Introduction by Councillor Peter Jones, Leader of the Council
Introduction
It gives me great pleasure to present East Sussex County Council’s Plan for 2006/07. It shows how well we have performed over the past year (including being shortlisted nationally for ‘Best Achieving Council’) and how we plan to deliver even more improvements over the coming year.
Pride of Place
Our commitment is to be a modern, efficient, accountable authority leading work with partners to deliver to all our customers and communities:
- increased prosperity and security for East Sussex
- affordable, quality core services at lowest possible council tax
We will make a positive difference to local people’s lives by making best use of resources, being clear about the choices involved and encouraging local communities to thrive.
Modern, efficient and accountable
This Plan sets out how we are raising the performance and profile of East Sussex County Council from being a sound, traditional authority to a modern, efficient one; recognised by independent assessors and the public alike for innovation and consistency in delivering top quality public services.
As a public body we are committed to the principles of good corporate governance. Openness, inclusiveness, integrity and accountability are at the very heart of the way councillors and officers operate at East Sussex and are fundamental to our role in providing vision and leadership for the wider community which we serve.
Best use of resources
The Council’s achievements in providing good value for money for Council Tax payers has been recognised by the independent watchdog, the Audit Commission.
This year’s Plan represents the start of a four year programme aimed at steadily reducing increases in council tax whilst enabling us to deliver our ambitious plans for the future. In the last four years we have already delivered £42 million of efficiency savings but the need to seek ever greater productivity is part of the Council’s culture and we will continue to strive for opportunities to provide better value for local people.
Being clear about choices
To date we have ensured success by being clear about our priorities and long term direction. This has meant making some tough choices, but we have focused on our residents’ needs and preferences and provided equality of opportunity for all through our service delivery and as an employer.
We plan to build on our successes to date and have many exciting plans for the coming year to help drive improvements and to help us to deliver against our commitment. We could not deliver all these plans without the continuing strong political leadership of my fellow Cabinet Members and other Councillors, the excellent managerial leadership from our Chief Executive and Chief Officer team, our hardworking and innovative managers and staff, nor without the help and support of our partners and local communities.
My thanks go to all of you.
