An update

I am very pleased to be able to look back over the last six months and see just what we have achieved at CBC in probably the most difficult economic environment seen in my lifetime. Starting with the partnership with East Dorset District Council, this was the brainchild of the previous Leaders so I take no credit for the work undertaken before my appointment but seeing it through to make the savings we have has been a key priority for my group and I can report that all the forecasts made are being delivered. There is every possibility that by 2015 we at CBC/EDDC will have taken nearly £5 million out of the previous four years budget. The objectives set will be to do this and maintain front line services so retaining the high standards set over the last decade. Those standards have again been assessed by residents in October and their ratings of our performance just published, are way up there with the best Councils in the Country. Working in partnership with our Officers has also been rewarding and I can point to the example of the Mudeford Wood Community Centre as a project which will be delivered next year and the work currently underway at Druitt Gardens, both significant in that they resulted from a close working relationship with key Officers. And we at the democratic end of our Council have delivered too with a complete overhaul of the committee structure to bring smarter working with less duplication and a comprehensive review of Governance and Audit systems to make sure our plans are assessed and reassessed to ensure efficient 'value for money' working. It has been hard work but highly rewarding but perhaps the next part is going to be the most challenging and that is delivering a vision based on economic growth and community involvement. I still say ''Its working for the community that gets the community working''.