Frequently Asked Questions

As we go around the Ward talking to residents either on a daily basis or at election time, we get asked a number of questions. Here are the ones we hear regularly.

Q. I have an issue I wish to raise and I live in Xxxxxxx Avenue, Close, Way, Road etc; do you know it?

A. Yes we most certainly do! We have all walked every road in the ward many times delivering leaflets, canvassing, visiting individual residents or so site meetings about specific issues. Therefore, unless there is no or limited public access, we will know the area you live in very well.

Q. What have you done for me?

A. Depending on where you live and your individual circumstances, it is highly likely that we have achieved something that has improved the lot of you and your family. For example, we got the Education Authority to provide many additional primary school places in the area so that local children could go to local schools. We have also got the Highways department to put in new paths, mini roundabouts, yellow lines etc that will have improved your journeys on foot, bike or by car. The flood alleviation works are another example. To find out more you can enter your road name or area of interest in our site search engine.

Q. The Council only collects my waste. Why is that all I get for my extortionate Council Tax?

A. Well the Council provides a vast array of services which each person will make a greater or lesser use of. For example, the Council is responsible for all the roads and paths in Borough (apart from A419 and M4) that everyone uses as well as the libraries and many leisure centres. A large amount is spent each year on supporting the vulnerable and elderly for which we all have a collective responsibility. It is also worth remembering that Council Tax only accounts for around 20% of the Council’s annual expenditure. As Conservatives, we recognise that it has increased dramatically in recent years and we have worked hard to keep the increases as low as possible in the face of reducing contributions from central Government as a percentage of the total spend.

Q. When I complain nothing changes so why should I vote for you?

A. Many things have changed for the better in Haydon Wick since we were elected and we continue to work to resolve as many matters as we can that are brought to our attention. Our web site has catalogued all the achievements since 2002. A number of problems cannot be resolved as the resident would like and others take a long time to deal with; we continue to work on the difficult ones. Sometimes residents have reported things through ‘the usual channels’ and nothing has happened. These are cases that we won’t know about unless residents tell us and we will intervene when we do.

Q. You’re only in it for yourselves. Why should I vote for any of you?

A. I don’t think any councillor seeks election because of any personal gain. The main motivation is to change things for the better for the community we all live in. The financial remuneration is modest and there are certainly easier ways to earn similar sums!

Q. You’re all the same so why should I vote for any of you?

A. We are most certainly not all the same. Even if we agree on what needs to be achieved, there will be differences on how we should go about tackling a situation. As Conservatives, we believe in low taxation and as a public sector that is needed to deliver the essential public services people want. We also believe in personal responsibility and choice. Voting is the responsibility of all voters, a privilege that many in other countries do not have. If you don’t vote, you forego the right to make legitimate comment if something happens you don’t like.