06/07/08 - Cllr Justin Tomlinson, Councillor's Week

Councillor’s Week – Justin Tomlinson, Abbey Meads ward councillor and cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation.

 (Swindon Advertiser Article, Exploring Councillor's Work)

It’s impossible to pick a ‘typical’ week – there’s no such thing – so the fairest way is just to start from the day the Adver approached me.  My diary only has the fixed appointments but of course there’s a lot more time spent on phone calls, emails and casework every day.

Thursday 5: Attended the Leader’s Advisory Group where we discuss each cabinet member’s latest projects.   I also met education officers to discuss schools in the northern sector.  I meet council officers every week from each of my three portfolios as well as from other departments when needed.  I also chair the Library Project Board to discuss progress on the new Central Library.

Friday 6: Carried out a series of media interviews to promote tomorrow’s ‘Meet the Railwaymen’ event at the Steam Museum.  A lot of my work involves getting the message across about all the fantastic facilities and events we have in Swindon.  I’ve always made myself available for media enquiries at short notice so the phone is hardly ever switched off.

Saturday 7/Sunday 8: Dealt with a pile of correspondence and casework from residents in Abbey Meads.  There’s a big issue concerning planning permission on a particular development, so I liaised with officers to try and resolve that.  Recycling is also a hot topic.  We now recycle 42% of household waste and inevitably there are some local teething troubles, so I’m sorting those out.   The previous Saturday I’d attended the Festival of Sport where we had a huge turnout, and the councillors’ team came third from last in the go-kart race – one better than last year at least!

Monday 9: Had a meeting about Stratton St Margaret Parish Council to explore how we can work together to try and reduce the precept, or council tax.  I know many residents are concerned about this so I’m working with fellow ward councillors to try and resolve it.

Tuesday 10:  It’s the monthly cabinet meeting tomorrow and I’m presenting a major report on leisure strategy, so that needed finalising.  It involves more refurbishment and rebuilding at the Oasis and Link centres to bring them up to scratch.

Wednesday 11:  Cabinet.  One of the most important meetings of the month, and particularly for my portfolio on this occasion.  Beforehand we have the open forum which the Conservatives introduced to promote open government.  So much of a councillor’s work happens away from the civic offices.  Nevertheless I’m proud to have a 100% attendance record at council meetings.