Message from the Leader and Chief Executive

Hi everyone,

As this is the first day back since Christmas for many, we wanted to take this opportunity to wish all staff a very happy New Year.

We hope you were able to enjoy some time off with family and friends and are refreshed and ready for 2025.

Of course, many staff worked over the festive period to deliver frontline services and look after some of our most vulnerable residents.

We very much appreciate and value such dedication. Thank you. Diolch yn fawr.

As we settle back into work and look forward, one immediate priority will be setting the budget.

A public consultation on budget proposals will launch shortly, while these will also be considered by scrutiny committees before a final version is agreed at a meeting of Full Council in March.

We have spoken previously of the difficult financial situation the Council finds itself in as we battle rising costs and historic underfunding.

There are undoubtedly obstacles to overcome, and some tough decisions lie ahead.

But this Council has consistently risen to such challenges in the past and we have every confidence that will happen again.

The Draft Corporate Plan and Reshaping Programme offer real hope of a bright future, and we would again ask everyone to embrace those pieces of work.

Despite the difficulties, we can and will realise our ambition to be the best Council we can be, one that continues to serve its residents to the very best of its ability.

Project Zero will progress at pace as we look to become carbon neutral by 2030 and make the Vale a cleaner, greener place.

We will also continue supporting the residents that need us most by building more council housing and prioritising investment in Social Care and Education.

There are reasons to be optimistic and one factor that gives us huge confidence for the future is our staff.

You have proved time and again that with such commitment this Authority can achieve truly remarkable things.

So, welcome back and Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.

We hope you are as excited about the next 12 months as we are.

Kind regards,

Lis and Rob