Phil Brennan and myself caught the early flight to Belfast this morning to meet with NILGA and the Local Government Staff Commission to discuss an idea we have all been developing about launching best practice awards for local government in Northern Ireland. The meeting went well and we have identified 6 key bodies who will hopefully work towards a launch at the NILGA conference on 7 and 8 February in Derry.
Happy New Year although for many in public services it may feel as if there isn't a lot to be happy about.
Facing up to some of the largest challenges to public finances in a generation coupled with the impact of severe weather on the public image of local authority services may make many feel that they want to curl up in a ball and hide.