Councillor Janet Cooper

I was elected to represent Longdendale Ward on 30 September 2010 so this is my first seven months.

Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

I have attended meetings of Full Council and feel very proud to represent Longdendale.

I sit on the Technical Services Scrutiny Panel and have been given a quick grounding of the areas this panel covers. During the next year, I hope to gather a more in-depth knowledge of the wide range of subjects this panel is responsible for.

I did sit on the Community Chest Panel, this has now been replaced by a new scheme called ‘You Choose’ where members of the public vote for were community funding is allocated.

Participation at District Assemblies

I am Deputy Chair of Longdendale District Assembly, which allows great feedback and interaction with the local Police, Homewatch and lots other community groups as well as members of the public. I am also responsible, with the Chair, for how the budget is spent in the ward and obtaining the best value and quality of workmanship.

Constituency Work

My constituency work is growing all the time and is becoming more and more complex with the nature of the problems that are brought to the surgeries, over the internet and telephone calls. Some of these issues can take up a considerable amount of time but some people just need a point in the right direction to take up the issues themselves.

During the last couple of weeks, I have been fighting the closure of a local luncheon club, this has now been resolved to an extent which all parties are happy with but the situation will be continued to be monitored.

On a personal level, I have been shocked by how many elderly carers we have in the ward and how much help they need just to carry on doing what they do, so the fight continues to try and get them more help and respite.

Members Advice Surgeries

I have conducted regular advice surgeries.

Training and Development

My first few weeks as an Elected Member were taken up with training and familiarisation of Council procedure and how the Council works. This training was invaluable.

On going training and development is very important and over the next few months this will help me to become better able to help the people who need it.