Where: Southampton Branch, Dialogue Society, 18 Augustine Road, Southampton, SO14 0PL
Time: 18:00
With: Cllr Adrian Vinson, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Summary

Councillor Vinson gave a clear and engaging explanation of the structure and responsibilities of the Council and the role of councillors. He encouraged participants to get involved with local and national politics. Participants, largely from the local Turkish community, enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about how local government works and to ask questions and engage in discussion.

Abstract

The seminar will explore the following issues:

• How does one become a local councillor?
• What are the responsibilities of the Council? What does your Council Tax pay for?
• The role of the Council’s Administration
• Elected councillors and Council officers
• The back-bench councillor and ward representative
• The Council working in partnership

The initial presentation will be followed by questions and discussion

Biography of Cllr Adrian Vinson

Councillor Adrian Vinson taught modern British history for many years at the University of Southampton, specialising in the history of poverty, welfare and unemployment. He represented Portswood ward on Hampshire County Council from 1985 to 1997 as a Liberal Democrat, and served as Chair of Hampshire Social Services Committee from 1993 to 1997.

Adrian has been a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Portswood Ward on Southampton City Council since 1996 (with a short break from 2008 to 2010). He is Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and was Leader of the City Council from 2003 to 2007.

In addition to politics Adrian enjoys theatre, travel and his garden.