Leading the way on apprenticeships

Leading the way on apprenticeships

In the weeks since my last column there have been several significant announcements that you may be aware of.

Some of them have come as part of our budget plans for 2021/22, which were approved by the full council earlier this month.

Despite having to find £9m in efficiencies due to uncertainty around how local government continues to be funded, we are still offering the lowest council tax across Greater Manchester.

The budget also includes no cuts to services and I strongly believe that we continue to offer value for money in what are very challenging circumstances.

Major announcements included a £2m community recovery fund that will help grassroots organisations get back on their feet after the pandemic.

There is also an extension of the free weekend parking scheme in Wigan and Leigh town centres. This has been in place for a number of years now and we know it is extremely popular.

Plans to create 100 apprenticeships and graduate jobs at the council were also unveiled. I hope you agree that this approach is a significant statement, providing these opportunities for the young people of our borough is of critical importance.

In this respect, I want the council to lead the way as there is going to be pressure on employment levels over the next 12 months as we recover from the impact of the pandemic.

We want to send out a message and we hope other employers in the borough follow our lead and offer as many opportunities as possible.

A further announcement has made in the last week about major plans at Pennington Flash, in line with feedback we have had from residents and as part of our Believe in Leigh fund.

The next few years are going to be important landmarks for the town with the hosting of two major tournaments and several development schemes coming to fruition.

The plans will improve the visitor experience at the nature reserve – including a play area and visitor centre - and will be complemented by improved links between the town centre and Leigh Sports Village.

Finally, I continue to urge everyone to follow public health guidelines and the requirements set out in the government’s roadmap as restrictions are eased.

We are making significant progress with the borough’s case rate dipping below 100 for the first time in several months and we want to stay on this track.

I would also like to wish Wigan Warriors and Leigh Centurions all the best with the kick-off of the new Super League season just around the corner.