Wigan Council

Um, I should've introduced you.

You have been an independent counselor on Wigan Council? Is that right?

Yeah.

For, for 10 years?

But like I said, never, you never, never say never, can you?

Let, let, let, let me put another perspective on that.

You're never gonna change Wigan if you don't change the national government because the levers in your hand in Wigan Council are, are just feeble sort of levers that don't make that much difference ultimately to your residents.

The only way that you're going to be able to fundamentally change the way in which your, uh, local residents are supported by the council and the government more widely is to get a Reform government in place in the UK.

It would see every decision put in the context of what it means for communities that aren't the middle or upper classes.

Some councils have taken on the duty voluntarily, like Wigan Council, which covers part of Burnham's Makerfield constituency.

They are open about the influence it has on its policies.

They say, "Every time a new policy is developed, we are required to consider the impact it will have on those from lower income households." Every time.

It would see every decision put in the context of what it means for communities that aren't the middle or upper classes.

Some councils have taken on the duty voluntarily like Wigan Council, which covers part of Burnham's Makerfield constituency.

They are open about the influence it has on its policies.

They say every time a new policy is developed, we are required to consider the impact it will have on those from lower income households.