Welcome from the Chief Executive

I am absolutely delighted to take up my new post in what is an exciting time for Stafford Borough. It is a great place with huge potential and it will be a privilege to serve the Stafford community as Chief Executive. Running a successful Council is about teamwork and I am fortunate to have elected members who are determined to deliver for their local community and staff who are committed and enthusiastic. We also have partners who have shown their willingness to work together for the benefit of the Borough.  Over the next few years there needs to be significant improvements in both Stone and Stafford Town

Centres to compete effectively with neighbouring towns and deliver the type of retail and leisure experience which local people deserve.  We have ambitious plans which were unveiled in April at our town centre exhibition 'Stafford Renewed' in the Market Square. Our new Leisure Centre is proving a huge success and a start has been made on the multi million pound St George's development but we now need to deliver more. 

The Government requires more homes to be built to meet the needs of a growing population and Stafford is identified in the regional plans as an area for significant growth.  Accommodating new growth is challenging and this year we will be consulting local people on how this can best be done.  As a council we are determined development should be in the right location, of the right quality and be accompanied by growth in local jobs, services and infrastructure including roads and schools.

Like many councils we have been asked to take on an increasing range of functions with only a limited increase in financial resources. For the current financial year we have achieved efficiency savings of more than £2 million.  We have balanced the budget but need to explore new ways of working and achieving efficiencies if front line services are to be preserved. This could involve working more closely with neighbouring authorities to deliver services while preserving the identity of Stafford Borough Council.

Our response to climate change, improving our planning service, building on our recent improvements to recycling and improving access to our services are just some of the many issues facing us in the future.  What is imperative is that the Council continues to address the issues important to local people and provides the right kind of leadership so Stafford Borough becomes an even better place to live, work and invest.

Of course the views of people who really care about this beautiful area are extremely important to me and I would like to hear from you.  So please do not hesitate to contact me at ianthompson@staffordbc.gov.uk