Liberal Democrats in the Cotswolds are keen to overcome the public’s cynicism about politics by broadening public participation in local affairs. They are writing to every household in the constituency offering to tell people what’s involved in becoming a local councillor, and to remind people that most electors over 18 are qualified to stand.

Although unpaid, councillors at county and district level do receive a basic annual allowance and travel expenses for official business.  The allowances are determined by an independent panel and vary from council to council.

The mailing, which is being delivered as part of Royal Mail’s commercial delivery operation, invites anyone who might be interested in having a go to get in touch with a view to being invited to one of a series of seminars.

Said Roger Brown, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the constituency: “All too often it is left to party time-servers to put their names forward as councillors; but it need not be like that. We believe democracy depends on a wide range of views being put forward on the issues facing local communities.”

The mailing is going out in stages throughout this month, but if you don’t get one, please e-mail info@cotswoldlibdems.org.uk or telephone 01285-651 122.