I promised last year that, as its leader, Wirral Council would be honest and realistic with residents about the challenges we face, and I hope you have seen that in action. It has been another challenging year for local authorities nationwide as we work to meet ever-increasing demands with limited resources. However, even while tackling difficult situations head-on, we have done so in the best interests of Wirral residents.
As the council has seen increased demands in adult and children’s social care, it has also sought to become a more efficient organisation. It continually challenges itself to investigate and seize every opportunity to improve services and deliver services that will improve residents’ lives. Some of this has meant making difficult decisions, but we remain focused on providing the best possible services needed and expected by the people of this borough.
Whether putting more resources than ever before into maintaining our roads or championing our work with partners to encourage more people to be active and healthy for longer, this council works – and delivers – tirelessly for the people of Wirral. This will not only help us bring more opportunities for the people of Wirral but will also be key to ensuring the council can continue delivering the vital services we rely on and supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.
Caring for our community’s most vulnerable members continues to be one of the most costly and challenging areas of service provision, whether through adult social care or supporting our most vulnerable young people with particular needs. I am sure you will agree that this is a responsibility we should take very seriously.
That’s why, over the last 12 months, we have invested in modernising and raising standards to meet the needs and demands of local families with Special Educational Needs (SEND). We have also delivered much-needed extra care housing to help older people maintain their independence for longer.
The coming year will see significant changes across the borough, with major regeneration schemes delivering real improvements. This includes progress on bringing many new homes, better and improved public spaces and roads, helping attract investment, new jobs, and greater prosperity to Wirral.
The changes we see across the borough are focused on making where we live, work, and spend our free time an even better place through joined-up and well-planned regeneration projects focused on what people need now and in the future. Work is moving forward and will continue as new developments advance this year. From east to west, north to south – Wirral is seeing real change for the better.
In the coming year, we will continue to make Wirral an even more fantastic place for existing residents to live and raise their families, for businesses to flourish, and for an attractive visitor destination.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to working together to make Wirral an even better place to live. Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions.
Leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Paul Stuart