THIS week I have spent a lot of time with my colleagues in the Conservative administration at Stroud District Council.

With the Coalition Government at Westminster strengthening the role of local government, it is encouraging to see this being put to good effect by Conservative councillors.

The first event was the consultation with local businesses about the forthcoming budget for Stroud District Council.

The headline proposal is to add more than £2 million to expenditure without increasing council tax. This outcome is in stark contrast to the dire and incorrect warnings about the impact of reductions in grants from central government.

The extra expenditure will support youth services, first time home buyers, local services, climate change measures and business.

Once Parliament passes the Local Government Finance Bill, which includes measures to localise the business rates, there will be more scope for being so innovative.

Next, I attended the official opening of the modernised and much improved Stratford Park Leisure Centre.

Changing facilities are now excellent, and the options for exercise and recreation should attract many people to the centre.

Like many families, my own is very keen on exercise with football practice, swimming and training all featuring regularly so I am really pleased with the improvements to the overall experience of spending time at the leisure centre.

Dursley swimming pool has also been upgraded with solar panels installed on the roof.

Stroud District Council is also working effectively to improve the housing stock, especially in the social housing sector.

Again, measures being introduced by the Coalition Government are being translated into good news for tenants in the form of improvements to properties and provision of additional affordable homes by sensible use of available land.

Last week, I spoke in the House of Commons about the importance of high streets in our communities.

I drew attention to the work of town and chambers in this regard and I underlined the value of working together. Stroud District Council is also playing its part in promoting high street activity.

If you would like to discuss the issues raised above, please contact me on 01453 751572 or visit my website at www.neilcarmichael.co.uk