February 2023 – Wilson’s Weekly

Cost of Living Support

All of us have been feeling the effect of rapidly rising prices throughout last year, which is showing little signs of slowing down in 2023. For many residents the pressure is becoming too much to bear. Here on Tyneside we’re known for our resilience and good sense of humour even during difficult times. This hasContinue reading “Cost of Living Support”

Next Year’s Budget Agreed

On Thursday I took my seat at the official meeting of the Full Council to debate and vote on the council’s budget for the next financial year, 2023-2024. As always, the annual budget meeting was preceded by numerous other meetings, debates and briefings stretching back months. This was the fourth time I’ve been through theContinue reading “Next Year’s Budget Agreed”

Planting New Trees

This week I’ve been dealing with a number of tree planting requests. Are there any locations you think would be suitable for new trees? As part of Mayor Norma Redfearn’s environmental plan the targets for tree-planting have been massively increased. Most of the new trees will be planted in out-of-town locations. For example, my familyContinue reading “Planting New Trees”

Update on QA College site

Last week one of the most important meetings I attended was a briefing on the future of the Queen Alexandra College site in North Shields. It was a “closed meeting” so I’m unable to disclose all that was said. However, we did agree some headlines that all involved were comfortable to be shared in theContinue reading “Update on QA College site”