Progress on Swindon's Going for Growth agenda: Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Gary Sumner writes for the Link

Having returned refreshed from the Conservative Party Conference, there was a clear direction from the party’s Leader, Kemi Badenoch, on how we can deliver on the values that matter to residents: creating a stronger economy, ensuring fairness, rewarding hard work and focusing on quality services.

One of the many policies Kemi Badenoch announced was to halve the employer national insurance for young people, in order to support more businesses, employ young people, helping to tackle Labour’s NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) crisis. 

Like the national Conservative Party, my administration believes these priorities closely align with the vital work we are taking forward locally.

A significant focus has been on economic growth and job creation, which lie at the heart of my administration’s pro-growth agenda. In more recent weeks, I have continued to strengthen relationships with businesses, neighbouring authorities, Government and regional partners to ensure Swindon is well placed to secure future investment and influence key decisions affecting the town.

We recently had a welcome boost for the town centre with the opening of Thames Water's new offices in Swindon town centre, bringing approximately 450 employees into the area and supporting wider regeneration efforts alongside the transformation of Fleming Way. 

This reflects the growing confidence in the regeneration of our town. We will continue working with employers, including those within Swindon's growing drone sector, to support skills development, apprenticeship and employment opportunities, ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Supporting this ambition, this administration has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing devolution discussions across the Thames Valley region, by working with Government and local partners to unlock additional investment and economic opportunities for the region.

Alongside boosting economic growth, we continue to focus on local communities and their priorities remaining at the heart of Council decision-making. This includes protecting our vulnerable residents, investing in CCTV to tackle anti-social behaviour and celebrating what is already great about Swindon. 

That is why my Cabinet recently approved a new approach to consultation and engagement, in order to strengthen how the Council works collaboratively with residents, businesses and stakeholders.

In this vein, I have also recently written to the Government, urging ministers to protect councillors’ ability to refer planning applications to Planning Committees. We absolutely recognise the need to build more homes and make our planning system more efficient, but it’s vital for Swindon to retain appropriate local democratic oversight, ensuring elected members continue to have a meaningful role in decisions affecting our local communities.

Looking ahead, the Council will focus on developing its next Council Plan, ensuring local priorities can be delivered within a sustainable budget, ensuring Swindon remains a place people are proud to call home.