I was pleased to be able to attend the annual Chartered Institute of Housing Presidential event in London on Wednesday night. A great opportunity to speak to colleagues across the housing sector and compare notes regarding the challenges faced and the opportunities.

Congratulations to Waste Not Want Not who were presented with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service by The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE CStJ in our Council Chamber last night. Well done to all the volunteers who support this wonderful organisation.

Thank you to Baroness Dr Sharon Taylor of Stevenage, OBE Baroness Dr Sharon Taylor OBE for the invite to attend a Herts Housing Conference gathering at the House of Lords with Housing Portfolio holder Cllr Jeannette Thomas yesterday am. Thanks also to Tina Barnard & Dawn Pratley for organising the event

Great to be at the Herts Infrastructure and Development Board this am at Sopwell House in St Albans with Leader of the Council Cllr Richard Henry for the formal launch of the Herts Growth Board Missions.

Back at Knebworth Barns this am with Council Leader Cllr Richard Henry and Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure & Information Technology Cllr Loraine Rossati for a Film and Industries Roadshow this. Knebworth itself has provided the backdrop for many films over the years.

Insightful breakfast meeting this am kindly hosted by Mace CEO and Group Chairman Mark Reynolds discussing the emerging Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. It was great to hear the views of development sector experts and to be able to offer a local government perspective.

Wow what a show. Congratulations to our amazing Myla Arceno Cllr Myla Arceno, Mayor of Stevenage along with all those who performed at, supported and sponsored this amazing event last night. You should all be very proud 👏

Fantastic keynote address to the Hertfordshire Housing Conference from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage Baroness Dr Sharon Taylor of Stevenage, OBE Much to do if we are to address the local and national housing challenge but it is clear that further investment in social housing is a big part of the answer

Marking 50 years since Stevenage Borough Council came into being today. Big thanks to our wonderful Mayor Myla Arceno Cllr Myla Arceno, Leader Cllr Richard Henry and Cllr Simon Speller. Grateful to Baroness Dr Sharon Taylor of Stevenage, OBE Baroness Taylor and all those who joined us for the event 🙏

A great privilege to attend the Stevenage Beacon Lighting event last night to commemorate the achievements of all those brave people who stepped forward to preserve our freedom 80 years ago.

I attended the launch of Hertfordshire Futures today at Knebworth Barns with Council Leader Cllr Richard Henry and officer colleagues. Many congratulations to Adrian Hawkins OBE Chair of Hertfordshire Futures and the Stevenage Development Board along with HF officer colleagues 👏

Fantastic launch event yesterday for the North Road Stevenage Cycle Lane. Grateful to SBC and HCC Members & colleagues and Active Travel England who provided £3.2m for the project which builds on the 45km plus of cycle lanes in the town 🙏

A genuine pleasure to visit the Councils wonderful Kenilworth Close housing development on Tuesday with our leadership team. Such a fantastic example of what a council can do to help address its local housing needs acting boldly and with great ingenuity.

Really good Herts Infrastructure & Development Board meeting yesterday reflecting on the impacts of the change in government in particular related to planning & growth along with a workshop on the Invest Hertfordshire strategy and a session on HCC's Planning & Development Review

Super Mayor's Garden Party yesterday hosted by Cllr Jim Brown and supported by many local organisations, charities and a number of Herts dignitaries inc Herts High Sheriff Annie Brewster JP. Fantastic performance from the Welwyn Garden City Band too 👏

Grateful to the Stevenage Equalities Commission and its Chair Errol John for organising today's Beyond Barriers community event. Thanks also to my SBC officer colleagues who have provided support for the organisation and delivery of the event 👏

Amazing support once again for Remembrance Sunday in Stevenage. Thanks to Kevin Bonavia MP Baroness Dr Sharon Taylor of Stevenage, OBE Sally Burton DL, Mayor Jim Brown, Leader Richard Henry & all who attended. Thanks also to Royal British Legion & my SBC colleagues for the hard work in planning & delivering the event

Lovely to watch former Councillor Michael Downing become an Honorary Alderman last night. Prior to Michael's ceremony, members paid tribute to Cllr Graham Snell who sadly passed away recently.

Thank you to Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman for the invite to join the families of firefighters Jeff Wornham, Michael Miller & resident Natalie Close who tragically lost their lives 20 years ago today in the Harrow Court fire. Such an important event to reflect upon each year.

Great to be back at ⁦District Councils' Network⁩ conference 2025 with Council Leader Richard Henry, Deputy Leader Jeannette Thomas, Chief Exec designate Tom Pike and Assistant Director Steve Dupoy. Busy and important 2 days ahead