Cllr Mike Butcher

July 10^th 2008 was the day I was elected by almost 50% of those people that voted, to represent Bradwell South & Hopton Ward.  I was then and still am determined to do the best I possibly can to represent all of the people in the ward (all 7000 of you) in conjunction with my fellow ward Councillors, Stephen Ames & Sue Hacon. 

As I was elected after the May election, most of the committee vacancies had been filled by the time I came along!  However, here are the ones that I have been allocated too for the time being:

1. 1.    Strategic & Community Advisory Group
2. 2.    Customers & Resources Advisory Group
3. 3.    Housing Appeals
4. 4.    Audit & Risk

 I have already attended several meetings of all of the above and am gradually finding my way around the various offices in the Town Hall and beyond,  getting to know as many of the Council staff as I can. 

 Councillors are also expected (after attending the relevant training) to stand-in for fellow Councillors on those occasions when, due to other commitments, they are unable to attend a specific meeting.  I have already stood in as a “named sub” on the Scrutiny Committee which is chaired by the Opposition and charged with making sure that the Council does its best to get the best value for the people of the Borough.

 Councillors are expected to attend various ongoing training sessions to ensure that they are not only knowledgeable of their responsibilities but also to ensure that they keep up to date with the current and constantly changing legislation.

 Great Yarmouth Borough Council has a total of 39 Councillors representing (at the moment) two political parties.  There are currently 24 Conservative and 15 Labour Councillors.  In the main all Councillors generally work well together on the committees whose make up mirrors the political divide.  Sparks do sometimes fly at the Full Council Meetings though.

 You may be aware that I am also a Parish Councillor on Hopton Parish Council and I am coming to the end of my four year term as Chairman which expires in May 2009.  I have very much enjoyed my term as Chairman and intend to continue after handing over to my successor.

 Mike Butcher