Swindon Conservative Councillors Report - June 1st

Cllr Mike Bawden, Leader of the Conservative Councillor's Group
with St. Philips Conservative Councillor Debbie Baylies

Conservative gains at the Local Elections on May 1st bring the number of Conservative councillors to 29. We are now the largest group on the Council, and as you will know, have formed the administration, to tackle the extraordinary failures left to us from 25 years of Labour in Swindon. I would like to use this opportunity to explain our priorities for the coming year.

As Leader of the Conservative Group, and a councillor in Swindon since 1967, I know that Conservative councillors, working all year round, make a real difference, as a strong voice for our local areas.I would like to say first, how delighted and excited I am to have four councillors under 27 years old on my team. They are committed and intelligent young people, and keen to work hard in their wards. It is essential for local democracy that we engage the young people in Swindon. And of course, our new councillors have access to a wealth of experience on the council. Conservative councillors have managerial and financial experience, and determination to tackle the councils problems, and to deliver a fair budget, with improved public services.

The Labour Councils OFSTED failure was unacceptable, as was the disgraceful Social Services report. The Conservatives intend to tackle these failures full on. Not only does our Cabinet have Lead Members for Education (Councillor Garry Perkins) and Social Services (Councillor Jemima Milton), both of whom are experienced in these areas, and committed to deliver improvements, but I have also instituted a new Cabinet position of Lead Member for Corporate Recovery and Service Delivery (Councillor Nick Martin). Councillor Martin has been given the job of overseeing the implementation of the Improvement Plan, and driving all departments to improve public services, and to deliver them at best value. We are determined that residents of Swindon will not be ripped off any longer.

Out canvassing before the local elections, I was struck by how many residents of Swindon expressed their concern about vandalism and anti social behaviour in their area. I have therefore appointed Councillor Brian Ford, who currently serves on the Police Authority, to the role of Champion for Community Safety. This has brought the areas of drug and alcohol abuse, crime and disorder and youth offending, all under one hat, and Brian will work with the police and officers to tackle this increasing problem in Swindon, as a matter of urgency.

We are starting work immediately on our Budget for 04/05, and will enter into discussions with the Government as soon as possible so that we can have a clear idea of how much Swindon might receive in the Government grant. This grant has been cut by 5% since Labour came to power in 1997, which equates to an extra £9million in the council tax. Our Budget consultations will be broad, and this year will include the business community in Swindon, whose voice has not been heard enough.

I have also arranged monthly public meetings, to cover all areas of the councils work, starting on Monday 30th June from 6.00 to 7.00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. This meeting will focus on council housing, and our Lead Member, Cllr Andy Albinson, will be joining me to answer questions. There will also be a general question session at the start of the meeting. I am absolutely determined to ensure that the decision making process is open and transparent, and we will listen to your concerns. That is the only way to build trust in the Council, that has been broken by the Labour administration.

Get involved. Come to the public meetings. Let us know your views. Conservative councillors are determined to deliver improvements, and under our administration, the residents of Swindon come first.

 Councillor Mike Bawden