Our process for setting the Council’s budget for 2013/14 is underway with the first stage of our consultation with the public on what they think the priorities for Rhondda Cynon Taf should be.

As quickly as Christmas arrives each year we are once again entering into the budget setting process for the next financial year. In October we received the provisional local government settlement from the Welsh Government. Thanks to the cuts being imposed on the public sector by the Tories and Liberals in London it makes for very grim reading.

I was recently delighted to personally welcome the 33 young apprentices who have begun work with the Council. When I met with them I stressed the fantastic opportunity they have to learn valuable skills and develop a career for themselves, whilst at the same time making a vital contribution to the

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s apprenticeship scheme passes a key milestone this month as the first successful applicants begin working with the Council. There was huge demand for the approximate 30 places offered with several thousand applications received, illustrating just how much the scheme is needed due to the scale of the problems of youth

The Council received disappointing news last week from the developers of Precient in Pontypridd,Taff Vale Ltd who are it seems facing a number issues with their funding package due to the current economic climate, we are however pleased that they are committed to seeking a means of resolving this.

At this week’s Council meeting I am set to be appointed Leader of the Council. It is a great privilege to be given the responsibility of leading the second largest local authority in Wales with its £400M budget. At this meeting I will release details of the Cabinet Members who will support me in delivering on the promises and commitments we made to local people on May 3rd. .