I want to start by welcoming the news of a ceasefire in Gaza, fragile though it may be. Further details are still to emerge, but I remain cautious in my optimism until it is firmly established. Let us hope we see a lasting peace.
I want to spend some of this edition talking about matters closer to home, or perhaps I should say closer to homes. Housing and housebuilding affect all of us, directly or indirectly. Last week I was part of a Future Cities Forum panel at the University of Oxford business school. I talked about a range of topics, the key role of Solihull in the region, the impact of HS2 and the development of the proposed health and innovation campus at Arden Cross, as well as housing, which is one of our big challenges.
As we consider how we respond to the government’s new policy requirement to provide massive numbers of new homes, we have to remember at least three principles; firstly, maintaining respect for environment, maintaining space for nature, protecting the beauty of our borough. Secondly, there is always concern about the density of new developments, but design standards and quality are so important, and are easily lost sight of in the rush for growth. Variety and choice are key, which brings me to my final point. We need more starter homes to keep our young people in the borough.
Solihull is a splendid place to live, consistently named one of the best by various newspapers, magazines and websites, but with that naturally comes higher than average house prices. The upshot is that many young people who grow up and get jobs here cannot afford to buy houses in the communities where they were raised.
Growth was discussed at length at the Future Cities Forum, and Solihull has an important job, as a driver of the West Midlands economy. However, new buildings are just not what it is all about, we have an environment to protect and communities to support. We are progressing the East Birmingham North Solihull (EBNS) as a ‘Levelling Up Zone’ for regeneration and investment. Here, we are delivering a new joined-up approach, driven by new models of public service delivery: taking a long-term approach to reforming public services at the frontline, focussed on early years, education, employment support, tackling worklessness, and primary and preventative care. I will keep updating you on this as work progresses, but it is a really exciting time for us and more importantly, for the residents who will benefit. As I have said before, we need longer term solutions to the problems this country faces
In other news, the Council hosted a conference last week focused on improving children’s mental health with particular reference to special needs. Workshops included how to look after yourself, how to look after friends, and dealing with worries. These are incredibly important for any child of course, but equipping those with additional needs with appropriate coping strategies and the tools to support themselves with their mental health is particularly vital. I am pleased we were able to facilitate this with the support of organisations like Our Voices Heard and Solihull Parent Carer Voice.
This week is Energy Savers Week, a national initiative which highlights a number of ways residents can reduce their fuel bills, keep warm and make their homes more energy efficient. You can read all about it here.
Finally, The Core have a full programme of music, comedy and theatre throughout the coming weeks which might help banish the winter blues many of us are no doubt feeling in these darker months. You can take a look at what’s on here.
Thanks for reading,
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council.