So 2024 is drawing to a close and Christmas is almost upon us.
2025 will bring some big challenges for us to confront, like the draft Local Plan and how we deal with major issues for Solihull, including the new housing requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework, and the potential impact of the new English Devolution White Paper. There will also be possible changes to local government finance and, as always, we must keep a firm hand on the tiller as we deliver services to our residents.
However, these matters can wait for the new year, with Christmas around the corner I do hope that whatever your plans are next week, you have a relaxing time and catch up with your loved ones. It is so important to take the time to socialise and reinforce our connections with friends and family at this special time of the year.
To help facilitate that, as usual we will be suspending parking enforcement in residential areas from Monday morning until Friday 3 January. Please still park considerately and make sure there is room for prams and wheelchairs (and possibly new bikes if the local children have got themselves on Father Christmas’ nice list this year) to pass. Full details are available here.
Having said that I do understand for some people this may not be such a happy or relaxing time. If you know someone who may be feeling a little lost at Christmas, whether they’re a neighbour or an old friend maybe make the effort to pop round in person or give them a call.
For those who do find this time stressful there is professional help available. The Healthy Minds page on our Council website has lots of information on the support available for those who may be struggling with their mental health.
Help is also available is you are struggling with the cost of living, visit out Here2Help pages on our website, there’s a range of support and advice on offer.
Whilst the forecast for the next couple of weeks doesn’t include a repeat of the recent storms, nothing can be certain when it comes to the British winter. Please do take care if you’re travelling over Christmas, whatever the weather. Busy roads and tired drivers can be a dangerous combination so please do take your time and be switched on.
Over the past few years, we have welcomed many Hongkongers the borough. I understand in their culture Winter Solstice is celebrated and this year it falls on 21 December. For Hongkongers it symbolises the victory of light over darkness as it is believed that days will have longer daylight hours after this day, bringing positive energy to everyone. So, families will be getting together to feast and for those who celebrate it, I wish you 冬至快樂!
As usual, my weekly messages will now be taking a short break for a couple of weeks.
But before I go, I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy, hopeful and prosperous New Year!
I look forward to seeing you all in 2025!
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council.