I start from the simple proposition that at the moment we are over-governed and over-regulated, and as a result the idea that individuals should be responsible for their own lives is being lost. The balance of individual versus the state is tipping far too far towards expecting the state to do everything.

I'm not advocating a free-for-all, simply that legistlators and councillors should ask themselves if a new rule will help or end up hindering - and be aware of the 'law of unintended consequences'

At the local level, this is perhaps a dream, because so much is now dictated by central government, but I'll try. And yes, because so much is centrally dictated, I believe that by being a member of the Conservative Party, I can pass up through that organisation some of these concerns, and work towards a better future.

And this is at the local level even more urgent, as the arrangements for the new unitary authority threaten to ignore the voice of north Northumberland. AND the more we learn about the proposals, the worse they seem!