This week you will find there is an optimistic tone to my column (despite everything!). Maybe I have been inspired by the lovely sunny weather we’ve had recently, or maybe it is the fact that Easter is nearly upon us with all the promise of renewal it brings, but I have greeted several pieces of news this week with real hope for the future.
As I have just mentioned Easter, I shall start with the suggestion that you consider a visit to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens over the holidays. They have a busy itinerary for the break, and the gardens really are one of the jewels of the borough. I can think of few better places to enjoy the sight of spring in full bloom.
There are many reasons for optimism here in Solihull. I talked last week about the Esports event that took place at bp pulse LIVE and the invention and energy on show there. We are a place that embodies those virtues, with our thriving and innovative business community and our world class events. I spoke at that event and afterwards I was struck by several people commenting on the positive outlook we all displayed when talking about Solihull and the wider West Midlands. I mention this only because I, for one, hadn’t particularly gone out with the intention of painting a rose-tinted portrait, but clearly the feeling that came through was one of great optimism.
In that spirit, I want to welcome the Government’s recent commitment to kickstart growth in our region. I don’t doubt that there will be some complications in the delivery of their plans, but the recognition that we are worth investing in as an engine of growth, as we have been for centuries in this country, is valuable. In our particular case the loan from the National Wealth Fund to allow us to deliver our Town Centre Energy Network is excellent news. The project is important for future-proofing some of the energy needs of Solihull, as well as being very environmentally friendly.
Our commitment to the natural world is a key thread of the work we do as a Council. It runs through our decision-making processes in so many areas as we seek to realise the incredible potential of our borough and the wonderful people who live here. It is not all milk and honey of course, and we have many challenges to face - it would be wrong to pretend otherwise - but where we have problems, we should also see them as opportunities, to remake things in ways that are better than they have ever been, not just fix what is ‘broken’ (a phrase too often used in my opinion).
Alongside the investment in the region, I want to emphasise how important the government’s move to multi-year funding settlements will be in allowing us to plan and deliver more positive projects in the future. I have called for this on many occasions and for many years in my message, so to see it announced was a great relief, but it will certainly equip us to plan in a more effective way. With vision, leadership, and teamwork we can ensure that Solihull continues to be a better and better place to live and work.
I met a young man called Alfie Ford last week, he’s interested in politics, and Councillor Grinsell and I were able to give him the benefit of our experience in the field and talk to him about how he might be able to realise his ambitions. He is passionate about helping all young people to reach their potential. One of the greatest causes for optimism in Solihull is our young people. The course of my work puts me in touch with many of them, and whilst their passions and interests vary, their ambition and vigour does not seem to.
Their energy will drive us on in the future, in the fight against climate change and in the drive to better support children and young people with SEND as well as in many other fields. Alfie is currently fundraising for the National Autistic Society by walking 15000 steps a day through April, I wish him luck with that and I will be keeping a close eye on his political career.
World Autism Awareness Day was earlier this week, It put me in mind of the work we have done as a council to reframe our approach to diversity and equality in similar terms. These are not just duties or obligations, but a chance to realise the full potential of all the residents of Solihull.
A change of track now, or rather a change of road as there are a number of transport related pieces of news I want to share. Firstly, on Saturday there is a major EV event in Solihull. Solihull Going Electric will give people the opportunity to experience everything from cars to ebikes as we move towards an electric future on our roads. There will even be an autonomous bus on show.
Speaking of which, the original CAV (Connected Autonomous Vehicle) from our first pilot project a few years ago is now available to view at the Wythall Transport Museum. Still proudly bearing our branding, it will sit alongside historic vehicles spanning the whole history of mass transit.
The final stop on our bus tour now, and we have put in our representations around bus franchising to the WMCA. The lotting strategy separates north and south of the A45 and we are determined that the final product of this system is a better connection between the north and south of our borough. Connecting our towns, urban centres and villages more efficiently and effectively is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
We are working with iChoosr to bring the benefits of solar power to Solihull’s homeowners. Solar Together is a group buying scheme where residents, businesses, and community groups can come together to get high quality installations at a competitive price. You’ll get cheaper, cleaner electricity and help fight climate change. You can register for free here.
Another bright note, as the Solihull Colour Palette is now on show in Touchwood. It’s a display of colours which together represent many of the best things about our borough, from its wildlife in the form of ‘Hedgehog Brown’ to our ‘Poppy Red’ commitment to our Armed Forces. You can read all about it here.
Finally, A six-week consultation on polling arrangements in the borough began on Monday. This review is all about the places where people go to vote, ensuring they are reasonable and practical facilities which are accessible to all. You can read more information about the review and how to take part here.
Thanks for reading,
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council.