The week started with the announcement of the Local Government Finance settlement. This effectively is the amount of money local councils will have to spend next year. You may have seen our politicians on national television explaining that we were thoroughly prepared for this.
Despite receiving less funding, we are confident we will continue to deliver vital services by working smarter and more closely with partners in the public and voluntary sectors. We’re already achieving significant savings and have a sound financial base, which was reflected in our recent decision to impose a zero per cent council tax rise for 2011/12.
I know that many of you are concerned about the impact of these decisions on your own lives and jobs. We will continue to keep you informed about these changes and be as transparent as we can. Look out in the New Year for more Your Voice sessions when you will have the opportunity to ask members of the Senior Leadership Team in more detail about our plans.
Many of our front line workers are also at the heart of their communities and do sterling work. On Tuesday I had the pleasure of meeting Bob Bentley, a lollipop man in Silverdale Road in Wolstanton, while he was on duty in the morning rush hour. Bob has worked for the Crossing Patrol service for around 8 years and wrote to me in the summer as part of the What’s Your Story campaign inviting me to visit him at work.
He was hugely enthusiastic about the job and the role he plays in his community, working not just for the children, but also with the parents. He even knew many of the drivers that pass him (mostly with a friendly wave!). By the end of his shift I had a really good view of the job and the crucial role it plays in the local community.
He and I share a keen interest in cricket, so like Bob and many others, I will be getting up early this weekend to watch the England team in Perth. Given the weather forecast for the weekend I think it will be a great excuse not to brave the wintry conditions too early!