Building on achievement

Better roads, tough action on crime, and better value for money services. These have been our priorities during our first year in office. The council will continue our hard work and build on our achievements in these areas.
For example, the council has already invested £4 million in improving the state of local roads and pavements, and a further £6 million follows this year.
Improving the look and feel of Hull's neighbourhoods is crucial to giving local residents pride in their city.
That's why we want decent neighbourhoods with good quality housing and a clean, green environment.
In the fight against crime, the council has already launched a £1 million community safety fund which is being used all over the city to make the streets safer. Now we will introduce more crime-fighting measures, including a community safety website and the extension of the 'taxi marshals' scheme to reduce night-time violence in the city centre.
In our goal to achieve value for money, the council has already saved £3 million by not employing costly consultants. This year we will make further savings by appointing a senior cabinet member as an 'efficiency champion' to seek out and improve value for money for residents.
Our vision also includes helping to build a thriving economy, with the port of Hull at its heart and regeneration a key to its progress.
And we will continue our £1 million skills fund to make sure workers have the right expertise to fill new jobs created in the city.
Finally I would like to thank all who voted in May's elections. I am sure all the newly elected councillors will bring what they heard on the doorsteps to the heart of decision making in the coming year.

Cllr Carl Minns
Leader, Hull City Council