Latest news with #CouncilPlan
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Public asked to share views on Reform's 5 key priorities in County Durham
Residents have been asked to share their views on Reform's priorities and objectives in County Durham. Reform leaders in charge of Durham County Council will rewrite the local authority's Council Plan, which was recently agreed by the previous administration, because it 'no longer reflects the political priorities of this council.' The party has revealed five key ambitions that members say better align with its political mandate. Reform's priorities Reforming the council to make it an efficient, effective servant of the people, ensuring taxpayers' money is spent wisely and well. Supercharging the economy to make County Durham the best place in the north east to do business. Building better communities to ensure a connected, safe, clean and thriving place to live. Caring for people and supporting those who need it. A practical rather than ideological environmental stewardship. Council Leader Andrew Husband said: 'Following the recent local elections and overwhelming political mandate provided to this new administration, we have been focused on delivering the change that people voted for.' The new plan will help reset the local authority's priorities and clearly sets out its objectives, Reform added. A review of all council spending will also be undertaken. Cllr Husband added: 'This clarity of purpose is critical as we develop our transformation plans and work with our Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOGE) to deliver value for money. 'This administration will focus on practical outcomes that residents can understand, see, and value. It will enable common sense governance that enables value for money as well as efficient decision making that gets things done.' Consultation will take place between Tuesday, July 22, and Monday, August 18. A final decision is due to be made in October. Reform UK made history in the county in the recent local election to gain control of the local authority by holding 63 of the 98 available seats. The council's climate emergency was recently rescinded by Reform in favour of a 'County Durham care emergency', which instead focuses on shortfalls within the Special educational needs and disability (SEND) sector. Recommended reading: County Durham Reform leader confirms decision to scrap council's diversity training Reform UK councillors vote to scrap climate emergency pledge in County Durham Protesters vow to maintain climate campaigns after County Durham pledge scrapped Supporting the updated council proposal, deputy leader Darren Grimes told a cabinet meeting: 'The emerging priorities are now a reflection of our political will. The framework we are considering sets out the actions that we will lead on and take forward. It focuses on the things that make a difference to the people and businesses of County Durham. 'The report provides the interim guidance needed regarding the will of the new administration until a new Council Plan can be consulted upon and agreed by council in October. 'The consultation period proposed will ensure that our plans are further developed by listening to the views of our communities and local businesses.'
Leader Live
17-07-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Flintshire social services highlight urgent need for new foster carers
The issue came up as Flintshire's Social and Health Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the mid-term review of the Council Plan 2025-30 on Thursday. There are around 260 children in foster care in Flintshire looked after by 83 foster families. Some of those foster families are 'connected persons' – people with a family link to the children in their care like grandparents. Others are 'general foster carers'. These are people who take in any children in need of stability and care on behalf of Flintshire County Council. The authority has a strong track record of providing high quality support for children in foster care, but is facing difficulty recruiting new families. In 2024/25 Flintshire's recruitment target was 12 new families to meet demand. It approved just three general foster carers and two connected persons. Concerned about the low recruitment level, Brynford and Halkyn councillor Fran Lister asked: 'Is there a good retention of foster carers? Since Covid lots of people may be using spare rooms to work in and I'm just wondering whether the foster care market has declined since then and if we need to take that into account. 'The target was 12, there was five this year which is obviously nowhere near what we need. Is there any more we can do to recruit foster carers that are so desperately needed?' Outreach work is ongoing according to Jane Davies, Senior Manager for Safeguarding and Commissioning in Flintshire Social Services. But low numbers of applicants and the challenge of approving those suitable to foster has posed difficulties for Flintshire's fostering team. 'The demographic has changed – some existing foster carers have got older and have retired or are now looking after their own grandchildren so that has had an impact,' she said. 'We have also had less people coming forward as new foster carers. Part of that is lifestyle and expectations since Covid. 'It's not for everybody, it's a really difficult role and you have to be a certain sort of person to be a foster carer.' Ms Davies added that Flintshire was actively reaching out to promote its in-house foster care service to attract more applicants. 'We have policies to encourage our own council staff to become foster carers and supportive mechanisms to assist with that, we offer council tax discretion as in other North Wales authorities and we have a dedicated officer within the fostering team who supports promoting the service through social media and advertising. 'The fostering team, which is based in Flint, will have a presence at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham in three weeks. They will also have a presence at the Royal Welsh Show. 'There people will be able to go and learn more about becoming foster carers, understand better what it entails. 'It's important we get into lots of places and there is lots of activity around this to promote fostering.'
Business News Wales
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Major Fitness Room Upgrade at Holyhead Leisure Centre Set to Begin
Work on a £140,000 upgrade to the fitness room at Holyhead Leisure Centre is set to begin. This development, led by Môn Actif, Anglesey Council's leisure service, is made possible thanks to significant savings from newly renegotiated energy contracts. These savings are being reinvested into enhancing local facilities. The fitness room will be upgraded with the latest TechnoGym equipment including modern cardio machines such as treadmills, rowers, cross-trainers, stair masters and bikes, new pin-loaded strength machines and three cable crossover stations. All strength machines will be IFI Accredited, ensuring full accessibility and inclusion for users with disabilities. A new floor will be installed in the cardio area room, and painting will also be part of the project. Anglesey's Leisure, Tourism and Maritime Portfolio Holder, Councillor Neville Evans, said: 'We're delighted to see this investment in Holyhead Leisure Centre, which will provide residents with access to state-of-the-art, inclusive fitness equipment. 'Regular physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing, and we encourage everyone to take full advantage of these improved facilities once they reopen. This investment highlights our commitment to supporting healthier, more active communities on Anglesey.' Owain Jones, Commercial Leisure Manager for Anglesey County Council, added: 'This £140,000 investment is a direct result of savings made through renegotiating energy contracts. 'It reflects our commitment under the Council Plan 2023–28 to invest in leisure infrastructure that increases enjoyment, participation, and community health. We look forward to welcoming our members back to a modernised and more inclusive fitness room very soon.' While the fitness room will be closed to the public from Tuesday, 1 July, it is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, 15 July, with the reopening time to be confirmed via Môn Actif's social media channels. All other facilities at Holyhead Leisure Centre will remain open as usual throughout the refurbishment. To support members during this period, Gym and Swim Direct Debit members will have free access to fitness classes at Holyhead Leisure Centre (bookings via reception). Members are also reminded that they can use fitness rooms at Amlwch, Plas Arthur and David Hughes Leisure Centres during the closure.
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Drop in number of children learning to swim on Anglesey 'not too concerning'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Anglesey councillor says he is "not too concerned" over figures showing a decline in demand for children's private swimming lessons at leisure centres. A drop in demand for the "vital" safety lessons by Môn Actif had been reported last week following a corporate scrutiny meeting. The details were published in a report about Anglesey County Council's Quarter 4 score-card results for 2024/25. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Q4 is the final scorecard for the financial year showing the council's performance against strategic objectives outlined in its Council Plan. The report had noted target successes and areas where the council's leadership team were "exploring and investigating to manage and improve". The final Q4 report came before the council's executive today, Tuesday, June 24, presented by Cllr Carwyn Jones. The report stated that Môn Actif - the brand name for the council's leisure centres - had seen a fall in the average number of children undertaking swimming lessons throughout the year. In education, Môn Actif had seen the average number of children undertaking swimming lessons throughout the year recorded as 1,747 against a target of 1,900. The number of Anglesey children on the Nofio Môn Swimming programme in Q4 was 1,682, a slight decline on the Q3 performance of 1695. "This performance brings the average number for 2024/25 to 1,747. These figures do not include children undertaking swimming lessons through the primary schools, for which 3845 children attended sessions during the 30-week block," it stated. "Demand for places has decreased and there is currently only one centre with a waiting list. The reasons for the decline in demand remain unknown." Last week, Councillor Jeff Evans, during the corporate scrutiny meeting, had expressed concern over what he described as a "vital skill," considering that Anglesey was "an island surrounded by water". Speaking today, portfolio holder for leisure, Cllr Neville Evans, said of the issue: "The press has given this a lot of these are private lessons offered in the leisure centres, not school swimming lessons. "This trend on Anglesey is seen in other councils, the numbers are similar to before Covid and lockdown. "There is regular discussion in leisure centres about numbers, we ask customers for feedback but we don't receive a significant response." He also noted that the press had given "a lot of attention" to another swimming scheme, the Swim Safe programme. "I was on the beach in Trearddur Bay beach last week, where a number of children from schools across the island attended Swim Safe," he said. "It is a really positive project, and Môn Actif has won a national award for this scheme, and 500 pupils last year completed the Swim Safe lessons on beaches, it is something we should be proud of." He added: "The numbers are down, but that is also true across Wales. "I am not overly concerned by these figures, but we do consider swimming is important for children on the island." Council leader Cllr Gary Pritchard praised "the excellent work" by Môn Actif in terms of safe swimming sessions, and in teaching youngsters about sea swimming. J oin the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
North Wales Live
24-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Drop in number of children learning to swim on Anglesey 'not too concerning'
An Anglesey councillor says he is "not too concerned" over figures showing a decline in demand for children's private swimming lessons at leisure centres. A drop in demand for the "vital" safety lessons by Môn Actif had been reported last week following a corporate scrutiny meeting. The details were published in a report about Anglesey County Council's Quarter 4 score-card results for 2024/25. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Q4 is the final scorecard for the financial year showing the council's performance against strategic objectives outlined in its Council Plan. The report had noted target successes and areas where the council's leadership team were "exploring and investigating to manage and improve". The final Q4 report came before the council's executive today, Tuesday, June 24, presented by Cllr Carwyn Jones. The report stated that Môn Actif - the brand name for the council's leisure centres - had seen a fall in the average number of children undertaking swimming lessons throughout the year. In education, Môn Actif had seen the average number of children undertaking swimming lessons throughout the year recorded as 1,747 against a target of 1,900. The number of Anglesey children on the Nofio Môn Swimming programme in Q4 was 1,682, a slight decline on the Q3 performance of 1695. "This performance brings the average number for 2024/25 to 1,747. These figures do not include children undertaking swimming lessons through the primary schools, for which 3845 children attended sessions during the 30-week block," it stated. "Demand for places has decreased and there is currently only one centre with a waiting list. The reasons for the decline in demand remain unknown." Last week, Councillor Jeff Evans, during the corporate scrutiny meeting, had expressed concern over what he described as a "vital skill," considering that Anglesey was "an island surrounded by water". Speaking today, portfolio holder for leisure, Cllr Neville Evans, said of the issue: "The press has given this a lot of these are private lessons offered in the leisure centres, not school swimming lessons. "This trend on Anglesey is seen in other councils, the numbers are similar to before Covid and lockdown. "There is regular discussion in leisure centres about numbers, we ask customers for feedback but we don't receive a significant response." He also noted that the press had given "a lot of attention" to another swimming scheme, the Swim Safe programme. "I was on the beach in Trearddur Bay beach last week, where a number of children from schools across the island attended Swim Safe," he said. "It is a really positive project, and Môn Actif has won a national award for this scheme, and 500 pupils last year completed the Swim Safe lessons on beaches, it is something we should be proud of." He added: "The numbers are down, but that is also true across Wales. "I am not overly concerned by these figures, but we do consider swimming is important for children on the island."
