EVERY good political system has a series of checks and balances to make sure powers are not exceeded or abused by those who have them.

Here at the council, the cross-party Scrutiny Committee provides the balance to the power of the Cabinet, which is made up of members of the ruling political administration, and makes most of the key decisions.

One of the ways the Scrutiny Committee does this is by inviting each cabinet member to appear before it at least once a year to answer questions about their area of responsibilities, or portfolio. It’s my turn to appear next Monday.

I really value how much this system provides a challenge for Cabinet Members like me, and the opportunity it gives for other elected councillors to explore the strategic problems that we face.

We are all seeking the best solutions for the people of Swindon, even though we might disagree politically on how to achieve it.

My report to the committee summarises some of the activities that went well in the 2014-2015 council year.

I am particularly pleased with the new volunteer hub at Sanford Street and our extensive work safeguarding vulnerable adults and those with learning difficulties.

We work closely with the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, SEQOL, and care home providers, to ensure that people are looked after with dignity.

We face some immense tasks for the year ahead. We have to implement the new responsibilities in the Care Act 2014, which is designed to enhance how we support the vulnerable.

As with any new legislation, the real meaning of the law only becomes clear when the Courts rule on individual cases. Nevertheless, this remains one of my key priorities.

In addition, I will be looking at ways we can increase our integrated work with, for example, the health service and our care providers.

Many of the issues we are tackling involve two or more agencies, and greater collaboration may help improve the service we offer.

For example, we might be able to provide more support to people in their own homes so they can live independently for longer, or we may be able to shorten the time elderly residents have to spend in hospital.

All of this will build on Swindon’s existing good record of integrated working, which stretches back nearly a decade now.

Of course, we can’t escape the financial pressures that hang over all public services.

I will be working closely with officers and colleagues from across the south west to find ways to look after those who most need our services with the resources that are available.