New Cabinet position for next generation services

SWANSEA Council is to drive through its plans to become more commercial and provide innovative services for the public.

A reshuffle of the Council’s Cabinet sees the creation of a new post for Next Generation Services which will be held by Cllr Andrea Lewis.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “Local government is changing rapidly and we need to keep pace with those changes and the challenges we face.

“We’re working with some of the most innovative councils in the UK to find out how we can become more commercial and develop services that are outside traditional council services.

“We’re already making great progress and a number of our services are becoming more commercial and bringing in income for the Council. This will be crucial in the years to come as we know we face significant funding reductions from the government.

“Our new Cabinet post for Next Generation Services will help us to focus on initiatives including developing house building programmes and energy generation.”

Cllr Lewis said: “This portfolio will be challenging, but it’s something I’m very much looking forward to because it’s a great opportunity.

“The role is especially timely, given the major financial challenges we face and the need for the council to become more commercial to generate more income and protect as many services as possible for residents across the city.

“It’s also an exciting time in terms of energy production in Swansea and plans to build the first council houses in a generation here. I’m relishing the chance to help put Swansea further on the map as an innovative, leading city of sustainable energy production and 21st century construction excellence.”

The Cabinet reshuffle follows the recent decision by Cllr Mark Thomas to stand down from the Cabinet.  Cllr David Hopkins has succeeded him as Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation.

Further minor changes will made at a later date.