With a coronation and an election, it was a big week.
Congratulations
to all those duly elected to serve as borough councillors in the local elections. It is no small thing to put yourself forward and it is an important role that underpins our democracy.
Thank you to all those who took part by voting and to the council’s team that worked so hard to make it happen, before, during and after election day itself. It is a massive operation.
I’d like to pay tribute to those councillors who stepped down this season and two whose extraordinary long service marks them out. On the Conservative side to Barry Taylor who has just completed 30 years service to our town. He has been a stalwart in planning and his experience is deep and wide.
On the Liberal Democrat side, outgoing Leader David Tutt. Despite the party-political pressures, we have worked together for the good of the town we both love.
There is now important work ahead for this new council, not least to rebuild its weak finances.
The Coronation was a wonderful occasion for the country and I had the honour to join the residents in Upper Kings Drive at their brilliant Coronation street party. Thank you to all those organisers who brought people together and to all those who worked over the long bank holiday weekend, to keep us safe and cared for.
Improving the NHS is not only about resources, it is about working in smarter and innovative ways to drive efficiency and ease pressures.
This week the government launched a plan to allow more people to access health services at pharmacies without needing to see a GP.
Everyone will be able to go to chemists for some common prescriptions and routine tests. NHS England said it will free up 15m GP appointments over the next two years to help ease pressure on GP surgeries.
Pharmacy services will receive £645m over the next two years to expand staffing and resources to roll this plan out
Bookings for NHS physiotherapy or podiatry will also be taken without the need to go to the GP. These are all very welcome innovations.
