District Matters

Protecting services as we create new vision

May 2025

Across the Stratford District Council area, the County Council election results were good for the Liberal Democrats. We had wins in Alcester, Stour and the Vale, Bidford and Welford, Wellesbourne, Stratford South, Stratford West and Stratford North. We also won two District by-elections. A big ‘thank you’ must go to all those who voted for us.

Local government elections and voting for your community representatives are so important. So many services that affect our daily lives, including services we can take for granted, are run by councils such as the District or County Councils. 

We should not forget that democracy is a relatively recent phenomenon. For example, it was only in 1918 that women were finally given the right to vote. In Abraham Lincoln’s words, democracy is "government of the people, by the people, for the people". At its heart is the concept of the population choosing a government through regular, free, and fair elections. 

But democracy is also about ensuring local accountability to local residents. We understand that through democracy, every citizen should be empowered to make their voice heard, without being dominated by entrenched interests or the power of money; with checks and balances, so that those in power cannot abuse their positions for personal gain or political advantage; and a plurality of views where no individual or organisation is deterred from speaking truth to power.

In the next two to three years we are going to be faced with several very difficult challenges. How we address them will affect not just our generation but also the lives of our children and grandchildren. Communicating the values that we are using to make our decisions will be essential. 

The uncertainties around local government re-organisation area challenge if we are to ensure residents continue to receive high quality services over the next two to three years. Making sure we are resilient to further financial challenges will be essential whilst also addressing the services so much needed for our residents. 

We have to protect and develop our vision for the Council of the future and adapt to change, but we must continue to protect priority frontline services. We must also recognise that, as a country, we face growing economic and international security problems that will all have an impact on the communities we serve. 

As public servants, councillors must always remember who we serve and why. Making sure that all are listened to and that the most vulnerable amongst our residents are supported is at the basis of public service. Our job as councillors is to take no one for granted, to listen, communicate and to be strong, local champions who will get things done for the people we represent. We also believe it is important to provide support for the diverse range of organisations that form the bedrock of our communities.

It remains my ambition that Stratford-on-Avon District Council will continue to be seen as a leader in supporting our residents and local businesses, protecting our environment, meeting the challenge of climate change and delivering sustainable innovation for future services.