I have lived in Totteridge almost all my life and so it was a special pleasure to be elected to represent the ward, which has always been home.

Once I joined the Council almost two years ago, I had to overcome one big misconception. I found that the Council is competent in most things that it does. The staff actually work towards accomplishing the goals they are set in their own way. This might not be the same as a business might employ, but it does get there. The lack of surplus funds to be spent at the discretion of the Council is mind-boggling. The Council spends so much of its cash on education, social services and other statutory requirements, that the surplus at the end of the year is miniscule compared with the £700 million spent.

I rather imagined that a councillor would identify a problem, speak to a few officials and that the problem would be solved. The system is rather different. Each change in policy or extra expense has to be justified against Council policies and the Mayor of London`s policies and fit in with government guidance/instruction. Funding fromWhitehall is governed by a set of targets which Barnet has to attempt to meet. Sometimes this has been difficult but recently we have pulled it off and gained a four star rating. This still means that we feel aggrieved at the little money that comes our way.

After my first year in the Town Hall, I was made chairman of the committee that looks at healthcare in the borough. I really had no interest in the subject before this, other than to go to the doctor every now and again. I was swiftly roused to anger at the way that the public are treated and have tried to acquire the knowledge that is needed for this role. The lack of an overall strategy for dealing with an increasing population is difficult to believe. This absence of a strategic plan is masked by public consultations which are not listened to and a plethora of initiatives and glossy brochures. There are an incredible number of trusts, boards and management committees that pass for an administrative system. I do not know how they make it work at all. The Council has been given a role by the Government to scrutinise the NHS. It is our role to ask questions and make suggestions (as a critical friend), and the questions do have to be answered. Sometimes we can see something which is blindingly obvious to an outsider which has remained hidden to experts within the system.

My role as Totteridge`s representative on the planning committee has not always been easy but I have tried to apply common sense to the decisions made.

It was quite a surprise to be asked to be Deputy Mayor. As yet, I have not been asked to chair the full Council but there are still a couple of meetings to go! The main function that I have undertaken is visiting some of the many organisations and schools within the borough. I had no idea that there are so many things going on around me. The voluntary side of life in our suburb has been a great surprise to me in the extent and range of what is contributed and also in the quality of work that many undertake. It has been a great privilege to support them as Deputy Mayor with my wife Alison as Deputy Mayoress.We have really enjoyed this role and hope that we have been of use.

There have been many things to learn and an incredible number of meetings to attend but the experience has been very positive. I look forward to continuing in this task and giving something back to society.