Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Local government has faced cuts for too long.

Members of the Local Government Independent Group have contributed to the work to influence party maifestos.

Of most importance were demands for adequate funding, a sustainable solution to social care, and matching house building with the required services and infrastructure.

For too long, local government has faced cuts and instability.  Hopefully, whoever is elected on Thursday will understand the important role played by local government in peoples lives and support councillors to do the job they've been elected to do, rather than introduce barriers and obstacles.