Weekly Update from the Leader and Chief Executive

Dear Friends

Bird song and sunshine are giving us hope that Spring is not far away. While warmer weather should dampen the pandemic, we’re mindful that this Wednesday 534 covid related deaths were recorded in the UK. Also this week, local infections continued to increase from 1,206.3 to 1,405.7 cases per 100,000 people.

Let’s not drop our guard and keep up the routine of washing our hands, ventilating rooms, testing and self-isolating when required. Our best defence against serious illness or the life changing effects of long Covid, is to get fully vaccinated. More information on how to get your jabs up to date is available, here.

Covid has not distracted our continuing efforts to address the climate emergency through practical and fiscally responsible initiatives. It was a real boost to receive recognition for this work, with our plan being ranked by Climate Emergency UK as the highest performing in Warwickshire, and in the top quarter of Councils when compared across the UK. 181 Climate Action Plans were assessed across a range of criteria including governance, funding, commitment, and community engagement.

Of particular note, is the trail blazing planning policy our team have been preparing that will require new developments to deliver net zero buildings. 27% of our carbon emissions come from our homes, so when this policy is implemented next year, it will make a major contribution to achieving our local targets. The first planning policy of its kind in the UK, it reflects the commitment being given to take practical action to tackle climate change.

More positive progress was made with the Recovery Plan this week:

• West Midlands Mayor Andy Street visited Leamington Spa for a first-hand view of the key regeneration projects underway and planned, as well as to inspect our Commonwealth Games preparations. The Combined Authority is a key partner and Andy’s enthusiastic visit has given us all a welcome boost. Our team of brilliant Officers gave a high-quality, professional presentation on the many challenges and opportunities that we’re addressing.
• West Midlands Gigafactory took another step forward with the announcement from the Secretary of State that the application recently considered by the Planning Committee will not be ‘called-in’. The speed of this decision is an endorsement that this vitally important facility is a national priority, enabling efforts to focus on securing a manufacturer.

Next Friday 11 February, Spark: Ignite 2022 returns to the Royal Spa Centre offering a stimulating programme for the Creative and Digital sectors. Registration is free and more information, including details of the speakers, is available here.

And finally… to aid the recovery of endangered bird populations on St Mary’s Lands in Warwick, from late February to the end of August it’s proposed to reinstate temporary protective measures around an area known as the Lammas Field. Following a sharp decline in numbers of ground nesting birds breeding in this location in recent years, these measures have support from the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, local bird protection groups and the Warwick Natural History Society.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Andrew Day Leader                                    Chris Elliott    Chief Executive