On 4th May, elections take place for Gloucestershire County Council. In a sense, it’s quite nice for me that the elections don’t affect my own council and the outcome doesn’t determine whether or not I keep my job. With the City Council having moved to “all out” elections last year, rather than elections by thirds, and the Brexit vote negating our need to elect Members of the European Parliament, this is the last scheduled election until 2020.

Looking after vital areas including roads, adult social care and children’s services
It is very important though. Although I like to think the City Council is closer to its communities, the County Council’s budget is far greater – over £400 million a year as opposed to the City Council’s £15 million. It looks after vital areas like roads, adult social care, children’s services, education, libraries, the fire service, waste disposal and a whole lot more.

In reality, these elections do matter to the City Council. The County Council is probably our most important partner and we’ve worked well together, particularly in recent years. The City’s Managing Director is now a shared post with the County. We also share services like human resources, communications, audit and property. The two councils are working closely together to regenerate the Blackfriars and Quayside area of the city, where we both have land ownership. Proposals for 295 student beds have already been approved and will be on-site imminently. A Local Development Order setting the framework for development in the area has been passed by the Planning Committee and is awaiting the rubber stamp from Government.

As budgets get tighter, we will need to work even more closely together
As budgets in local government continue to get tighter, we will need to work even more closely together in the future – as our residents would expect us to do. There are huge advantages in doing so, as long as the willingness is there on both sides. So I’ll be watching the outcome of these elections with more than a passing interest.

So please do vote on Thursday 4th May and think about the local issues, as well as your normal party allegiances. It really does matter.