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Find out how independent local representation works, the standards we believe public office should uphold and where to go if you need help with a local council issue.
Decisions that affect everyday life
Local councils make decisions about many of the things people encounter every day, including planning, transport, housing, adult social care, children's services and local services.
The Borough first Independents believe those decisions should be made by councillors who are free to concentrate on the needs of residents and the Borough, rather than being directed by national party politics.
Independent local representation means listening to residents, looking at the evidence and being prepared to consider each issue on its own merits.
Independent, but working together
Our approach to independent local representation gives councillors, candidates and supporters a framework to work together while retaining their own judgement and responsibility to their communities.
Residents come first
Councillors are elected to represent their residents. Local concerns and the needs of individual wards should be at the heart of council decision-making.
Issues on their merits
tBfI councillors are trusted to look at the evidence, listen to residents and reach their own conclusions rather than following a centrally imposed policy.
Ward priorities
Each councillor can develop priorities for their own ward based on the needs and concerns of the people they represent.
Proper scrutiny
Councillors have an important role in reviewing proposals, asking questions and challenging decisions where necessary.
Constructive collaboration
Independence does not mean working alone. Councillors can work with residents, officers and colleagues from across the council where cooperation can achieve better results.
Different views are okay
Independent councillors will not always agree. Open discussion and different viewpoints are a normal part of independent local democracy.
No party whip
The Borough first Independents do not operate a traditional party whip. Councillors are not instructed to vote in a particular way.
Instead, councillors are expected to consider the evidence, listen to residents and reach their own conclusions.
What brings tBfI members together is a shared commitment to independent local representation and putting residents at the centre of decision-making.
More about tBfI →Standards in public life matter
People who hold public office have a responsibility to act in the public interest and to maintain high standards of conduct.
The Seven Principles of Public Life provide an important framework for ethical behaviour in public office and local government.
They cover how decisions should be made, how public office holders should conduct themselves and the importance of transparency, accountability and leadership. Strong governance supports trusted independent local representation.
Principles for public office
These principles apply to people holding public office nationally and locally and provide a benchmark for ethical public service.
Selflessness
Decisions should be made in the public interest, rather than for personal benefit.
Integrity
Public office holders should avoid improper influence, manage interests properly and not use their position for personal gain.
Objectivity
Decisions should be fair, impartial and based on evidence and merit.
Accountability
People holding public office should be accountable for their actions and open to appropriate scrutiny.
Openness
Decisions should be made transparently and information should be available unless there is a lawful reason for withholding it.
Honesty
Public office holders should communicate truthfully and act honestly.
Leadership
Those in public office should demonstrate these principles through their own behaviour and challenge poor standards where they arise.
Local Government Ethical Standards
Read the Committee on Standards in Public Life review of ethical standards in local government.
Need help with a local issue?
Your borough councillor can help with a wide range of problems involving council services, particularly if you are unsure where to go or you have already tried to resolve something yourself.
For routine service problems, it is often best to report the issue directly to RBWM first. This makes sure the problem is formally logged with the council and sent to the relevant service.
Independent local representation also means helping residents navigate the council. If an issue is not resolved or your circumstances are more complicated, contact your councillor.
Contact your councillor
You do not need to know which council department deals with your problem before asking for help. Your councillor can help point you in the right direction.
Find your tBfI councillor →Housing
Social housing, homelessness, temporary accommodation, repairs and housing concerns.
Planning
Planning applications, development, enforcement and concerns about local impact.
Roads & pavements
Potholes, highways, pavements, parking, accessibility and road safety.
Community safety
Anti-social behaviour, neighbourhood concerns and issues affecting community safety.
Environment
Waste, fly-tipping, parks, green spaces, overgrown areas and environmental concerns.
Other council issues
Local facilities, council services or anything else affecting you or your neighbourhood.
Report it directly to RBWM
For many day-to-day service issues, the quickest first step is to use the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead's online Report It service.
Reporting the issue directly means it is logged with the council and can be passed to the appropriate service team.
Keep any reference number you receive. If the problem is not resolved, your councillor can use that information when helping you follow it up.
Already reported it?
If you have already reported the issue and nothing has happened, contact your councillor.
Tell them what the problem is, where it is, what has happened so far and include the council reference number if you have one.
Photographs can also be useful where they help explain the problem.
Sometimes you need someone to step in
Councillors can be particularly useful when an issue is not being resolved, several council services are involved or you need help explaining how a decision is affecting you.
They can raise enquiries with council officers, ask questions, help you understand council processes and make sure your concerns are heard.
You can also contact a councillor simply to raise something happening in your neighbourhood or share your views about a council proposal.
Meet our councillors →Contact tBfI
For general questions about the Borough first Independents, our organisation or getting involved, you can contact us directly.
A little more about tBfI
Is tBfI a national political party?
No. The Borough first Independents exists to support independent local representation within the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. Its focus is local government and local communities.
Do tBfI councillors have to vote together?
No. tBfI does not operate a traditional party whip. Councillors retain their own judgement and can take different positions on an issue.
Can tBfI councillors work with councillors from other groups?
Yes. Independent representation does not mean refusing to work with others. Collaboration is often necessary to deliver better outcomes for residents.
What if tBfI councillors disagree with each other?
Different views are expected within an independent group. Councillors are free to consider the evidence and reach their own conclusions while treating disagreements respectfully and constructively.
What are the Seven Principles of Public Life?
They are Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership. They provide an important framework for ethical conduct by people holding public office.
Should I report a council problem before contacting a councillor?
For routine service issues, using RBWM's Report It service first is often helpful because it creates a formal record of the problem. If it is not resolved, or your circumstances need more support, contact your councillor.
What if I am not sure whether my problem is a council issue?
You can still contact your councillor. They may be able to help directly or point you towards the organisation or service that is best placed to assist.
More about tBfI
Who we are
Find out why tBfI exists, how we approach independent local representation and the values behind the organisation.
Find out more → Local representationOur councillors
Meet our tBfI councillors and find contact details, ward information and local updates.
Meet the team → Get involvedJoin tBfI
Interested in supporting independent local representation or becoming more involved in your own community?
Find out more →Want to support independent local voices?
You can get involved with the Borough first Independents, support independent local representation or help our work with a donation.