The Prime Minister’s speech this week on ‘Fixing the Foundations’, alongside the previous announcement of the Government’s intention to end the universal winter fuel payments, is very worrying, as it points in only one direction, higher taxes. I am really concerned that increasing the tax burden on our residents will mean many more will struggle to get by this winter.
In the past the Council has been able to offer some measure of support for families struggling with the cost of living, however, the financial position of councils across the country is threatening this limited support. So far there has also been radio silence about how the Government is going to tackle local government finances.
Next Wednesday (4 September), our Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board will receive a report on our budget forecasts for the current financial year. This shows a sizeable budget deficit which will not be resolved without further government support.
On 7 August, I and my fellow leaders from the other metropolitan councils in the West Midlands wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister offering some constructive solutions to how the position of local government finances can be improved and requesting an urgent meeting. We have not received a response to that letter, but we are ready to (and need to) sit down and talk with the Deputy Prime Minister as soon as possible.
Partnership is a theme that runs through much of this week’s message and is key to successful delivery.
The recent HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme delivered in Kingshurst was a huge success and was all the better for having John Lewis Solihull and Kingshurst Parish Council providing funding support for a day of activities for local children and families, including a free lunch for every child.
I have mentioned HAF before but this particular event, involving our flagship retailer, and the local parish council is worthy of note. During the school holidays the HAF programme continues to support places for children, through more than local 35 providers across 42 locations, including opportunities for our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children.
Similarly, our partnership with the world-renowned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), focusing on cardiovascular disease, attracted a visit from the new Minister for Public Health, Andrew Gwynne MP on Tuesday. Cllr Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader, was on hand to explain the Council’s part in this innovative project which will see our biggest employer offer employees who are over 40 time off to take a simple health check. Employees’ blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels will be measured, alongside a discussion about lifestyle. If there are any red flags, the employee will be referred to their GP for further treatment.
This programme is part of our work on reducing cardiovascular disease, which includes a pilot we have launched at two GP surgeries in the north of the borough. The JLR programme will allow us to target a key “demographic” which is hard to engage – middle aged men, notorious for ignoring health concerns and not seeking help! As someone who has gone through cancer some years ago (when I was Mayor), I urge men and women, to take up any offer of a health check when it’s presented. Finding out about a health issue early is much more likely to lead to a better outcome.
Moving from health to energy efficiency, if you live in Lyndon or Olton you could be able to get free or subsidised home insulation to reduce your energy bills and household emissions. This offer is part of the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) a Government funded energy efficiency scheme which is being delivered in partnership with energy operator E.ON
Keep your eyes peeled for communications from the Council and E.ON, which will provide further information on how to take up the offer of a warmer home with reduced energy bills!
Customers are signing up for the Solihull town centre low carbon energy network, to benefit from cheap sustainable heat energy. The system will use air source heat pumps to generate energy at a centralised new energy centre, next to Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, and distributed to local buildings through a network of pipes and cables.
So far Solihull College & University Centre, Tudor Grange Academy, The Core Library and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre have signed up, but the expectation is that other town centre businesses will follow suit once this new innovative system begins delivering the benefits of low carbon heat.
Speaking of the town centre, it was good to see another new shop opening up in Touchwood offering all things for the cook and the kitchen. A big Solihull welcome to ProCook! I understand the new store will be a haven for foodies and keen cooks alike and even better will create up to ten new jobs.
And finally, to come back to health, the NHS is still putting a call out for blood donations, in particular all O type blood donors. If that’s you, do book a session. You can type your postcode into the blood donation website here Find a donation venue near you - NHS Give Blood , to find a local donation centre that is most convenient for you. You can book an appointment through the NHS website, get the GiveBloodNHS app or call 0300 123 23 23.
Have a great weekend everyone
Councillor Ian Courts