Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, looks back on the year and ahead to 2024
As we approach the festive season, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your hard work, resilience, and commitment to Derby throughout this challenging year.
2023 has been a year of undeniable challenges, marked by significant economic difficulties and moments of uncertainty. We know that we’re not alone and councils up and down the country are facing the same financial challenges as we are. I’m pleased to say that we are proposing a balanced budget for the next financial year. This is not the budget we wanted to deliver in our first year leading this administration, however it is a responsible one. As a Council we’re committed to continuing to lobby Government to ensure we can keep providing the services our residents need.
As we look ahead to 2024, I am filled with optimism for the future. We have much to look forward to, including the regeneration of our city centre as work continues on our key projects like the Market Hall and Becketwell Performance Venue, the creation of more affordable homes in the city and the ongoing development of our public spaces.
Working closely with our communities
I am also committed to continue working with our wonderful partners to ensure that Derby remains a welcoming, safe, and inclusive place. We will continue to work closely with our communities and neighbours during 2024.
Looking back to the autumn, our city faced the rising waters of the River Derwent and saw homes and businesses in the city affected by flood water. Once again, I would like to thank all the Council teams who worked tirelessly to get Derby back up and running after the extreme flooding we saw that weekend. As a Council, we will continue to work to secure funding to protect our city against the effects of climate change, which is becoming a reality.
Strengthening links between Derby and Japan
In November, I visited Japan with the Deputy Leader, Councillor Nadine Peatfield to help strengthen the links between Derby and Toyota City. This year marked 25 years since the cities were twinned. The trip was a fantastic experience and we’re committed to putting some of the things we learned about in Japan into practice here in Derby.
At the start of December, we launched Festive Derby with partners across the city. This year’s festivities began with the Christmas Light Switch on in the Market Place and saw thousands of residents come out to see the Christmas tree lit up. Our Christmas offer is the biggest we’ve had in a number of years, and I encourage you all to take time over the festive period to visit the ice rink and make a visit to our Nordic Bar on the Market Place. I have heard so many people saying this is the best they’ve seen in Derby for ages.
We will be showcasing some of the key manifesto pledges that Cabinet have been working on this year over the next week, so please look out for these during the festive period.
On behalf of the Cabinet and the Council I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.