Council leader's half-year report (From This Is Wiltshire)

COUNCIL leader Rod Bluh is to present his half-year update on the progress of the Conservative administration against its targets and priorities during the scrutiny committee tonight.

At the meeting, scheduled to be held at the Civic offices, in Euclid Street, at 6pm, the committee will be able to quiz Coun Bluh and decide whether any further action or changes to the overview and scrutiny work programmes are required as a result of the progress report.

Among the achievements in the area of economy and town centre, he will outline the railway station forecourt revamp, the start of construction work on phase one of the Union Square regeneration scheme, the demolition of the former Swindon College building, the launch of the super-fast broadband project, and Forward Swindon’s consultation on the town centre masterplan.

In the area of sports, leisure and cultural activities, Coun Bluh will highlight the Oasis leisure centre redevelopment, planned to include an indoor ski slope and live music venue, plus the events at Wharf Green associated with the Olympics, and record participation in the Swindon Half Marathon.

Coun Bluh’s report says the council has taken steps to change how services to protect the elderly, those with learning difficulties and vulnerable children are delivered so to manage the cost better However, it says there has been a national trend showing an increase in the number of children being taken into care, and this has caused severe budget pressures.

Officers have also launched a demand inquiry in caring services to find sustainable ways of delivering care before consumes the entire budget.

Coun Bluh will also outline other work in the last six months in the areas of balancing the books, the Stronger Together reorganisation, localities, and recycling.