After a year as Cabinet Member for
Children and Families, I have been
given joint responsibility for
Community Services.
I have been appointed Joint Cabinet
Member for Adult and Community
Services, working closely with John
Thomson, the new Deputy Leader of the
Council. Together with John, I am
responsible for services to older
people, people with physical and
sensory disabilities, and those with
learning disabilities; the promotion of
good mental health; community planning
and libraries.
I have very much enjoyed my role as
Cabinet Member for Children and
Families over the past year, and am
confident that I have put in place a
focus on prevention and early
intervention, which will benefit
children and young people for years to
come.
Children and families are still
very close to my heart and I will
continue, both locally and nationally,
to champion the vital role of parents.
I am confident that my successor, Mrs
Bridget Wayman, from Mere, will carry
on the good work I have begun.
My new role brings many challenges,
with local Primary Care Trusts focussed
on balancing their budgets, an ageing
population and an increase in the
number of people with severe
disabilities. I am looking forward to
these challenges and to an exciting
year ahead…