I ATTENDED a conference last week last week when it struck me that all councils are facing the same financial challenges today.

And councils have always had to make hard choices about how they spend their limited funds.

However, despite our financial constraints I think it’s important to remember how some of the money we do spend makes a huge difference to people’s lives.

Tuesday, 6 February - Audit & Standards Committee

The Discretionary Housing Payment is a pot of money that councils have to help residents -often the most vulnerable - with housing costs such as rent, tenancy start ups and moving expenses.

I was sad to see that Stroud District Council is in a minority of only 92 local authorities in England & Wales that spent all their DHP last year – and in Stroud we not only spent it all, but topped it up too. This money, given in small payments of often just a few pounds a week makes a real difference to many of our residents, preventing homelessness, keeping families together, giving children a stable home and school life, and easing stress and worry.

Tuesday, 13 February - Development Control Committee

Two items are on tonight’s agenda. Members of the public are welcome to observe all committee and council meetings, and you can watch them live on the council’s website www.stroud.gov.uk/webcasts

Register to vote

The council’s elections team has a programme of events planned in schools this year to encourage young people to register to vote. They made a positive start last week by signing up over 30 students at South Glos & Stroud College, and Stroud High School.  If you’re 16 or 17 you can register, ready to be able to vote when you turn 18. It’s quick and easy do register on the councils website – www.stroud.gov.uk/vote