Swansea
Leader
inside
Newspaper of the City and County of Swansea
Issue 94
November 2014
Panto time
City centre
Top form
Snow White’s classic adventure
Investment in bright ideas on the horizon
How pupils make most of school life
page 3
page 6
page 7
RESIDENTS will have the chance to have their say on the future of their council services over the coming weeks. Drop-in sessions, online activities and meetings with local groups and organisations are all on the agenda as the council continues the conversation about sustainable services which are fit for the future. And thousands of booklets are also being distributed to community centres, libraries, district housing offices and other public buildings so local people can find out more about Sustainable Swansea – Fit for the Future, the council’s programme for managing more than £70m of budget reductions and significant service changes over the coming years. People will be able to gain an insight into the challenges facing the council as well as have the chance to offer feedback and ideas on what they can do to help. Dean Taylor, Corporate
info
Join debate on future of our city How you can join the debate: • Pick up a booklet from your local library, leisure centre or community centre • Go online at www.swansea.gov.uk/sustainableswansea • Follow us on twitter @swanseacouncil #sustainablecity or @cyngorabertawe #sustainablecity • Follow us on facebook
Services Director, said: “Like every council in Wales, Swansea is facing significant reductions in funding from the Welsh Government. “But it’s not just about budget reductions. Even if the council did not have to face up to this financial reality, we would still need to be looking at what we do in the future because of rising demand in areas such as care for older people, as well as the need to change the way some services are delivered.” He said encouraging local people to continue the conversation about Sustainable Swansea was vital because discussions need to take place about what residents and communities can do for themselves in the years ahead
instead of or alongside the council. He said: “What we as residents, as communities and as a council need to do is build on these kind of success stories. We need to reduce demand for services, do things differently and – if there’s a case for it – stop services where they’re no longer needed. Over the coming weeks it’s that kind of conversation we need to have so that the council can listen to residents, communities and groups to see what they will do for themselves. We’ll consider the feedback and make decisions but not until residents have had their say.” • Find out more about Sustainable Swansea - Fit for the Future on page 4.
• SOUNDS GREAT: Tom Leckie gets noticed thanks to High 5 Picture by Jason Rogers
Tom’s big break ASPIRING DJ and High 5 Awards winner Tom Leckie is on top of the world after landing a spot at a city night club. Tom was one of the winners at the councilsupported High 5 Awards and his prize was a DJ spot at the Monkey Bar. He said: “The High 5 Awards are absolutely brilliant. I could not believe I won
but best of all was the great prize, the chance to DJ at the Monkey Bar. It was a complete surpise. It is really hard to get your first break and High 5 has opened that door for me. I am so excited.” Find out more on page 5 about the young people who were recognised for their commitment to their communities.
PLUS: Your handy guide to recycling this Christmas - see centre pages