Cheltenham Borough Council will be subject to a local election on Thursday 2nd May. Unusually, due to ward boundary changes, this year there will be an ‘all-out’ election. This means that all the council seats are up for grabs – a rare occurrence for Cheltenham. For you as residents, this means it is more important than ever to have your say and vote for who you want representing you as your local councillors.

When you elect your councillors, you are choosing the people who will be representing the interests of you and those in your area. Councillors are there to offer support and guidance to around 6,000 people in their respective ward on issues such as housing problems, planning permission, as well as bins and recycling where appropriate.

Councillors are part of important decisions that shape the town

Additionally, councillors are also charged with representing Cheltenham as a whole and being part of important decisions that shape the town and its future. For example, in February, councillors passed the yearly budget for Cheltenham Borough Council, which determines financial priorities for the council.

I became a councillor in Cheltenham in 2002 and I can firmly say that it is a privilege to be part of the exciting and vital work that goes on in the council, ensuring Cheltenham’s prosperity and communities are at the heart of the future.

If you would like to find out more about your councillors and their profiles ahead of the elections, you can find more information on the Cheltenham Borough Council website: democracy.cheltenham.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx

If you have not already, I invite you to register to vote through gov.uk/register-to-vote by Tuesday 16th April to ensure you have your say in who will be representing you and your town.