Along with a number of all-party district councillors I regularly take part in Local Democracy presentations to groups of schoolchildren.
One of the questions recently asked was ‘what do you actually do?’ and I thought it might be useful to use my diary to show aspects of what district councillors and particularly cabinet members get up to.
So here is my diary from last week:
Monday: Mid-afternoon meeting with a housing officer, discussing implications of the new housing bill currently going through Parliament. Catch up with e-mails.
Tuesday: Afternoon helping with the Macular Society regular meeting, collect an elderly lady, make teas and coffees and listen to speaker.
Wednesday: A quiet day, just emails, calls and paperwork, until evening meeting of the Licensing Committee which along with the Police and Trading Standards is cracking down on rogue traders.
Thursday: Trip to Nottingham (leaving Peterborough station at 6.40am) for a meeting with the Minister dealing with the Syrian refugee resettlement programme.
Enjoyable evening spent at the South Holland Centre for a concert by the European Union Chamber Orchestra.
This was sponsored partially by South Holland District Council (I paid for my own ticket) and was an evening of uplifting and inspiring music.
Friday: Sat on panel of the Licensing Authority, carrying out a review requested by the Police and Trading Standards on a local off-licence where illicit cigarettes were found.
A long meeting for our panel of three members, but a decision was reached to revoke the licence based on the evidence considered.
Evening spent at an AGM where our Member of Parliament spoke about “Uncertainties and Well Being in the modern world”.
by Coun Christine Lawton
South Holland District Council portfolio holder for housing
