Focus On Flitwick

Your independent voice on Central Bedfordshire Council

Brought to you by the Independent Councillor for Flitwick and Steppingley, Gareth Mackey

For too long councillor's political allegiances have resulted in Flitwick and Steppingley residents getting a raw deal on what really matters to them; such as over-development at the expense of local infrastructure, maintaining our roads, support for local small businesses and a visible police presence to help reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.

Independent councillors have no political allegiance. So they can vote on what is best for their Flitwick and Steppingley constituents.

This election presents the best opportunity in decades for real change at CBC. Independents have a strong likelihood to be in a position to either form an Administration or influence the political direction of the Council.

To do this we need YOUR vote in the CBC elections on the 4th May 2023.

Councillor Gareth Mackey

Heather Townsend

There is an election on 4th May 2023. You will have the opportunity to vote for at least two Independent candidates to represent you on Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC).

Over the last four years, I have had the honour of representing Flitwick and Steppingley. I will be seeking your vote again at the next election.

I am pleased to be joined by my colleague, Heather Townsend, one of my moderators of 'Focus on Flitwick'. Read more about Heather later on this website.

This election presents the best opportunity in decades for real change at CBC. Independents have a strong likelihood to be in a position to either form an Administration or influence the political direction of the Council. To do this we need YOUR vote in the CBC elections on the 4th May 2023.

4 years ago I promised I would work hard for Flitwick and Steppingley residents every day. I believed that to get the representation you deserved I needed to change the way you were represented by being visible and present; both in person, via the phone and also online. This is why I set up the Focus on Flitwick Facebook group. It's enabled me to listen and communicate regularly with more residents on the issues that matter more than my predecessors. I couldn't have done everything I have achieved for Flitwick without your help and support. But you need to judge me by my actions. Over the last 4 years I have done (amongst others):

Allied with disabled residents to help influence Highways decision in Flitwick

Scrutiny of the PCC on the Police and Crime panel

Fought for Police action for victims of crime and commercial vehicle crime

Supported grant funding for good causes and local supports clubs and youth organisations

Helped set up the 'Ampthill and Flitwick Lifeline' to support those vulnerable to Covid

Supported residents with dozens of individual pieces of casework

Heather Townsend

Heather Townsend is passionate about Flitwick having moved here in 2002 to start her married life. She is the award-winning author of 6 books including The Financial Times Guide To Business Networking and runs a small business which directly employs over 16 people.

As a lover of the great outdoors, she can often be found walking or cycling around Flitwick in the company of her husband and 2 teenagers. As a local Independent councillor, she will work tirelessly to tackle local issues and stand up for what matters most to local residents. This means:

Guarding against the over-development of our town and ensuring that development goes in the right places, not our precious green belt land

Putting the needs of local residents first rather than political allegiances

Getting better infrastructure for Flitwick

Independent and proper scrutiny of CBC

Fairer funding for Flitwick generally

Helping local businesses thrive

Here are the ways you can help Gareth and Heather's campaign to get a better deal for Flitwick and Steppingley:

Offer to help post leaflets in the run-up to the election. Click here to get in contact with Gareth

On 23rd February 2023, the Independent Councillors put forward amendments to the CBC budget for 2023/24.

These amendments would have seen an Independent Administration cut council tax by 1%.

We proposed to make around £6 million in savings from reduced Councillor allowances, departmental efficiencies, reducing eye-watering borrowing and prudent economic management to pay for improvements in fixing potholes, improving roads, catching fly-tippers and most importantly reducing the tax burden on residents during tough times.

The government has introduced a compulsory photo ID if you vote on 4th May (it does not affect postal voters). You will need an approved ID such as a driving licence, passport, concessionary travel card (older person's bus pass, disabled person's bus pass, Oyster 60+ card), PASS card, Blue Badge, and many more.

If you don't have an ID you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. To get this you can apply on the Electoral Commission website. If you are struggling, please get in touch with me. It's important that you don't give up your right to vote.