Like many of you, the past 12 months or so has brought about very significant changes to my life and my work as a Councillor. Although I had to adopt a lower profile – no delivering leaflets, no monthly surgeries, no knocking on residents’ doors - I have still been very busy at both Councils … Continue reading The new normal?
Author: Amanda Dodwell
I am a Councillor on Leighton Linslade Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council. I am Deputy Leader of LLTC, and Deputy Executive Member for Familes, Education and Children.
On LLTC I chair the Cultural and Economic Committee, and the Personnel Committee.
On CBC I chair the Coporate Parenting Panel, and sit on both the Fostering and Adoption panels.
I have a particular interest in children with disabilities and special needs, and disadvantaged young people. As the mum of a son with ASD I believe I can use my first-hand experience to help my residents and help drive Council policy in this area.
What does ‘the council’ actually do?
So, just what does ‘the council’ do? When you ask someone what ‘the council’ does, you will get a variety of answers, but with some common threads. Firstly, you will get those who don’t think ‘the council’ does very much. Each month they pay a not inconsiderable amount of Council Tax, and yet feel they … Continue reading What does ‘the council’ actually do?
A little common sense goes a long way …
I am conscious that I haven't posted on my Blog since October … unfortunately I had some health issues and I had to take a little time out for myself. However, I am now getting back in the saddle which means I will be starting my Blogging again … and if all goes to plan … Continue reading A little common sense goes a long way …
This week on social media …
There have been two hot topics on local social media sites this week. Firstly, there have been accusations flying around that I – together with my colleagues representing LB South ward on CBC – have been trying to block Councillors from other Leighton Buzzard and Linslade wards from ‘calling in’ planning applications for scrutiny by … Continue reading This week on social media …
My week – week ending 28 September
I have decided to change the format of these posts - rather than being a simple review of meetings etc, I will also include issues that have come up during the past 7 days. One of the biggest issues over the past 7 days has been the congestion around the town - not just in … Continue reading My week – week ending 28 September
The stark choice we will be facing in a General Election …
In all likelihood, we will have a General Election at some point in the very near future. When that time comes, the choice facing the electorate will not be about the normal domestic issues – health, education, welfare and so on – it will be dominated by Brexit, and underpinning this will be a decision … Continue reading The stark choice we will be facing in a General Election …
What can I really say about the current state of national politics?
My husband has stopped watching Question Time as he claims it is not doing his blood pressure any good - I think he has a point. I don't think it matters what side of the Brexit argument you might be on, the current political crisis goes way beyond how anyone voted in 2016, and I … Continue reading What can I really say about the current state of national politics?
My Summer …
It is just over 2 months since my last blog post ... and whilst things have been relatively quiet locally, the same cannot be said of national politics (more of that on a separate post). Like many of you, my son has been off School for the past 6 weeks, and I have enjoyed a … Continue reading My Summer …
Boris, Brexit and …
For the past month or 2, the Brexit debate has been over-shadowed by the Conservative leadership elections. It has been a brief respite from the issue that has dominated the headlines for over 3 years - although it is true that the leadership race has revolved very much around the candidates' position on Brexit. As … Continue reading Boris, Brexit and …
My weeks – for the 2 weeks up to 13 July
Unfortunately last week's post didn't happen - not sure where the time went! Some of the key points from the last 2 weeks: On Monday 1st July, I attended a briefing on Children's Services at Chicksands, and the LLTC Personnel Sub-committee in the evening. On Tuesday 2nd July, I attended a meeting looking at improving … Continue reading My weeks – for the 2 weeks up to 13 July
