January 2012

I hope you all had a good Christmas and may I take this opportunity to wish you a happy New Year.

One of the most important discussions I had in December was regarding the economic situation inNorth Wales. I was asked to chair the first Economic Management Board inNorth Wales. The board consists of lead members and senior officers and the intention is to develop a framework for working across the region in a more strategic way. There is a lot of evidence to support this approach – the most concerning one being that North Wales has only 74.4% GVA (Gross Added Value) for Wales, which is concerning. Apart from developing a framework, the focus will be inward investment, infrastructure, enterprise, skills and youth unemployment.

There has been a focus over the last 12 months to develop plans for the major towns in Denbighshire. I am pleased that the first plan was presented to Cabinet for Denbigh and was well received. I am hoping these plans will provide confidence to the private sector, make it easier to draw down funding for projects and allow our services to work in a more co-ordinated way.

I presented a paper on the Corporate Plan, which showed continual improvement in our performance. It is also pleasing that as we set our budget, money is being allocated to our priorities which are beginning to make a difference, particularly to our highways.

We are presently setting our budget for next years and I would welcome your suggestions on what services should be protected and where we should be reining back spending through the Big Debate.

And finally…

I was honoured to receive an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List and feel this is for the improvements in Denbighshire that have happened due to the hard work and dedication of staff and councillors who genuinely want to provide the best services for our residents.

There are consequences to this new profile, the first is that my wife will expect a new outfit for the visit to the palace, and also I have become a question at a local quiz – fame at last!

December 2011

This has been a month of many external meetings which were about setting foundations for the future as well as celebrating success.

The Chief Executive and myself are in the process of making business associations across the county. These are proving to be a very worthwhile exercise as we learn about concerns of the private sector and to understand what the role of the local authority could be.

It was pleasing to welcome the First Minister to the opening of the Nant y Mor Extra Care Scheme in Prestatyn. These are fantastic facilities which will meet the needs of our ageing population.

I also went on my first foreign trip as Leader of Denbighshire and visited the European Parliament inBrusselswhere I met four MEPs. The aim of the visit was to understand the opportunities and processes for drawing down funding for projects in Denbighshire. This proved really useful as our capital allocation from the Welsh Government has been reduced by 25%, meaning we will have to be far more innovative in how future projects are funded.

The budget process has started with a series of Service Performance Challenges, which enable us to identify potential savings within every department within the authority. Two of these were joint ones with Conwy; one with highways and the other with planning and public protection. As part of the consultation regarding the highways restructure, a joint council was held with Conwy, which was well attended.

As part of the budget setting process, we would also like to hear from members of the public as part of the Big Debate, where we are asking people to let us know where they think we should be protecting services and where we should be reining in spending. Details can be found on the DCC website or you can get involved on Facebook at Denbighshire’s Big Debate.

I was pleased to see that all councillors in Denbighshire agreed to the recommendation to formally adopt the Charter between Denbighshire and our town and community councils. This shows a commitment to work closer with elected members at grass root level and is a continuation of the process of becoming closer to our communities.

It was also good at Cabinet to see the Rhyl Going Forward Delivery Plan being approved. The plan summarises the proposed projects that will start the regeneration of Rhyl in a co-ordinated way.

And finally, I mentioned that it has been a month of celebration as the authority held its second Excellence Denbighshire Awards at the Scala in Prestatyn. This is where staff are recognised for their good work. The commitment and dedication was clear to see and I thank the staff for their work in delivering services in Denbighshire.

Also, at the farm, I’m celebrating having five new calves within two weeks. Unfortunately, they all decided to be born between midnight and 5am, which has led to some sleepless nights!!

Lastly, I would just like to wish you all a very, merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.