WITH only a few weeks to go to the district council elections, it is perhaps a good time to reflect on the district council’s role and responsibilities.

The district council is a middle tier local government authority sitting between the county council and the town/parish councils.

Readers are likely be familiar with some of the split of responsibilities. Among its many roles, the county looks after the highways, the pavements, social care, libraries and some aspects of education. The district’s responsibilities include waste collections, some car parks, licensing, several aspects of planning, many parks and open spaces, as well as running the elections.

The parishes have varied responsibilities including allotments, and some public realm. One important role therefore of the district council is to collaborate closely with both of the other tiers of local government - something which I like to think we do pretty well in South Lakeland.

A very recent example is the joint agreement with the county over weed spraying, which will result in weeds being sprayed three times over the spring and summer. The district also works well with community groups and the local parish and town councils. The transfer of the management of the Coro to an Ulverston community group is a great example of this collaborative working.

But the question I always ask is, what more can we do to benefit the community, beyond our statutory obligations? Is it the role of the local authority to provide leadership in tackling climate change? Can we help in the drive to reduce plastic waste? Should we be looking at ways to alleviate the effects of poverty, particularly child and food poverty? Do we have a responsibility to help fledgling companies become established?

My answer to these questions is an emphatic yes. We need a district council that is engaged in all issues that affect the community, even if our involvement is only as an advocate. So if you think there are issues that we should be addressing, do let us know. We want to hear from you.