Yesterday (Thursday) was A-Level results day, and I’d like to congratulate the young people across Solihull who saw their hard work rewarded. I have seen criticism of Gen-Z in various sections of the media, but from my experience they often show great dedication and determination. I celebrate that and want to recognise all that this years’ cohort have achieved during their time at school. Not everyone gets the grades they hoped for, but be assured that, however things worked out this week, there is a place for you to thrive in this world - even if it takes a little more time than you were hoping. Exams are not a perfect measure of capabilities, and we want to maximise everyone’s potential, regardless of how they felt when they received their results.
Many will now be certain of which university they will be heading off to next month. It is a wonderful, momentous time not just for the student but for their whole family, I wish them all well. With many young people starting further education, the question of university funding has come to the fore in my thinking. We need to invest more in our young people, and, as part of that, I believe government needs to consider the whole issue of student debt.
I am concerned that we have created a situation where people are put off studying subjects that will see them into good careers, contributing enormously to our society in so many ways, by the prospect of tens of thousands of pounds of debt. I would like to see considerably closer links between industry and our academic institutions as part of a solution to this issue. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but the further we go down the current path the harder it will be to resolve.
There was another reason to celebrate last week as Solihull was awarded ‘Tree City of the World’ status for a third year. We’re one of only 26 places in the UK to hold this accolade, which recognises the commitment we have demonstrated to sustainably managing our urban forests. I’m very pleased we were successful again this year, it is a just reward for an awful lot of hard work and planning over the years. Our dedication to trees extends beyond our urban areas of course, as we’ve been delivering the ‘Planting our Future’ campaign since 2020, which will see 250,000 trees planted in Solihull by 2030.
Yet more local success to highlight – the West Midlands was the third most productive region for Team GB medals at the Paris games. Coming in behind only London and the South East, 14 people will be returning to our region bearing Gold, Silver, or Bronze to put us just ahead of the whole of Scotland as an athletic force. Maybe we should start an independence movement too?!
If the Olympics has inspired you to be a little more active, take a look at our Solihull on the Move initiative, which encourages us all to get moving. There are clubs and activities you can join and take part in, to get into exercise in a way that gives you the greatest benefit to your health and wellbeing.
Recruitment of permanent social work posts continues to be an issue not just in Solihull but across nearly all local authorities. I have called for a regional focus, as it is not sustainable for councils to compete for a dwindling pool of social workers willing to work on a permanent basis. We, and other councils, rely heavily on agency workers as a result, and whilst they do an excellent job, it is an expensive alternative. I hope we see collaboration replace competition across the region and we can work together for mutual benefit.
The Fairtrade Trail returns to Solihull town centre on Monday (19 August), it will see colourful artwork by school pupils displayed in shops across Solihull town centre for five weeks. This year, the trail celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Fairtrade Mark in the UK. There’s a quiz for children and families to take part in as they wind their way around the Trail, if you’re in town over the next month why not give it a go?
The council has joined forces with Love to Ride to launch Cycle September Solihull. Whether you’ve still got the stabilisers on or you’re the Strava King or Queen of the Mountain on Meriden Hill, the scheme helps you track rides and monitor your progress to help you be active and travel in a planet friendly way.
If you’ve not done so already, you’ve got until Thursday 22 August to return your Annual Canvass digitally, to help us keep the electoral register up to date. If you’ve previously registered an email address with the council and haven’t seen an email yet, please check your spam folder for a message from Electoral Services at Solihull Council.
It may be noticeable that I’ve deliberately turned the page from the discord of last week, my thanks to everyone who participated in efforts to de-escalate the situation. In Solihull we’re all united. If you’ve not already seen it, I’d encourage you to read the Mayor’s message of hope and unity.
Thanks, have a great weekend.
Councillor Ian Courts.