I was asked this question on the doorstep last week. I was about to launch into my response when I stopped for a moment. To say that I am the candidate for the town and district council answers the question but perhaps doesn't really give the full picture. What is the purpose of a district councillor? This blog post gives far more detail than I gave the Warwick resident as I'd interrupted her lunch, but I thought it was worth blogging about.
The primary role is that of representation of the people living within a particular ward, no matter what party the councillor represents. So, whether your vote is Labour, Conservative or Independent, the candidate who gets the most votes will be your elected representative. Your representative is the person responsible for participating in any decision-making relating to District Council business through Council meetings, membership of committees (such as planning) and local voluntary bodies.
Additionally, councillors will take on casework relating to any issues or problems raised by people living within their ward. If elected, your Labour candidates will hold regular and accessible surgeries so that problems can be discussed face-to-face. We'll also be at the other end of the phone, email or letter. It doesn't matter how you contact us, we will do our best to resolve the issue for you. Between us, we have years of experience of dealing with local government bureaucracy and know how to get things done.
I've blogged previously about our manifesto and what we promise to do if we are elected and gain control of the District Council. Outlining the vision and strategy for the Council is an important aspect of the work of the Councillor, which is why it is important to vote for the party that not only is passionate about making Warwick District a fair and thriving place, it is also deeply committed to public services.
There are other duties, too. Councillors are required to scrutinise the work of the council. This provides a check on the activities of the Executive (sometimes called the Cabinet) through the power to call-in decisions. Councillors also monitor and review policy formulation and implementation by council staff, including the development of policy and quality. Councillors are also required to play a regulatory role by participating in things like Licensing Committees.
All of these roles and responsibilities have a direct impact on the quality of life in Warwick District. We all use council services: refuse and recycling, street lighting, car parking, schools, trading standards, social services - these are all council services. They aren't all provided by the District Council, of course, but if you have a problem with one of these services you'll probably turn to your local councillor for assistance. Councillors exist for the Town, District and County, but we'll know how the issue needs to be addressed.
Make sure you play your part in protecting our quality of life, and making Warwick District a fair and thriving place. Use your vote on May 5th, and vote Labour. We promise to carry out the role of the councillor in a responsible and effective way, and will work hard to represent the interests of Warwick West residents. Not only are we a hard-working bunch, we are deeply committed to Warwick.
