Chief Executive, Laurence Rockey

Welcome to the September edition of Inform. I hope you enjoy reading about the many varied activities taking place across our council.

It has been a particularly busy period. Last week, we held a full council meeting with a packed agenda. Councillors received an update on the potential development of a new data centre on part of the former Cockenzie Power Station site. They also approved plans for an independent review of North Berwick's parking management scheme, which will provide an evidence-based assessment of the scheme during its first year of operation.

Councillors also agreed that East Lothian classrooms will become phone-free and considered proposals to expand our specialist school estate for pupils with Additional Support Needs.

Alongside this, councillors received two finance reports which highlighted the need to continue managing budgets carefully and effectively in the face of significant financial pressures affecting local government across Scotland. Work is progressing through a cross-party budget process to develop sustainable plans that will help balance future budgets while protecting essential services and delivering on our priorities. Many of the challenges we face are driven by national economic conditions, demographic change and increasing demand for public services. East Lothian remains one of Scotland's fastest-growing areas, and we must continue to respond to growth while meeting national housing targets and community needs.

Away from council business, we were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, to Dunbar to see the new path providing access to Dunbar Railway Station from the south of the town. The project will make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel or cycle to the station, improving accessibility and encouraging more sustainable travel choices.

In another positive development, we announced the rollout of the Ask for Angela initiative across East Lothian. This simple but effective scheme helps people discreetly seek assistance if they feel unsafe while visiting participating venues, contributing to safer and more welcoming communities.

A highlight of August was visiting the Fraser Centre in Tranent (see photo). I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the team there and finding out about the varied programme of activities and services provided in what is a fantastic community hub.

I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to complete our employee survey. Your feedback is helping to provide a comprehensive picture of what is working well, where we need to improve and, most importantly, where we should focus our efforts to make a positive difference for employees and the communities we serve. In response to the question, "What one thing would you change about East Lothian Council if you were Chief Executive?", more than 1,100 suggestions were submitted. I have been reviewing the feedback and the themes emerging are both clear and consistent. Please look out for a video update from me in the coming weeks, where I will share more about what we heard and the actions we will be taking forward.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to nominate colleagues for this year's Inspire Awards. Nominations closed yesterday, and I will be joining the judging panel in the coming weeks. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the dedication, professionalism and positive impact of our staff, and I look forward to sharing news of the finalists in due course.

Thank you, as always, for your continued commitment and hard work in supporting the people and communities of East Lothian.