A weeks work, every day a challenge!

Apart from a very important milestone birthday it has been a very busy week. What I am beginning to realise is the span of subjects I have to cover as leader of the Council. It would be an impossibility to become an expert on all the issues which I have responsibility for and that's why I appoint Chairmen and portfolio holders and lead members to deal with specific things and report back. Fortunately this years election has resulted in a crop of new and enthusiastic Councillors who are learning the ropes from, how shall I say, the more experienced of us. Their relationship with key Officers is growing and I have a very good feeling that the executive/member partnerships are going to take us in the direction that we want to go. Working smarter is a firm objective and this should lead to a reduction in duplication of Officers and members time in dealing with issues. There is still a long way to go but I feel comfortable in the progress made and the energy being put in by members to deliver the priorities set in our manifesto. Early days but all is positive!