Hi there, ahead of tomorrow's webchat, Grant Shapps has asked us to post this message to Mumsnetters:
With the pressing need to get the nation's finances back on track every community will face tough choices in the months ahead.
When there is less money every decision is key ? we need talented people who are part of their communities to make these decisions.
That's why this week I will be launching a new type of talent show. It's called 'Your Community Needs You!' and I am looking forward to discussing it with you tomorrow.
There are tens of thousands of people across the country already playing their part getting things done in their local area ? school Mums and Dads are a prime example.
Looking at Mumsnet it is clear that you have a proven track record of achievement. I am impressed by the passion expressed in your forums, your mutual support and breadth of knowledge displayed through your posts. Whether fundraising, volunteering as Governors, running football clubs or sharing the school run you skilfully juggle competing priorities and work together to solve complex logistical problems. You have energy, you have passion, you know what needs doing and go out and do it. And you are networked like never before.
That's why I would like some of you to think about becoming a councillor. We need talented community champions to have their names on the ballot papers for next year's local elections.
You are exactly the sort of people the country needs to become councillors. But I suspect that being a councillor is the last thing on your mind. I don't blame you for that. You might want to change things in your community but becoming a politician?
Politics has become a turn-off in recent years. That's no surprise when you realise the people you elect to help have been tied down in red tape ? held back by Whitehall bureaucracy with little freedom to do what needs doing. It has become a pretty thankless task that sapped the energy and enthusiasm of some really committed people.
But times are changing. In the last six months a quiet revolution has been going on in town and city halls across the country. The Government is giving power away ? pushing power from Whitehall to your town hall and from Downing Street to your street.
The Localism Bill to be published this week will put councillors at the heart of their communities. Councillors will have more clout than ever before to get things done.
So now becoming a councillor is more important than ever.
Whether it is that playground at the end of the street that needs new equipment, that bus service that should run or bin collections that get your blood boiling, as a councillor you will have the power to get it sorted.
Or if you think you need more housing, better shops or a new leisure centre, you will help make the decisions. We are putting councillors in charge of what is happening in their communities.
This talent show might not be as glamorous as the X Factor but if you win you will perform a crucial role in your community and will be able to bring change to real lives in your community. I understand that you may struggle to see how you could fit this into your busy lives. But is lack of time the only reason why the average age of a councillor is nearly 60? Or is there something else ? a distrust of the system or a lack of understanding of the role? Why don't you tell me tomorrow?