Richard Britton

General background and experience

I have broad business experience. Following a career in the early computer industry I spent two decades buying or launching a variety of small businesses and building them for eventual sale. I have a Master's Degree in Business Administration. I still work as a commercial finance broker.

My values

I am proud to have served the residents of the villages I represent and I continue to do what I can to further their interests. I attend parish council meetings in Alderbury, the Grimsteads and Whiteparish and have established a deep understanding of residents' concerns and expectations.

Council work

I have been Chairman of Wiltshire Council since May 2015 and Chairman of the Southern Wiltshire Area Board since its inception in 2009. In addition I am Chairman of the Police and Crime Panel and Vice Chairman of the Audit Committee. I am also a Member of the Southern Planning Committee. I have contributed to the work of various scrutiny Task Groups - most recently on Army Rebasing.

My local case work is hugely varied: Planning issues, housing, highways maintenance, flooding problems, fly-tipping; they are all grist to the mill for a local councillor!

Community work

I served on Alderbury Parish Council from 1998 to 2006 and was chairman from 2001 to 2006. I am a past Governor of Salisbury College and was a Trustee of Alabare during its formative years. I was a member of the Police Authority before its abolition in 2011.

Personal and family background

I have been married to June for nearly 37 years. Between us we have six children, twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Christmas is a bit expensive!

Other information

As local government finances become ever more stretched it is increasingly difficult to satisfy residents' expectations. However, my work on the council has enabled me to build up close working relationships with key officers to help get things done.

Help and advice

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of service.