Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council Executive Leader's Blog

Austerity in the Time of Coronavirus: A Choice We Can't Afford

Friday, 22 May 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

If you asked 100 people what the most important service local authorities provide for their residents is I would bet that a decent amount of them would tell you “Adult social care”.

Clarity Is Needed on Lifting the Lockdown

Friday, 15 May 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

Ask anybody familiar with crisis management what the most important factor is in responding to a major challenge and their reply will probably be “Clarity”.

Give Councils Our Fair Share

Wednesday, 06 May 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

Two weeks ago I wrote about Universal Credit, and how it was an example of the coronavirus pandemic shining a harsh spotlight on economic and social issues which have already existed for a number of years. Today I want to return to that subject with the consequences the pandemic has had for local government finance.

Celebrating Our Key Workers on International Worker's Memorial Day

Tuesday, 28 April 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

Today is International Worker’s Memorial Day – a moment to pause and think about those who have died doing their job, wherever they may be in the world. It’s a day that has taken on even more significance since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Time to Look Again at Universal Credit

Thursday, 23 April 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold, so does its impact on the government, the economy and our everyday lives. It’s true that many of the challenges we now face have been caused entirely by the coronavirus itself. However, in some cases, the virus has shined a harsh light on problems that already existed.

Looking After Your Mental Health in Lockdown

Friday, 17 April 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

We are now in the fourth week of the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. I’m delighted to say that the majority of our residents have followed the social distancing guidelines throughout the Easter bank holiday weekends, and some have even found more creative ways to support each other and our key workers.

Tameside's Communities Leading the Fight against Coronavirus

Thursday, 09 April 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

Before I begin, I want to take the opportunity to wish the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery as he continues to battle coronavirus. While I certainly don’t see eye-to-eye with him on the many issues facing our country, I also believe that there are some things that are bigger than politics.

A Letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer

Tuesday, 31 March 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

Dear Chancellor

I am writing to express my concern about the support available for self-employed workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stay Safe. Stay At Home.

Thursday, 26 March 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

It’s now been nearly two weeks since the World Health Organisation declared coronavirus a pandemic, and we are beginning to get a clearer idea of what exactly is required from us all to face down this crisis.

Coronavirus Update: Supporting Services and Communities

Thursday, 19 March 2020 / Posted by: Executive Leader

If it wasn’t clear before, it is now. The coronavirus pandemic is the gravest challenge we have faced as a country in peacetime in living memory, a challenge that will require all of us to help each other and work together over the coming months.