Although it is tough at times, I still really enjoy my role as a Councillor. It is not easy to combine it with my full-time job, all the other commitments, which include the hardest role of all, being a parent.

It is such a privilege to hold any public office. Being able to serve the community, try to act and make it a better place for everyone, is a blessing and I treat it with enormous respect. However, I suppose like many of my colleagues, there are moments, when I question myself and wonder whether it would be better to give it all up, do something else as the opportunities to make a difference can be achieved in so many ways.

This week, on Monday night, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Councillors were discussing the budget, which is always a difficult subject, particularly now when the public finances are under a lot of pressure. Where to save? What else could be done to make the work of the Council more efficient? How can we all contribute to a meaningful debate without scoring cheap political points? Often, these are meetings, which I often struggle with the most. How genuine are we when making these decisions? How often do we reject an idea, only because it might be coming from opposite benches? Do we really try to collaborate when it matters most?

Although the budget has been set this week, the Council had to make a lot of painful decisions, some of which are driven by national legislation. No one wants to see cuts to services or reduction in local provision. However, I am pleased that Monday night felt “civil”. I bumped into the Council Officer during the week, who said that he found the debate pleasant and relatively productive. I actually felt that for the first time in quite a while, we actively listened to each other. We had a constructive discussion about Council finances. I am also happy that we were able to challenge our positions and scrutinise our legislative ideas.

All of us, who sat in the Council Chamber, had to make a conscious commitment to the service of the community. With a small allowance and not a pay (!), we all try to do our best to make a difference. I hope that this is the reason for standing and rationale behind it. We get often blamed, criticised and mocked. Yes, we do need it to “take on the chin”, move on and help the people we serve.

When I left the meeting, I thought that we should all continue to do everything in a spirit of common good across our Chamber and our district, but more importantly, for our residents, who we must always put first. I strongly believe, even if we differ, we should aim to find a purpose in our political lives. In my view, there is nothing more meaningful than serving your community, with all your heart, dedication and without any hesitation.

* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.