REPORT
FROM THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
21
JUNE 2006
1.
APOLOGIES
Firstly, can I apologise for not attending tonight’s meeting. I have
trapped a nerve in my back and have been unable to undertake any public duties
since last Friday. Can I thank the Deputy Leader for covering so ably for me at
short notice. I hope to be back at work next week at the latest.
2.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Like many members, I have been getting to know the new Chief Executive, Joe Duckworth. It has been a pleasure to welcome Joe to the Island and to start agreeing priorities with him, getting to know him personally, and for the officer team to ensure we pick up the momentum of change within the council, and for the Island.
2.
RECRUITMENT
Last week saw the first of several waves of advertisements to attract talented applicants (some of whom may already work for the council, or elsewhere on the Island), who can prove themselves to be the best in national competition for the most senior posts in the officer team.
I look forward to member appointments panels, on a politically proportionate basis, making appointments to these key posts.
3.
COMMUNICATIONS
I have been pleased to welcome
members of the Westminster City Council Communications Team. We will continue
to work with the private and voluntary sectors where they provide the most cost
effective way of delivering improving services. We will also work with the
local government family where there is relevant experience which we can use to
the advantage of Island people and communities.
We already share our expertise
with other authorities where we have cutting edge activity, and we will
continue to develop the exchange of ideas and expertise with other local
authorities.
4.
REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ACTIVITY
I
continue to be grateful for the support of the Council, and particularly of
Cabinet Members, to enable me to continue to undertake work with a regional and
national profile. There is no doubt that such engagement, by members, brings
advantages to the Island and to this Council.
In recent weeks I have been able to take part in a COBRA exercise with one SoS and 7
MoS, brief colleagues on local and national implications of pandemic flu,
contribute to the development of national Conservative policy on local
government, discuss regional policy issues with South East Leaders and Chief
Executives, and visit a District Council to assist them with their improvement
program. None of this would be possible without the help of other members.
The CE Paul Rudling and
I have met with the chairman of SEEDA on a number of occasions and have made
considerable progress in realising the formation of our LDV.
As always a council
owned diary with my name on it is available electronically so all councilors
and council staff can see what activities I am engaged in.
Leader of the Council