Since becoming council leader last May I’ve never shied away from the fact that our administration will have to make some big and difficult decisions going forwards.
Those decisions are not just about how we achieve financial sustainability, which of course is a top priority, but also how we develop and transform our services, so they best meet the needs of our residents and our growing city.
One such big decision will be debated on Tuesday, when cabinet members will be asked to consider insourcing services including recycling and waste collections and street cleansing from Peterborough Limited (P-Ltd).
It’s the latest in a line of recommendations to bring services back in house as a result of an ongoing review of the council’s contracts and companies to ensure services are being delivered in the most efficient and effective way.
For those who don’t know, P-Ltd is a limited company wholly owned by the council which we commission to provide services including recycling and waste collections, street cleansing, parks and open spaces and home to school transport. These services are provided under the Aragon Direct Services brand.
It also runs leisure and culture services including the operation of various leisure facilities, libraries and archive services, Flag Fen and Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery. These services are all provided under Peterborough Culture, Heritage, Learning and Leisure Ltd (PCHLL).
The council is now proposing to bring back in house the services which fall under the Aragon banner, and we intend to continue delivering leisure, library and heritage services via PCHLL, with a dedicated, specialist management team in place.
P-Ltd provides some of our most public facing services which touch the lives of everyone in the city. We want to have more control over how these services are provided as well as the ability to look at how they can be delivered more efficiently given our financial position. For example, we want to look at how we can streamline some of the services Aragon provides with those delivered directly by the council, to make sure our residents get the best possible service.
No decision has been made yet, but this is something I have wanted to happen for some time. Everything has a shelf life, and the world is a different place to what it was five years ago, and it is our job to adapt to the changes and look at ways to develop our services.
If councillors agree to the recommendations, the council will serve 12 months' notice on the contract with P-Ltd, however we will work with the P-Ltd Board to try and bring the transfer of some, or all of the services forward to an earlier date.
For residents, like you and me, there should be no difference to the services you receive. The same great staff will still be providing vital services that keep the city green, clean and moving, albeit as a council staff member.
I'm delighted that the sun has made an appearance this week, helping everyone to feel a little more spring-like! The better weather has also come at a good time because there is plenty happening this weekend.
Saturday marks International Women's Day and there are several events taking place in Peterborough to celebrate it.
These include a day of celebrations at Queensgate Shopping Centre from 12pm featuring a catwalk, goodie bags and more. The Cathedral is also holding special tours from 11am with a particular focus on the stories of remarkable women associated with the historic venue.
I would encourage everyone to get involved and celebrate this worthwhile event. We will also be sharing some supportive videos on our social media accounts, so look out for these too.
Also taking place on Saturday is the launch of an innovative healthy lifestyle challenge in Peterborough.
‘Spring into Action’ takes place at Central Park on Saturday from 10am until 3pm and is being held to mark the launch of Street Tag in Peterborough, a healthy lifestyle app that promotes and enhances community-wide participation in physical activities. There will also be several health-themed games and activities, find out more here: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/news/residents-invited-to-spring-into-action
In addition, the Longest Yarn exhibition, an 80-metre-long portrayal of D-Day through the art of knitting and crochet, is now open at Peterborough Cathedral. The event brings to life the pivotal moments of D-Day, skilfully depicted through knitting and crochet. Could this be our very own Bayeux tapestry? Nevertheless, it will be well worth a visit if you get chance between now and the end of the month.
Finally, Sunday is the Day of Reflection across the UK for the Covid-19 pandemic. It is an opportunity to come together to not only remember those who lost their lives since the pandemic began but also to honour the tireless work and acts of kindness shown during this unprecedented time.
It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since the start of the pandemic. Time really does fly and we must never forget the fantastic efforts of everyone across the city during that time. Sunday is recognition of that and a poignant chance to remember those who lost their lives. There are several ways you can show your support visit https://dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/ for more details.