsh Capital of Culture drive.
The BBC Learning Academy have been working with the Cultural Services team to ensure there’s been plenty of engagement around the city before the Big Weekend kicks-off in May. Visits to 10 schools have been organised, with workshops from the BBCs leading DJs and some guest appearances from the talent appearing at the Festival. Radio One host Nick Grimshaw will broadcast live from two schools throughout April.
The Grand Theatre will be hosting an Employability Event on April 27 for those looking to get in the Music Industry. There’s 10 days of live music in May, along with
a week-long music programme of Academy events aimed at 16-25s at various venues.
Farewell
Today’s the last working day for Steve Rees our Head of HR. Steve’s been with us since 1988 and worked in a variety of posts before being appointed Head of Service on a permanent basis five years ago. I’ve worked very closely with Steve over the past 20 years and I’ve valued his advice and support as well as his dry sense of humour. He’s been instrumental in helping me deal with some really difficult issues over the years and I wish him all the best for the future.
Congratulations
We’ve been recognised at in the South and West Wales Occupational Safety Group annual awards. We’ve been short-listed for the large business shield, President’s Award, Wellbeing Shield and Employee of the Year for the work and contribution to health and safety at the Bailing Plant. This is a fantastic achievement highlights our robust health and safety system at the Bailing plant and elsewhere. Well done to everyone involved.
Our annual Sports Awards was a great success this week with a number of national stars and community figures being recognised. Among them was Ania Negele, Community Coach in the Sport and Health team, who’s been selected to work with Wales’ weightlifters at the Commonwealth Games. Two of our Gold Young Ambassadors – Fin Edwards and Tom Founds – were finalists in the Inspiring Young Person of the Year Award. And Gareth Govier, in our Sports Development team, was a finalist in the Community Coach of the Year category.
Llwchwr School’s U11’s rugby team have reached the final of the prestigious DC Thomas Cup. They’ll now face either Pontypool or Neath schools in the final at the Principality Stadium on April 30. This is a fantastic achievement for the smallest district in the all-Wales competition. Good luck in the final!