Before I proceed with this week’s newsletter I would like to start with an apology to Nottingham City Council in relation to last week’s newsletter. We may have given the impression that they were withdrawing from the current contract. That is not the case. The contract is up for renewal and they have given us notice that they will not be rebidding for the work. Our apologies again for this misunderstanding.
So, it is only a week before our 10th conference. How did that happen! The disco is back – so remember your dancing shoes and, dare I say, deep heat, mainly for the board. We also have Steve Head, who went down a storm last year. We have an exciting programme with something for everyone, I would say. Special thanks to attendees, facilitators and organisers – in particular John Lynch, Sarah Hawkins and Wayne Chandai – for the work they have done and are still doing behind the scenes putting this all together; and of course our panel guests.
Not sure where you have been if you have not seen it but here is the progamme just in case: https://www.adso.co.uk/annual-conference-2019/
There is nothing like a good conference – hold fire on the punchline – and it is with mixed emotions that I will be attending this year’s conference, as it will be my last as a board member. It is a role that I have really enjoyed and I wish to thank all of the board members, past and present, in particular our Chair, John Austin; for all that they do and for their support and commitment. I also want to thank our unsung heroes, the regional representatives, who put in a lot of graft in order to ensure the voice of our members is heard and to help shape the organisation. One thing that links us all is that we want the best for organisation and for it to get better and stronger. The journey has been incredible so far but we cannot afford to be complacent, nor will we.
I would urge colleagues to consider putting themselves forward to the board and/or to get active in the regions. I am not suggesting that does not happen, but fresh views and perspectives are crucial to our growth. It is also a thoroughly enjoyable role and one that I have gained invaluable experience in doing. I would also like to thank you all for your support. I will not be going too far and will remain an ADSO member and hope to see you around, even if it is just virtually on the forum.
Moving away from ADSO for a minute, the world of politics continues to fascinate. We seem to be in an era where party members suggest voters to vote for the other party. Candidates step aside as a means to encourage tactical voting only to be replaced by another candidate. What is going on? I cannot get enough of it, to be honest. So much so, I spent the last week following the Spanish elections, not just because my wife is Spanish, but out of interest. Spain has an equally fascinating political landscape. It has been a refreshing distraction from the Brexit, if only for a short while.
And of course, colleagues having been working hard preparing for the election on 12 December. Good luck to you all and thank you. My election days have changed in recent years. Sitting at home watching the results fly in is one I enjoy, although I do miss verifying ballot papers and the general thrill of election night. I hope the elections go smoothly, I am sure they will.
One of the things I have tried to do and encourage is for us (the board) to pick up matters of interest for the newsletter. You will see more of this as it evolves over the coming months. We also want to hear from you regarding items of interest. It is also a great way to plug good work. So do not be shy and get those ideas to us.
Two articles caught my eye this week, both in Local Government News. The first highlights the cost of temporary accommodation, which is estimated a to be staggering £1bn a year. That is some figure. The article is here:
https://www.localgov.co.uk/Temporary-accommodation-costing-councils-1bn-a-year/48534
The other in total contrast talks about best practice in residents ballots. New guidelines from the Mayor of London means that regeneration projects, which involve the demolition of any affordable homes and construction of 150 or more new homes, must show that residents support the proposals. That article is here and well worth a read.
https://www.localgov.co.uk/Best-practice-in-resident-ballots/48480
So that is it from me, folks. I hope to see you at the conference.
Hasta luego!