I would like to start firstly by saying thank you to the electors
of Dewsbury East for my re-election. It is a great honour to be representing
you again and working alongside fellow Councillors Firth & Kane.
I continue working with those who need it most. Giving solid advice and assistance to the young and elderly or signposting them to the relevant agencies. I try to attend as many local community groups as possible so I have a greater understanding of what is happening in the communities.
Participation at Council Meeting Committees
In addition to attending all the Full Council meetings and the meetings of the Labour Group of councillors, I have also attended the following:
Dewsbury Area Committee
Through this committee we have supported various groups from the Dewsbury area to obtain vital funding for different things, some examples are equipment for sport, local history groups and community events. I currently hold the Health Portfolio for Dewsbury Area Committee and continue to strive for better services for Dewsbury. I am also a member of the Regeneration Board for Dewsbury and this year it has successfully seen funding of £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1.7m from Kirklees Council over 5 years. Dewsbury Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is a scheme that can offer grant funding to help the community protect and improve buildings in Dewsbury through restoration.
Heavy Woollen Planning
I continue to enjoy my role on the Planning Committee. This is a very exciting role and allows me to be involved in decisions for new development and regeneration of existing sites. We also look at physical and social impact on applications.
Dewsbury East Neighbourhood Management Group
I’m currently still involved in the NMG for the Dewsbury. This group a multi-agency approach for the wards. It involves the Police, Young People's Services, Fire Service, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and Environmental Services. The key issues that we look at are tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental issues.
Dewsbury Children’s Centre Advisory Board
I currently chair the Children’s Centre Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is a partnership that has developed links with parents and a wide range of services and agencies where each represent the interest of children, young people and families.
Participation on Outside Bodies
Chickenley Community School Governor, Chair of Chickenley Community Cooperative Trust.
Ward Work
This has been quite varied from housing needs to highway problems. This year has seen the rise in residents needing support because of the Bedroom Tax and I’ve signposted some residents to the food bank. This is the reality of the coalition government through the cuts and sanctions on welfare claimants.
I enjoy the challenge working with ward members resolving their issues and supporting them in lobbying for services in their area and I attend Tenants and Residents meetings throughout the ward.
Members Surgeries
I continue working with those who need it most. Giving solid advice and assistance to the young and elderly or signposting them to the relevant agencies. I try to attend as many local community groups as possible so I have a greater understanding of what is happening in the communities.
In 2013 I retained my position in Cabinet and continue to a share a portfolio,
“Place”, this is also known as the public realm.
- Streetscene and other frontline services contribute to the overall vision of the Council. Cabinet has a clear vision to focus on working with communities and partners to create towns and neighbourhoods that are successful and vibrant.
- The aim is to maintain services and confidence at same time as managing people’s expectations. Recognising budget constraints will continue to be relentless and significant for the foreseeable future. The difficult economic situation is having an impact in relation to investment levels, business and growth, how our towns and neighbourhoods feel and function.
- There are consequences also for communities, families and individuals – motivation, aspiration, household incomes all having an effect in particular the welfare reforms.
Participation at Council Meeting Committees
In addition to attending all the Full Council meetings and the meetings of the Labour Group of councillors, I have also attended the following:
Dewsbury Area Committee
Through this committee we have supported various groups from the Dewsbury area to obtain vital funding for different things, some examples are equipment for sport, local history groups and community events. I currently hold the Health Portfolio for Dewsbury Area Committee and continue to strive for better services for Dewsbury. I am also a member of the Regeneration Board for Dewsbury and this year it has successfully seen funding of £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1.7m from Kirklees Council over 5 years. Dewsbury Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is a scheme that can offer grant funding to help the community protect and improve buildings in Dewsbury through restoration.
Heavy Woollen Planning
I continue to enjoy my role on the Planning Committee. This is a very exciting role and allows me to be involved in decisions for new development and regeneration of existing sites. We also look at physical and social impact on applications.
Dewsbury East Neighbourhood Management Group
I’m currently still involved in the NMG for the Dewsbury. This group a multi-agency approach for the wards. It involves the Police, Young People's Services, Fire Service, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and Environmental Services. The key issues that we look at are tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental issues.
Dewsbury Children’s Centre Advisory Board
I currently chair the Children’s Centre Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is a partnership that has developed links with parents and a wide range of services and agencies where each represent the interest of children, young people and families.
Participation on Outside Bodies
Chickenley Community School Governor, Chair of Chickenley Community Cooperative Trust.
Ward Work
This has been quite varied from housing needs to highway problems. This year has seen the rise in residents needing support because of the Bedroom Tax and I’ve signposted some residents to the food bank. This is the reality of the coalition government through the cuts and sanctions on welfare claimants.
I enjoy the challenge working with ward members resolving their issues and supporting them in lobbying for services in their area and I attend Tenants and Residents meetings throughout the ward.
My colleagues and I still hold regular surgeries at Dewsbury Town Hall. This gives residents the opportunity to get to know us in person and to raise their concerns and issues. We get a good gauge of the feelings of the community towards the Council and their elected representatives.
Surgeries are held:
1st Friday of month
Dewsbury Town Hall 6.00 - 7.00 pm
In the event you cannot attend you can make an appointment, and I will be glad to call and see you.
Surgeries are held:
1st Friday of month
Dewsbury Town Hall 6.00 - 7.00 pm
In the event you cannot attend you can make an appointment, and I will be glad to call and see you.
Training and Development
In addition to receiving regular policy updates at Labour Group meetings, I have undertaken the following training and development:
Planning Training (UPDATE)
Child Protection
Governor Training
Licensing (UPDATE)
Planning Training (UPDATE)
Child Protection
Governor Training
Licensing (UPDATE)
Once again, thank you for your support
