Devolution seems to be occupying many people’s minds at the moment. I attended three events about it last week; two in Birmingham and one in Newcastle-under-Lyme. What’s clear is that we have to get the best deal for Staffordshire and its residents, focusing on growing the economy and getting better-paid jobs. Sometimes it’s useful to remind ourselves of this when somebody automatically defaults to discussions about new structures and governance. As Bill Clinton said during the 1992 US presidential election, “It’s about the economy, stupid”. We’re in an enviable location in the heart of the country, with very low unemployment, new businesses opening and existing ones expanding; we’ve got great opportunities internally and with neighbouring regions and cities, as well as internationally. Sometimes the debate is presented in a very polarised manner – you’re either in this structure or you’re out. Life’s not like that, and we would not be serving the people of Staffordshire if we allowed it to be so.
I had a good visit with Entrust on Monday afternoon. They have some excellent plans and are working hard to grow their business both inside and outside the county.
I was fortunate to be invited to the annual Fire Service MORE awards on Tuesday and to hear about some of the things that our nationally-leading fire service are doing. They have effectively got into the prevention business which means that they are being called to ever fewer fires. They are also keen to get more involved in the health and wellbeing efforts, which can only be a benefit.
Lastly for this week, Thursday afternoon was a fun event with the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in County Buildings. It was very good to meet representatives from all three armed services who serve in the county, this time from the civilian side of the fence. Somebody had got hold of some British Forces Broadcasting Service footage from Germany, with an interview that I did in Bad Fallingbostel; it all seems a long time ago. That said, we have a great opportunity to welcome the two regiments of the Royal Signals into Stafford in a very practical manner in the coming months, encouraging them and their families to settle in the county, buying houses, spouses getting jobs, and children attending our schools. Life moves on, and in this case, for the better.