Howard Woollaston (Conservative) was elected on 2nd May 2019.
My background is from an entrepreneurial family of small business owners. My Father ran a building and joinery business and my Mother a Ladies fashion shop. As an only child I was drawn from an early age into adult conversations about business and the challenges they posed. Perhaps it is not surprising then that I am a natural Conservative believing in people doing their best to help themselves. However, I was also brought up to be a compassionate and caring person and I completely believe in the need of the state, both national and local, to provide a safety net where necessary including social housing and healthcare particularly for the elderly and disadvantaged.
I Chair a small charity which over my 4-year tenure has generated over £2.1 Million for the homeless and disadvantaged children so I have hands on experience of the effects of deprivation and poverty.
We are all so lucky to live in such a wonderful part of the UK with high employment levels , some fantastic schools ( 95% are OFSTED rated as good or outstanding), access to superb medical facilities ,the best rural broadband connectivity in the country , what will soon be even faster and better rail links into London and to be at the crossroads of England – the M4 and A34 .
I have six areas I intend to focus on as your District Councillor:
- The Conservative Group, who I represent have run the Council for the last 4 years. They have done an unbelievably good job of maintaining services, containing costs and keeping Council Tax increases to the lowest possible level in an environment of serious cuts from Central Grants, whilst nearly 70% of the £100 Million + budget is spent on social and children’s care.
- I am local, I moved to this area in 2001 to Chilton Foliat and my wife and I moved to Eastbury in 2005. Libby runs a shop in Hungerford, so I am well aware of the problems of retail trading in the current environment. It is something that I would like to do something to resolve.
- I was lucky enough to have an interesting and varied 40-year career dealing with Commercial Property at Knight Frank in London – apart from the dreaded commute! We agree to retire at 60 so, whilst I have two consultancies and my charity involvement, I have the time to dedicate to representing the people of Lambourn, Eastbury and the Woodlands whilst at 64 still having the energy and enthusiasm to fully perform the role. My previous working life provides me with the experience to challenge views and decisions in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
- I have personal experience of social housing issues and the needs of local people through my role as Chairman of the Labour controlled London Borough of Hounslow trading company which is responsible for social housing development, recycling and park management.
- We live in the Valley of the Racehorse and I have already had meetings with the Jockey Club and several trainers. The recent report demonstrates clearly the importance of the industry to the wellbeing of the overall community and I intend to be a major supporter to safeguard and promote it.
- We are also fortunate to live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with many listed buildings all of which need protection and to be respected.
If there is anything that you would like to discuss, please contact me on woollastonhoward1@gmail.com or on 07836 718100.
