Cllr Stephen George, leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, discusses devolution, the council’s peer challenge and LuminoCity.
Cllr Stephen George, leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, discusses devolution, the council’s peer challenge and LuminoCity.
It’s been a busy week for the council as we had a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday night to agree amendments to the draft budget, and papers were released for next week’s Cabinet meeting too. There are a number of interesting topics on the agenda, from how the council works to tackle poverty, the revised SEND strategy, the council’s investment in council housing via the housing pipeline and devolution.
Since last Autumn council leaders from across Essex have been meeting to discuss the opportunities associated with devolution. Devolution is the transfer of money and power from central Government to local areas, which in turn means more funding, and greater control over issues that could include transport, skills, economic growth and infrastructure. It’s going to be interesting to see how this develops and I look forward to discussing it in the chamber with colleagues.
Speaking of fellow councillors, we have been digesting the report from the Local Government Association after the council invited them in to carry out a peer challenge into improvements and changes that could be made here at the council. They found many positives but that the approach to leadership, governance and decision making is impacting the council’s ability to progress. There are nine recommendations in total which including addressing inequalities and the possibility of four-yearly elections.
Another report is on the £1 million investment to improve cycle lanes across the City. We’re also going to be discussing the City’s action plan to improve air quality.
As you can see, these reports are all important plans and projects to improve the City and offer more for our residents. One of the more exciting and fun aspects of the council’s work is without doubt the events we get to be part of and with the current LuminoCity Festival of Light running, there is no better time to bring the family for a fabulous free day out to enjoy what Southend has to offer.
You’ve only got tonight (Friday 17 February) and tomorrow (Saturday 18 February) left to enjoy it. And I thoroughly recommend that you do. The LuminoCity website has all sorts of information, including a map of where the installations are positioned.
Hopefully we’ll see you there!