The leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Cllr Stephen George, talks about changes to the draft budget, children’s mental health, apprenticeships and HIV testing.
You may have seen that cabinet have made some minor changes to the draft budget after listening to the views and opinions of residents, colleagues and fellow councillors. We do take on board your views on topics because we represent all those who live and work in our City and despite the challenges of this year’s budget, we want to get it right.
I think the fact there are only a few minor amends is testament to the fact we delivered a strong draft budget , that protected the vulnerable, kept services and facilities open, whilst balancing the books.
There are an additional five investments in our revised draft budget including for a NetPark wellbeing project that supports local mental health, project support for carers of adults looked after at home and for the tourism events LuminoCity, Halloween Parade and Street Jam. You can read more about all of the proposed investments press release. There are also some minor changes to the proposals relating to car park charges, taking on board the feedback following consultation with councillors, residents and businesses.
Due to the strong feedback on dimming streetlights further, that proposal has also been withdrawn. You can find out more about it by reading our press release.
I do think it is worth mentioning the importance of putting these issues within the wider context of the challenging financial situation the country finds itself in. We have a duty to protect the most vulnerable in society and we are having to deliver services with much less central Government funding than a decade ago, and with additional demand for those services.
This second week of February is a busy one for national awareness events:
- HIV testing is very straightforward and for your own health and peace of mind, it’s better to get tested and know than worry unnecessarily
- to find out more about Children’s Mental Health visit the Place2Be website
- finally, apprenticeships are a valuable way for young people to get the training and qualifications in an area of work they are passionate about, without sitting in a classroom. It’s a brilliant way of learning a vacation, earning a living and teaching the next generation. You can find out more about the apprenticeships at the council on our apprenticeships page
As we enter the half term school holidays, just a reminder that the exciting LuminoCity Festival of Light is nearly here. Running from 5pm until 10pm on Thursday 16, Friday 17 and Saturday 18 February, this free event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fabulous family evening out. There’s all sorts of information on the website, including a map of where the installations are positioned. My family and I can’t wait!
Hopefully we’ll see you there!