ICT
– back up and running
We have to start this week’s blog with a thank to everyone
in ICT for all they have done this past week to respond to the many issues
caused by a cable being accidentally severed by a utilities company. It’s been a
challenging time but the team worked round the clock to get as many services
back up and running, as quickly as possible. Thanks to all of you for your
patience too, as we know it wasn’t easy operating with limited, and in some
cases no access, to emails and files.
A
care package with lots of promise
 |
| Young people receiving their Care Leaver Promise |
A couple of
weeks ago we mentioned that cabinet had outlined plans to provide support for
care leavers. Last week we invited those who will benefit from that support to
come and find out about the Care Leaver Promise - a package of support and
benefits for those leaving care. We want them to feel supported and the range
of benefits in the promise include help on finance, health and leisure,
accommodation and employment.
This transition
can be a challenging time. The promise aims to provide the support that’s
needed and hopefully result in a positive long-term impact.
This is an
ambitious scheme and one we’re very proud to support. This is just the start of
it as well - we aim to keep developing it and making sure they have
plenty of opportunities. If you think there might be some opportunities for
care leavers in your service area of work please let us know.
Cold
weather challenges
Winter is a
challenging time for a lot of our services. During this current cold snap, the highways team is ready with their 24 gritting vehicles and salt stock (more than 13,000 tonnes), and have been out monitoring and making sure the roads are clear.
Likewise, teams from across the council including public
health and adult social care are making sure that plans are in place to help
keep people as safe and as warm, as possible.
Many of our
teams work tirelessly to keep Wiltshire moving and safe, and we appreciate
their commitment and the fantastic job they do.
Growing our own
We held a good
session as part of our leadership and management programme that focused on
‘growing our own’ and helping you to develop, as much as you want to. If you are
aspiring potential manager, please look at grow and speak to your line manager,
as there are plenty of opportunities available.
Crunching
the numbers
Money has been
on our minds again as we continue to meet regularly to finalise the budget for next
year (2019/2020).
The cabinet
member for finance is hosting four public meetings next month to talk through the
future direction of the council. We know that financial decisions will need to
be made by Full Council and these forums provide an opportunity to explain the
context for any changes and decisions, and it’s always good to hear the views
of residents and the challenges that they face, as well as their ideas on where
we can improve what we do.
Our finance
team is also carefully looking at this week’s national Autumn budget
announcement and awaiting more information to see the details behind the main
headlines. We’ll keep you updated on that.
Salisbury
set for Christmas spectacular
 |
| The popular Christmas market in Salisbury |
The clocks went back this weekend and can you believe it’s less than
two months to Christmas. The festive season for retailers and traders is a
vital time and more so this year in Salisbury and Amesbury.
To provide a much-needed boost as part of the economic recovery we are supporting
activities focused around the Salisbury Christmas Market. This year there will
be the addition of an ice rink and live entertainment, as well as a nutcracker
trail and the annual lantern parade. The ice rink, a new and exciting venture
for the city, will be in the Guidhall Square and open for bookings from 15
November through to 6 January. With free park and ride on offer, may be
consider Salisbury as a destination for your Christmas shopping and a skate
this year!
Alistair, Carlton and Terence
No comments:
Post a Comment