Sunshine and showers

Well it must be about eleven weeks since we formed the new administration of the council. It's been one heck of a learning curve and I would describe it very much as sunshine and showers; no one enters into politics to close public services, well no Labour member does. What makes us strong is what also others perceive as weakness. We are a broad church of beliefs, from those in the old school leftist mold to those more like Blair Babes. The trick is allowing everyone to feel as though they have had an input into the decisions made.

My team of Councillors, Furnell (Millbrook), Whitbread (Redbridge) and Jeffery (Sholing) all contribute to the development of policy across my £66 million portfolio. Whether its Dave examining Biomass or our pitiful recycling rates; Lee looking at road signs and visits to our sites or Dan getting to grips with the perilous state of bus services across the city - we are a team. I couldn't be cabinet member for environment and transport without my family's support, the support of professional officers or the support of my team of councillors. Thank you to all.

So, whilst the politicians at Westminster might be thinking of their holidays, I am still #workinghard4U.

Monday took in a meeting of the team of officers and policy team of Councillors to discuss progress on our transition plan. I am confident that you will start to see change in our city over the coming weeks and months; it might be the building of new homes and businesses, roadsigns telling you if works were completed early or not, or even new kerbside recycling opportunities. Its not long until our first 100 days in office!

Tuesday saw me meet with officers of our Trading Standards team. These guys and girls are at the forfront of Fairness in our city. I was bowled over by their attitude to put the bad guys out of business by whatever (legal) means they could. AND I couldn't agree more. We are about fairness and those trying to rip off or endanger our city should take note. Additionally a great result in putting away a loan shark - £62,000 to be recovered through the proceeds of crime act.

Also of note on Tuesday was the work of officers and Councillors in debating the Biomass application. Suffice to say that Helius went away with their tail between their legs and a flea in their ear. A constituent did write to me and ask why I hadn't been present at the meeting - sadly, I couldnt get the time off work, but I was pleased to see that some of my influence had been exerted at the meeting. Just because you cant see something working in broad daylight doesn't mean that it isnt working.

Yellow office. Yellow shirt.

Must be the leader of the Lib Dems!



On Wednesday, my highlight was talking to the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group in Southampton, Councillor Vinson. It was good to draw on his emence experience as both a former E&T man and as leader of the council. Our discussion on the work of the port was most interesting, especially the section on the work of the ports health teams. It is good to know that we can work cross party without politics getting in the way.

Thursday saw a very positive meeting with our partners at the University of Southampton. Namely they were after support to improve the quality of foot and bicycle pathways in the city. After a very thorough presentation and question and answer session, I was pleased to support this multi-agency work. Its about time we sorted out security issues around Lovers Walk and got some propoer footpaths installed. It'll be a long process, but better to start late than never!

Friday saw me attend a conference hosted by IBM at their laboratories in Hursley. A truly wonderous setting and very impressive - albeit that even IBM couldnt get the tech to work propoerly on one of their powerpoint presentations! The Leader was also in attendance and gave an inspiring presentation on developing the green economy within Southampton - real formed ideas with a realistic plan behind it. Roll on municipalisation of our growth! More anon and in plainer english. My only complaint being that as Richard had to rush to another meeting I had to deputise during the question time session - sharing a platform with the Leader of Portsmouth City Council and two other chaps from IBM who each had TWO doctorates each. ha ha. You have to laugh as I was thrown in at the deep end. Sink or swim - and happy to say that I managed not to embarass myself infront of 100 very important peeps.

A very readable update on the cruise wars!?!

Did they mean shirk?

Last but not least, one of the meetings I will be looking forward to next week has been on the horizon for some time. It is the first meeting of Southampton's Bus Task Force to be chaired by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport. Now, lets have some serious conversations with our bus partners.

Have to go - the washing is out and its just started raining again. I'll never get the grass cut at this rate!

Road safety & Biomass

How has your week been? Mine hasn't been too bad at all. Dominating my political world has been the issues of Biomass and Road Safety. In a break from tradition this week I have decided to let you read both of my responses to recent events - both submitted to the Daily Echo...

Road Safety

I came into politics to make my community a better place and make my city the premier place to be that it deserves. On the back of considerable hard work and support from colleagues, friends and family, I know find myself in charge of a £66million department covering everything from highways to waste collection to crematoria.

And so when a Government report examines our services and it comes up short, the Council will take the necessary action required. The recent examination of children’s safeguarding in the city is a clear example where new political focus is desperately needed. I am more than happy to investigate where our services fall short and mitigate those causes as much as is practicable.

Our city was recently criticised on its road safety record by the Transport Select Committee.  Criticised for a 17% improvement in road safety. Now I like statistics as much as the next person, but context is vitally important. If we were not moving forward or even declining, then I would not be writing this letter. I like you would be demanding to know why our city was failing. 

However, with the Olympics upon us, the example I would give is that of world class runner Usain Bolt.  His speed now is not much better than it was 4 years ago at Beijing. Probably much less than 17% better. Meanwhile other across the world sprinters have improved a great deal. By the same process in which our city has been judged, that would make Usain Bolt is one of the worst performing sprinters at the Games!

We can all be grateful that since the 1970’s we have seen a marked and constant reduction in the numbers of fatalities on the roads of Southampton. Road safety schemes have played their part alongside other factors such as lower levels of drink-driving and vast improvements to the vehicle design. Southampton was one of the first councils to use data-led intelligence to address casualties. This meant a high level of reduction in the first few years, particularly by improving junctions and areas where there was an identifiable casualty issue. Now those sorts of remedies are getting harder to come by. In the main, we are now dealing with road user behaviour which is much harder to address.

The real message is not about league tables or statistics. It is that with each life lost, each person seriously injured, any accident on our roads and pavements leaves behind a number of scars across the lives of loved ones. It is the responsibility of your council to work with partners to keep you safe. But, you and I as individuals have a most important part to play in road safety too.


Biomass

It seems like such a long time ago making my first public speech to the assembled residents on the issue of a biomass power station. Two things struck me on that evening at Freemantle School; it heralded a convergence of political views against Helius proposals and local people felt angry enough to take a stand against what they thought was wrong.

The first round of consultation saw Helius torn apart during their attempts at “consultation”. They discovered individuals working together making a real difference. And so to round two, with a shiny new PR machine in tow. Still the same issues permeate; still too close, still too big, still not green and still not wanted!

Councillors working in the background, through a change of administration, continue to support the community. There is now talk of No Southampton Biomass becoming a formalised group with elected members and a bank account to build a fighting fund. A fantastic step in the right direction and something I would very much encourage.

As a local Millbrook Councillor I will continue to support my community through this difficult time. As Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport I promise council expertise available to anyone who wishes to respond to the consultation and beyond. At this stage it is not a legal battle; we have nationally recognised planning expertise within the Council and it is this expertise which will prove invaluable over the next few months. We need the community and officers to work closely to defend their city. Something which for a variety of reasons hasn’t happened to date.

It is disappointing that the Government has rejected the practical option of holding the preferendum on the same day as the Police and Crime Commissioner elections. We would have to employ our own poll clerks and have our own polling stations. I am hopeful that common sense prevails and the Minister concerned does the right thing.

We want to put Southampton back on the map for leading innovation, not building an eyesore in the heart of our city. I challenge Eric Pickles and Ed Davey, the Ministers who will ultimately make the decision; What will they decide if the good people of Millbrook and Freemantle say no to Government interference? No to a huge biomass power station? But yes to local decision making…

Meeting the Olympic Flame at Southampton Airport,

with my brother Stuart

And last but not least, if you have an android samrt phone, please check out a new app which has been worked up. SCC Reminder is a new direction for the council and something which I heartily recommend you try. As well as news releases, it will also remind you when and which bins are going to be collected. I've downloaded it and would encourage you to do the same. AND please give use some feedback on it!

P.s. Out and about in Maybush yesterday - was told to Shhhhh after I mentioned the glorious weather - didn't want to scare it away!

Quite a busy week

Sometimes people say that politicians don't work hard enough. And I know it’s not very British of someone to blow their own trumpet, so it’s a fine line to say that this week has seen a considerable number of hours put into being your representative to the best of my ability. Also it would be remiss of me not to say hello to all those opposition parties who also now read my blog! Hello Jezza, Stevie G and Stevie P.

Monday saw me meet with the Southampton Action for Access group. Their aim is to make our city more accessible for those with reduced mobility. I was pleased to say that their secretary was pushing against an open door when I told him that the critical friend work which his organisation undertakes would costs thousands of pounds for consultants to undertaken. Happy to try and get issues sorted, especially if their common sense.

The way we run our portfolios at the Council is to have a Cabinet member and a policy team. Councillors Furnell, Jeffrey and Whitbread keep me in line and let me know when I should step away from my more radical ideas and when I need to step up my game to stop becoming beige. The challenge is to not become captured by routine and to keep challenging the status quo.

A shot from our Group meeting

Didnt have time to go home on Monday as we went straight into a Labour Group meeting. The short of it was that a. I got home at twenty to eleven and b. We were all discusted with whichever coward let down the workers and families of Oaklands. You shouldn't hear that your job is at risk from the radio or local rag. I know the pain and humiliation of being told you're no longer wanted by your employer. That feeling is still very raw.

On Tuesday I met with a representative of the Bedford Place Traders Association. We discussed my predecessors idea of having 10 minutes free parking in the area. Interesting way of implementing the policy - apparently only for on street parking officers now wait ten minutes before giving you a ticket, rather than five. Not exactly ten minutes leisurely shopping. As you know, I am leading a review of car parking, both residential and commercial - and I hope we can be more formal yet more innovative in our policy - interestingly a policy which has not been updated since 2008.

Also in the news this week was the state of the Roadworks on Millbrook Road. Suffice to say that when I drove on the Road and saw that two lanes of traffic were closed, heading out of the city, when the work needing that closure had been completed – a robust case was put forward to the contractors...

This was my second apology of the week on the subject: "There's no easy way of saying this, but these works were always going to cause delays for motorists. Road safety is our main concern and we had a window of opportunity to replace the crash barriers. This work needed doing and doing urgently before someone got seriously hurt. I apologise again for the delays caused and thank motorists for their patience over the last week.”

Set out below is a response from a member of the public on the Daily Echo website on the subject. Classic. “Do you know what... Some people are never happy!!! I bet if the road works had finished late people would be on here moaning about that too. At least this politician has admitted the work needed doing, apologised for it taking place and then told the people of Southampton they finished early!”

Just some of our vehicles out the back of the City depot

Wednesday was a busy day. To Dock Gate 20 Depot at just gone six in the morning to talk to our Bin Men. For those who think that we were behind the strikes last summer, then I would ask that you speak to a crowded room of burly blokes. The room was tense and you could quite rightly feel the anger in the room. The welcome was robust. However, I think that it was to be expected and it could've been a lot worse. At least I have the minerals to go to the depot and speak to the men. We discussed pensions, parking and remuneration. With the support of our Union colleagues, I am hopeful that we can move forward, together on all three.

A seret room in the depot. Don't touch the red button...

Just a quick shoutout for an App which has quietly been launched - SCC Reminder - its a trial app for your Smartphone. It sends bin reminders and other news which comes from my portfolio. It’s about time we joined the 21st century. My feeling is better to have tried and failed that to have never tried at all.

Full Council was a trying meeting, but actually the Labour Group put in a great performance. Sadly, because of the new roles which all sides find themselves on, it is very punch and judy in the main. And happy to say that if the opposition can't put a proper question together, then it gets treated with the contempt with which it was created. As such I don't think the other side like my exacting answers to the specific questions they ask. Hey ho. As long as people in Millbrook still like me!

There were some excellent maiden speeches including new Shirley Councillor Mark Challoner putting a very senior Conservative in his place over the concept of justice; and a heartfelt sadness shown by new Coxford Councillor Sally Spicer over the Oakland’s Pool. On that subject, I didn’t become involved in politics to close services and offer people a worse lot in life. This is where we find ourselves. We don't think that this is the only option and I will explore all alternatives to see what can be done. Suffice to say that years of neglect have taken their toll and we cannot continue to lose money at the rate we have been.

Biomass was also on the cards at the meeting. I am proud to say that Millbrook Councillor, Dave Furnell’s motion was eventually supported by the whole council. I look forward to having a preferendum in both Freemantle and Millbrook. However, as the Government is saying that we can't piggyback on the back of staff during the police election in November, the cost would rise from £5k to £45k. So much for making localism work. I can only hope our Leaders discussion with the Minister concerned goes well. Same old Tories though - say one thing and in reality...

On the way home, myself and Dave dropped into the Maybush Triangle Residents Association. Great to see so many residents taking a stand on local issues. And I hope to be able to help them in the near future on some of their important concerns.

Suffice to say that it was another long day where I didn’t get to see my daughter awake. But then this is the job I signed up for?

 How did this find its way into our room? tee hee.

Friday was spent catching up with the rest of my Cabinet colleagues; reflecting on the past week and looking ahead to some of the challenges facing us in closing a reoccurring £25 million funding gap. One of my more interesting ideas is to charge Councillors for their parking. Currently our staff have to pay to do their job. Councillors do not. Fair? So I'm exploring the idea. It's early days, will ruffle quite a few feathers, but is the kind of thinking that needs to permeate councillors and officers alike.

Its all about perception

Morning campers! Another great British summer...at least they've got a roof on Wimbledon at last. Usually one to stick my neck out - but don't ask me to predict the Murray final.

Its been a week of headlines in our local rag; but then I suppose its not surprising that the headlines are less than favourable; A. the first cabinet not to have a biography story in the paper,  B. Its been suggested that the former leader and editor met weekly for "luncheon", and C. I would'nt expect many favourable headlines given the fact that members of Southampton labour have sued the paper on 4 separate occaisions. How to make friends and influence people, eh?

On a personal note, I understand that some readers of the blog are perhaps looking into it a little bit too much at times. I've always said that I'll be honest with you - but sometimes the written word doesnt do a subject justice. if there are any issues which you'd like to raise, please feel free to email me or phone me. I'm not going to bite anyones head off. Politics is two way, and if I've got something wrong or a sentence is written a bit too open ended, I'm always happy to provide clarity.

The sad situation with the proposed closure of Oaklands Pool. What can I say other than I wish we were not being put in this position. With a huge subsidy required every year the financial challenge is huge; currently estimated at £10 per swim. I understand why our local Coxford councillors are upset - but I do find it sad that the opposition find the need to make this issue a political football. After years of neglect and cutting of maintenance, it doesnt surprise me that we are where we are. They had the chance to "save" the pool when they outsourced most of our citys leisure facilities - they chose not to outsource it, but rather spend money getting other assets up to spec before handing them over. Its the staff who I feel sorry for; but at least its not P45 time yet. These are proposals, and we will work with Unions and other parties if they have any kind of alternative available - additionally it will allow for staff to retrain through our Solent Redeployment model. The easy choices have been taken.

The Millbrook Road has been another topic of conversation this week. The approach I took was that there were a number of lessons which needed to be learned from the Council and its contractors. I, like you, was very disappointed to be sat in traffic for a considerable amount of time some time before rush hour. It was disappointing that I couldnt see any contractors about either - I know they were waiting for concrete to set, but you can appreciate that on a drive home of 40 minutes, the perception of not seeing any workmen knocking about was disappointing. Again, this was another issue that could have been dealt with some months ago - but then all of the easy decsisions have been taken. There are going to be more tough choices for us as a council to make and us as reisdents and workers of Southampton to suffer. But I will be honest and open with you. Also, what I hope was refreshing was that I came out very early and apologised for the hassle the works caused. It should've been handled better by your council.

Lucky old cruise ship getting a great view of scrap heaps, salt mountains, pylons

 - and thats before Helius has their say 

I also attended the Biomass demonstration this week. A good turnout with representation from numerous Labour Councillors and even a Conservative Councillor and candidate too! I thought it best to take a back seat at the event and only really speak until spoken too. Wouldnt want to be accused again of politising this exceptionally political issue. Suffice to say that I was really pleased that the news came out that Councillor Dave Furnell was proposing a public vote to be trialled in the two wards most affected by the proposals. I know that the powerstation will affect many more people, but at this stage we want to trial it - the first referendum in the country held under the new localism act and a real challenge to how seriously the Coalition will take local choice. But jumping the gun, lets see if Councillor Furnells proposal passes AND what the good people of Millbrook and Freemantle vote for.

We're not going to get everything right, but we will listen to what you the people have to say. Rather than just playing silly buggers and slinging mud or calling names, come and talk to us - work with us - the door is open and we're ready to listen.

Profiteroles - get me!

Saturday was my fifth wedding anniversary. It was a great day. Not surprised that it rained, as its rained every anniversary since we were married! But the old addage is true; it really does go by in the blink of an eye.

£67,000 a day?

Well what a busy 7 days it has been since I last wrote to you. As usual, I will do me best to let you know what I've been getting up to as your elected representative and whats been going on in my life. I think it's important that the human side of politics comes across, not just what goes on leaflets or is written in the press.

Monday was a very busy day indeed, and as they say no rest for the wicked. First day back in the swing of things and the work had built up considerably. It's difficult starting to work with a new set of people and they don't always fully understand what you're after. But its probably more my fault than theirs if instructions arent carried out to the letter - therefore all of the important meetings I wanted to get sorted for the end of the week had not taken place. Hey ho! Its a steep learning curve.

First meeting of the week was a briefing from the Helius Team and their Chief Executive. I was pleased that the Leader was taking such a serious view of the planned powerstation by calling in Helius. In fact It was mentioned in his first editorial of cityview. Suffice to say that they trotted out the usual claptrap, and I think that Paul Brighton was very surprised to see that annoying Millbrook Councillor as a cabinet member. Remember my question Mr Brighton, from all those months ago? "how would you like to live here? next to the powerstation?" - I remember your answer - "You can't ask me that. It's not fair". Well after the Helius meeting, my views have not changed and I would go so far as to suggest the Leaders views have further hardened. Its good to have a major environmental expert as your Leader sometimes!

Later that afternoonwe went through the circus of an extraordinary council meeting. The Tories had called it in an attempt to remove Richard from the leadership of the council. My take is that it was rather much more an attempt of grandstanding in front of the media. The route which officers of the council had advised was to take matters of impropriety through the standards and governance committee and they should know as we are doing this to one of their frontbenchers currently. However, they would much rather waste taxpayers money by bringing a motio to council in a special meeting that they called; a motion which they had no hope of winning on maths alone. The majority of our members spoke of their confidence in Richard - as per the question posed in the motion - bar those of us who hurriedly return back to Council shorlty after or even during holidays! - whilst on the opposition benches, the same old faces trotted out the same old lines...at least the backbenches didnt fall asleep this time.

Tuesday was spent with officers who supervise the contracts we have with some major companies. Those who fix our roards, build our roads and highways and those who replace lighting across our city. It was really beneficial to meet the officers who make the "assets sweat" and get "every penny out of our partners". Refreshing to see that even though we may have private sector partners, that the public sector ethos is still alive and well in those who hold these companies to account. Additionally after some investigation and negotiation, it looks as though I may be able to find some additional funds for roads and pavements on a locally chosen basis - but things are very embrionic - so no further details yet!

Out door knocking with Councillor Furnell -

a keen supporter of playgrounds!

Wednesday was my first Cabinet Members briefing - a chance for officers to update on what is going on - what I have tasked of them and what some of the issues of the time are. Hopefully I did not embarass myself, and gave a good account on your behalf. Affter the meeting I also took time to write to some of the "doers" of the work and thanked them for their hard work - they seemed surprised that a politician would do this, but I think its important to do so. My favourite issue for decision was wether I wanted to stop the skateboarders from using Guildhall Square! How rediculous I thought. It was one of the great things about the square in that it was actually being used!

Straight after my briefing, came the first meeting of my policy working group. The first focus being a review of recycling across the city. I hope to be able to share with you plans for change in the coming weeks and months, but suffice to say that I am not letting the grass grow under my feet.

First talking and nodding appearance on South Today -

talking about the officers success in winning a government bid

During the meeting we also recieved the good news that a collaborative transport bid we had made with Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council had been successful to the tune of £17.9 million. Brilliant work by the officers. Cue me being wheeled out to the media, including a short segment on South Today. The moeny will be put to good use on buses, improving cycling, the northern part of the station and a new oyster style card to allow single ticket purchases across a range of transport modes and companies. Long overdue!

Late Friday afternoon get together, with Jacqui, Richard, Simon and John

The remainder of the weeks highlights included £0.5 million in unspent money from developers found - and a quick turnaround needed on spending it otherwise it would go back to the private companys (tut tut); meeting with Alan Whitehead and Councillor Pope to discuss the plans for the proposed new Lidl distribution warehouse; signing of a community covenant with our Armed Forces (posing for photos with my Armed Forces Dayflag); out with Team Millbrook doorknocking in Maybush yesterday; AND our cabinet get togethers that we have every friday afternoon - the chance to catch up with Richard, Jacqui, Simon, John, Matt, Sarah and Warwick. Just to dispell some myths on lazy councillors, we didnt get out of the civic centre until gone 7pm...happy weekend, eh?

And on the other side of the room, Matt and Warwick

The news that will be coming out shortly...in the time we have been in office, around 45 days to Friday, we have reduced the funding gap by £3million. This is based on new decisions that we have taken or now propose to take. We have declared war on Tory excess, removing for example a number of rooms which were set aside for opposition councillors; and a review of councillors parking is underway. Details will also emerge of much more difficult decisions that we will propose to take. We are in the position of poor relations with our staff and unions; funding blackholes on Tory projects; and all of the easy decisions already taken. BUT £3million in 45 days, that works out an average of just under £67,000 of new savings, saved per day.

Still working hard for you.