I have had an extremely busy year, serving on many committees and outside bodies. It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable year learning new things and understanding the concerns of major issues within our communities including serving on the mental health scrutiny panel and scrutinising the work of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
I have really enjoyed serving on the working party at the Yorkshire Mining Museum, where great innovations are happening to ensure sustainability; I was please to get our MP involved with some these new ideas and getting her support.
I have spent a lot of my time working with Chickenley Community Centre as trustee and treasurer; this has seen a dramatic improvement in facilities and financial control. I have also worked with other trustees on the asset transfer of the building to the group.
Participation at Full Council and Committees:
I have spoken on various issues at Full Council and have been involved in speaking to motions.
I am a member of various Committees including the Asset Liaison Group which have supported asset transfers and land sales.
As a member of Dewsbury District Committee I have been successful in gaining financial support for many groups in the Dewsbury East Ward and seeing some much needed inward investment. It is a tremendous shame that this committee will not continue next year, this was the only real chance for members of the public to ask direct questions of their councillors.
Once again we supported many local individuals and groups through the fantastic “it’s up to you” funding which secures the existence of many groups with a small amount of money. We intend to continue with some sort of local funding to smaller groups
My main focus of work within the Council remains Planning, as Chair of the Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-Committee and member of the Strategic Planning Committee. I seem to be inundated with requests for assistance although this is important and access to the chair is important, it does generate an amazing amount of work and use of my time.
Participation on Outside Bodies:
I continue to be a member of Dewsbury Endowed Trust, Greenwood Homes Trust, Chickenley Community Centre, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Yorkshire Mining Museum and Dewsbury East Community Association
All these areas of work are good for life experience and increase in knowledge; they offer different pressures and experiences and improve overall understanding of the needs of our communities and government investment.
Ward Work:
I have dealt with many individual cases in my role as Councillor. Hopefully helping our ward members to understand the need for councillors as a representative and someone to come to for help and assistance.
I have managed to secure much needed investment for housing and play area improvements across the whole ward this year.
We have been successful in getting some justified investment for highways improvements.
One thing I am proud of is my work with local schools; for too long, schools didn’t feel that elected members had a role or link with schools. I have reaffirmed our intention to help and participate with schools under the Schools as a Community Hubs initiative.
Achievements during the year:
It has been a pleasure to secure funding from developers to reinvest over £1m into our community. This will secure improvements to some of our play facilities, investment into smaller groups and supply 3 new properties to rent for the people of our ward. It is our intention to create a lasting legacy.
Members Surgeries:
We continue to hold surgeries at Dewsbury Town Hall the first Wednesday in the month, street surgeries are also carried out.
We also ensure the residents of Dewsbury East are informed of many major changes within the Council to ensure they are aware of Government cuts and the effect on services.
We provide correspondence to ward members on various issues, consultation, investment, service changes, throughout the year
We also attend many action and pressure group committees.
Training:
I have been to various training events this year, including finance training and citizenship but by far the best training I have received is the work and input I have had as a member of a working party at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority; this has proved an eye opener and has given me a real insight into area finances and development.
I have really enjoyed serving on the working party at the Yorkshire Mining Museum, where great innovations are happening to ensure sustainability; I was please to get our MP involved with some these new ideas and getting her support.
I have spent a lot of my time working with Chickenley Community Centre as trustee and treasurer; this has seen a dramatic improvement in facilities and financial control. I have also worked with other trustees on the asset transfer of the building to the group.
Participation at Full Council and Committees:
I have spoken on various issues at Full Council and have been involved in speaking to motions.
I am a member of various Committees including the Asset Liaison Group which have supported asset transfers and land sales.
As a member of Dewsbury District Committee I have been successful in gaining financial support for many groups in the Dewsbury East Ward and seeing some much needed inward investment. It is a tremendous shame that this committee will not continue next year, this was the only real chance for members of the public to ask direct questions of their councillors.
Once again we supported many local individuals and groups through the fantastic “it’s up to you” funding which secures the existence of many groups with a small amount of money. We intend to continue with some sort of local funding to smaller groups
My main focus of work within the Council remains Planning, as Chair of the Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-Committee and member of the Strategic Planning Committee. I seem to be inundated with requests for assistance although this is important and access to the chair is important, it does generate an amazing amount of work and use of my time.
Participation on Outside Bodies:
I continue to be a member of Dewsbury Endowed Trust, Greenwood Homes Trust, Chickenley Community Centre, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Yorkshire Mining Museum and Dewsbury East Community Association
All these areas of work are good for life experience and increase in knowledge; they offer different pressures and experiences and improve overall understanding of the needs of our communities and government investment.
Ward Work:
I have dealt with many individual cases in my role as Councillor. Hopefully helping our ward members to understand the need for councillors as a representative and someone to come to for help and assistance.
I have managed to secure much needed investment for housing and play area improvements across the whole ward this year.
We have been successful in getting some justified investment for highways improvements.
One thing I am proud of is my work with local schools; for too long, schools didn’t feel that elected members had a role or link with schools. I have reaffirmed our intention to help and participate with schools under the Schools as a Community Hubs initiative.
Achievements during the year:
It has been a pleasure to secure funding from developers to reinvest over £1m into our community. This will secure improvements to some of our play facilities, investment into smaller groups and supply 3 new properties to rent for the people of our ward. It is our intention to create a lasting legacy.
Members Surgeries:
We continue to hold surgeries at Dewsbury Town Hall the first Wednesday in the month, street surgeries are also carried out.
We also ensure the residents of Dewsbury East are informed of many major changes within the Council to ensure they are aware of Government cuts and the effect on services.
We provide correspondence to ward members on various issues, consultation, investment, service changes, throughout the year
We also attend many action and pressure group committees.
Training:
I have been to various training events this year, including finance training and citizenship but by far the best training I have received is the work and input I have had as a member of a working party at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority; this has proved an eye opener and has given me a real insight into area finances and development.
