Don Hammond trading as entrepreneurial concepts

Cheshire West and Chester Local Authority.

Don Hammond decided to put himself up for nomination as Conservative Candidate for the Marbury Ward of the Cheshire West and Chester local authority. In hustings, the Conservative members adopted him as a candidate alongside two existing councillors, Norman Wright and Malcolm Byram. The election was on 6 May 2011 and 2035 electors voted for him – giving him a significant majority over the Labour candidates – their highest vote being 1184. Turnout was 44% which by local government election standards is reasonable.

Marbury has been a Conservative Ward, but there can be no forecasts in these uncertain times.

Cheshire West and Chester is one of the more efficient unitary authorities, with a good track record overall. However, additional savings and efficiencies are required looking forward, and there will continue to be pressures to provide new services, and a desire to avoid cuts to existing frontline services. There are challenging times ahead.

He serves on the Audit and Governance Committee, the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, the Public Accounts Scrutiny Panel, School Governors' Appointments Panel, the Constitution Working Group and other committees.


Don hopes to promote:

• Value for taxpayers' money in these frugal times and a reasoned challenge to unwarranted expenditure proposals.


• The appropriate distribution of resources across the whole of area covered by Cheshire West and Chester.


• Effective transition of certain NHS services to the control of the local authority under the reorganisation proposals presently concerning the NHS.

Don expects to stand for one electoral term of four years only - this elected role is not sought as a change of career or a retirement job. He believes that his expenses claim is amongst the lowest of his colleagues.