During my time as a councillor I have done what I can to support initiatives aimed at reducing poverty. There are a number of groups address this issues from various perspectives, one being the Financial Inclusion Steering Group (FISG), with part of its remit to encourage partnership working, and which I have recently started attending. Having now served a full term I feel a bit surer of my role as a councillor and feel I can now give this more attention. We are still keeping busy tending the area around Mayhill Washing 'Lake'. Husband Jeff is secretary of the Friends of group and really helps retain the momentum. There are still jobs to do over Autumn & Winter, including being ever watchful to ensure the area doesn't go back to the bad old days of black bag flytipping.
A sad reflection on the times, one of the training courses I have attended has been about radicalism. The internet & social media has opened up vast opportunities but also threats as people can be indoctrinated behind closed doors without anyone being any the wiser.
Our regular Audit meeting included annual reports from the Welsh Audit Office, fortunately good ones too! And it's the time of year when the council approves (or not!) the annual accounts. As it happens this is something else which comes through Audit first.
I went to the AGM of the local credit union as I am the council representative to their board. There are plenty of places where one can access loans but credit unions also encourage people who become members to save as well. Over the coming months I hope I can do more to spread the word about them.
