Bucks council leaders reveal Christmas and NYE messages

Here, the county's leaders reflect on 2023, sharing their Christmas and New Year's messages to residents:

Councillor Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council

Christmas 2023 message from the Leader

This year has been one of incredible international turbulence and over the last few months generated strong views and emotions within our county.

We are proud that we have excellent community relations and friendships between and within communities in Buckinghamshire and these values allow us to live in peace alongside each other.

As the year comes to an end, I hope you are able to spend time with your friends and families and take a well-earned rest.

READ MORE: ‘We won't declare bankruptcy’ – Bucks Council leader

For those of you working over the Christmas period keeping our local businesses and vital public services open, I want to thank you all on behalf of the residents in Buckinghamshire.

I am incredibly proud of how our communities have responded to crises in recent years – from the incredible outpouring of community action and neighbourly support shown during the pandemic, to the generosity of people donating money and time to help those facing costs of living pressures.

Take extra care during the shorter days and darker evenings; please hold tight to your community spirit and keep a closer eye on neighbours.

We all know this time of the year can feel lonelier for some so think about reaching out and checking in. I wish you a safe and peaceful Christmas.

New Year Message

Seeing out one year and welcoming in a new one is traditionally a time for celebration – it is also a time for reflection and setting goals for the year ahead.

2023 has not been without its challenges. All local authorities are facing huge demands on finances. Buckinghamshire is not immune.

Improving efficiency and reducing costs has driven much of our work over the last three years and will do in 2024 with each part of the council looking at where we can bring down expenditure without impacting on services.

Over the next year, as well as focusing on the budget and improving our services, our priorities will be to continue to support the most vulnerable adults and children, help with the cost-of-living pressures, protect our beautiful environment and focus on building a strong local economy where there are good, well-paid jobs for all.

Combatting Climate Change will also be a big priority for us with a continued massive tree planting campaign. And, of course, we will be ensuring all your daily services such as roads, bins, schools, adult social care, and planning are all running as best they can in very tough financial times.

Every New Year brings new opportunities, a chance to take things forward and to develop and grow. I have no doubt 2024 will bring unexpected demands and challenges.

I also have no doubt that as a Council, we are ready, able, and very willing to take them on. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Councillor Peter Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council

Christmas 2023 message from the Leader

The festive season is often a period where we slow down, spend time with loved ones and reflect on the past year’s experiences – both good and bad.

Upon reflection, I realised that 2023 was a year for community spirit and coming together to help those in need. 

You may remember that earlier this year, the MK Food Bank issued an appeal for donations as more people were turning to food banks as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

As part of the appeal, they hoped to break a word record for creating the longest line of food cans. Hundreds of businesses, schools, churches and faith groups, community organisations and residents all took part in the attempt.

Together, the city broke the world record and over 100,000 cans of food were donated to the Food Bank in the process. This single event meant that hundreds of local families could put dinner on the table, and I cannot thank those that took part enough. It truly was a remarkable day. 

However, that event was just the tip of the iceberg as every single day, businesses, key workers and community groups continue to provide extra help to those that need it.

Town Councils have been providing welcoming and warm spaces during the winter, businesses have been donating food to the homeless, and residents have been taking their neighbours to crucial appointments.

Our community has, and continues to, come together to support each other and I couldn’t be prouder if I tried.

New Year Message

I hope you all had a great festive period with friends and family, and are feeling rested and ready to head into 2024. This year, Milton Keynes City Council will continue to serve and support our residents and businesses as our city continues to grow.

We anticipate thousands of new homes to be built, dozens of businesses to base themselves here, and for the demand on our services to increase.

Nationally, local authorities are facing severe and unprecedented financial challenges with an increasing number facing an uncertain future and bankruptcy.

Challenges with the rising cost of social care, massive increases in the cost of keeping vulnerable children safe, and general inflation means that Milton Keynes City Council is not immune to a very difficult situation.

However, unlike many councils, Milton Keynes City Council is in a far stronger position as we can propose a balanced budget for the year ahead. This is all without using reserves or making major cuts to services, while continuing to focus on our main priorities:

• Help for local people in tough times
• Supporting our local economy to ensure good jobs and secure employment
• Investing in preventative services that reduce costs
• Transforming the way the council does things to save money
• Getting the basics right

Much like businesses and families, councils aren’t immune to rising costs. I hope that we will see significant changes in funding so that local government can continue its vital work – both this year, and beyond.