Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends

Delivering sustainable and high-quality services whilst keeping our finances on a stable footing is the top priority for our Council. In the backdrop of a difficult financial climate for all local authorities, this week’s Cabinet endorsed a Change Management Programme, which is now being shared and rolled out to our staff. The programme recognises the key role that everyone can play in assessing what we do, how we do it and how we can best utilise the technological tools available to us to make the customer journey quicker and easier.

With the Easter holidays just around the corner, it’s been good to see the announcement of two local initiatives, put in place to help families in need with the cost-of-living crisis. As part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, for children who qualify for free school meals, Everyone Active will be hosting clip-n-climb experiences at Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre and junior gym sessions at St Nicholas Park Leisure. Both activities are being offered for free and will include a nutritional lunch for those taking part.

The Packmores Community Centre and Gap Outreach team in Warwick will be holding an Easter Fun Day on Saturday 30 March in the Priory Pools Park, the event will have free children’s activities and refreshments in addition to advice and information and cooking demonstrations.

In other news:

• We are pleased to be amongst six Warwickshire local authorities to have successfully contracted Coventry City Council to mobilise and deliver a new county wide energy advice programme for businesses, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service is a great new asset for local businesses to access funding and support to help them to reduce their energy consumption.

• There’s more good news for businesses with the announcement of an extension of the Business Ready support scheme as part of the Business Growth Warwickshire Programme. Delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park on behalf of the County’s five district and borough Councils, businesses referred through the programme will receive free, tailored advice, including access to sector-specific expertise and specialist mentors.

• Just in time for spring children and families can now enjoy an exciting new play area at Anchitel Green in Bishop’s Tachbrook. The £78,600 scheme funded by a S106 payment has been created by our Green Spaces team following consultation with residents who have recently moved into the village’s new 50 home development.

• The Elections team is continuing its recruitment for several paid roles to support the election of the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday 2 May and also the count which will take place at Stoneleigh Park on Saturday 4 May. The roles, which include Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks and Count Clerks, are available to anyone over 18 years, subject to proof of ID. Further information and online applications are available here.

• Excellent progress is being made in Leamington’s Old Town with the demolition of the derelict Stoneleigh Arms public house and refurbishment of the former nursery, both of which will be transformed into exciting new spaces for the area’s growing creative and digital sector.

• We’ll be marking Monday’s Commonwealth Day by raising the flag at the Town Hall in Leamington, evoking fond memories of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

And finally…… today as we join the worldwide celebration of International Women’s Day, we want to honour the achievements of women and promote equality for all. 58% of WDC employees are female, and 32% of Councillors, so perhaps we need to encourage more women to stand for public office.

Have a great weekend.
Chris Elliott, Chief Executive