LYNNE NICHOLLS, of Lower Drive, Dawlish, writes:

Over the years it has not been unknown for me to be asked if I intend standing for election as a local councillor.

The answer then, as now, is ‘No, thank you,  I have no wish to do so’. 

My lack of interest is for all sorts of reasons but now I find that there is another one – (grand)child care responsibilities.

How can I, and others like me (mostly women), with both scheduled and unscheduled child care responsibilities, undertake the commitment of being a local councillor with all those meetings and suchlike?

Lack of affordable and available childcare not only negatively impacts the ability to be economically active but it can also, please note, prevent active participation in local democracy.  

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