As Leader of Cheshire East Council, I'm determined that we meet the financial challenge we face head-on. Rather than moaning and complaining about budgets being reduced we are innovating our way towards our ambition of putting residents' first.
We have launched a series of new arms' length companies to deliver some of our key, frontline services as we evolve into becoming a strategic commissioning council.
Our Cheshire East revolution will see our waste recycling, grounds maintenance, fleet and street cleansing functions will in future be operated by a new company called Ansa. Meanwhile, our bereavement services will be run by Orbitas.
This model will see both companies remain wholly-owned by Cheshire East Council but they will be managed on a day-to-day basis by their own boards and managements.
By giving them a clear commercial focus, we will unleash innovation and entrepreneurialism, reducing our costs and improve our offer to customers and service users.
In arriving at this point, we have worked closely with our staff and trade unions. This has been invaluable. They have provided real insight into how our operations can be improved do more to put residents' first, consistently showing themselves to be our strongest advocates for change.
They have stepped up to the mark, coming up with hard-headed, practical suggestions about how to improve their area of business. It seems obvious, but listening to people who understand their roles and take genuine pride in what they do has been key to unlocking enthusiasm and creativity.
But the launch of Ansa and Orbitas is just the first phase of the Council's wider strategy. We are also launching a new company covering our public transport responsibilities and last week the Council's leisure services relaunched as an independent trust called Everybody Sport and Recreation.
Cheshire East is already a partner in a shared back office services company, CoSocius, with our neighbour, Cheshire West and Chester Council, which runs both authorities' HR, finance and ICT support.
And last year, we established a development company, East Cheshire Engine of the North, to lead on maximising value from the council's land and property estate as we turn Cheshire East into the most business-friendly council in the North.
The reality is that no two councils will look exactly the same in future and seeking out new, innovative ways of providing services is now an essential feature of local government.
This is certainly our view as we embark on our Cheshire East revolution. We are confident that by putting residents first, listening to our staff and meeting the financial challenge head-on we will make our Cheshire East revolution a success.
Cllr Michael Jones is leader of Cheshire East Council
