To say I’m delighted that our plans for a new leisure centre and swimming pool have taken a giant leap forward would probably be the understatement of the century!
Last week’s announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, that the government will be contributing £20 million towards the project was welcome news indeed.
I want to thank the Chancellor and our MP Andrew Pakes for his tireless work on this vital project over the last 18 months. This significant investment means we can now go full steam ahead with our plans and look to deliver a new facility as quickly as possible.
This is yet another example that this proactive Labour government is listening to us, willing to work with us and most importantly invest big money to generate better opportunities for everyone.
Going forwards, a consultation exercise will take place to help inform our detailed plans for the new pool. In the meantime, we want to hear your initial thoughts which we will include as part of our business case to government.
We’ll be running a series of social media polls where you can give us your views, so please look out for these.
The Chancellor also announced the autumn Budget last week, which included measures aimed at stabilising public finances and funding public services.
These include a rebalancing of the business rates system by introducing permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties. As a result, Business Rates will be reduced for 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, which I know is a welcome boost for many.
A High Value Council Tax Surcharge will also be introduced on owners of residential property in England worth £2 million or more, starting in 2028-29. Revenue will be used to support funding for local government services.
This is a positive budget and I commend the Chancellor for listening to communities across the country and taking action.
I was delighted and honoured to welcome the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to Welland Academy last week.
Sir Keir was visiting following the government’s free school meals expansion and we were joined by our Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, MPs Andrew
Pakes and Sam Carling as well as Cllr Katy Cole, our Cabinet Member for Children's Services.
It was a wonderful occasion, clearly demonstrating that this government is working alongside authorities like ours to give our children and families the best start in life.
I’d like to thank Sir Keir for making our children at the Welland Academy feel so valued. As one little girl who met him said, “this is the best day of my life!” - I will treasure that memory forever.
On the subject of improving outcomes for children, I am proud that our Labour led coalition is being recognised for our work in this area.
Ofsted inspectors are continuing to note the progress we are making to enhance our Children’s Services department which was rated as inadequate in 2023. During their latest monitoring visit in October, they stated that improvements are being made thanks to ‘strong, committed and highly ambitious’ council leaders.
It was also nice to read their comments that Cllr Katy Cole and I are committed to strengthening partnership working to ensure that services for young people improve their experiences. And we will continue to work on this.
And finally, I continue to be approached by residents regarding ex-Conservative Councillor Rylan Ray’s arrest last week and the horrific allegations he is accused of. I cannot avoid this subject consciously as Leader of Peterborough City Council.
Whilst he is on remand awaiting trial, I question his ability to carry out his councillor duties from prison and therefore strongly call on him to reconsider his position and resign. I will be raising questions with the Conservatives on this issue.