Who are we?
The Borough first Independents brings together local residents, councillors, candidates and supporters who believe decisions about our Borough should put the people who live here first.
What are The Borough first Independents?
The Borough first Independents, or tBfI, is a group of local residents and independent councillors with a shared aim: to make sure residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have a strong voice in local government.
We believe local government should focus on the communities it serves. Decisions about our services, neighbourhoods and finances should be made in the interests of residents rather than driven by national party politics.
That means listening locally, considering the evidence and being prepared to judge each issue on its merits.
What makes tBfI different?
The Borough first Independents believes local representation works best when councillors can listen to their communities, consider the evidence and use their own judgement.
Residents come first
Our starting point is always the impact a decision will have on the people, businesses and communities of the Royal Borough.
Issues on their merits
We believe councillors should look at the evidence, listen to different views and decide what they believe will produce the best local outcome.
Independent local voices
Our councillors are not there simply to follow a national party line. They are there to represent their wards and the residents who elected them.
Respect. Integrity. Collaboration.
The values of The Borough first Independents shape how we behave, how we make decisions and how we work with residents, colleagues and communities.
Respect
We believe everyone deserves to be listened to and treated with consideration, even when views differ.
We value the contribution of residents, community groups, council staff, businesses and fellow councillors.
Debate can be robust, but it should remain respectful. Disagreement should never prevent people from working constructively together.
Integrity
We believe in acting honestly, openly and responsibly, and being clear with residents about the decisions we make.
Our communication should be accurate and transparent. We should be prepared to explain our reasoning and be accountable for the choices we make.
Integrity also means being prepared to do what we believe is right for the Borough, even when that decision may not be the easiest or most popular.
Collaboration
We believe better decisions are made when people listen to one another and work together.
That includes working with residents, community organisations, businesses, council officers and councillors from across the political spectrum.
We remain independent in our judgement while recognising that cooperation can often deliver better results for residents.
These values do not mean we will always agree. They mean we commit to dealing with differences respectfully, honestly and constructively, while keeping the interests of residents at the centre of what we do.
What are we here to do?
The constitution of The Borough first Independents sets out our aims and the principles that guide our work across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Better local services
To work for value for money and improvements to the facilities and services residents rely on.
Good governance
To support open, responsible and effective governance and management of the Royal Borough.
Strong communities
To support vibrant communities, local amenities, education, culture, leisure, infrastructure and sustainable prosperity.
Listen and collaborate
To consult and work with residents, businesses and others to achieve the best possible local outcomes.
Opportunity and aspiration
To encourage aspiration, achievement, engagement and social mobility within our communities.
Support those who need it
To ensure vulnerable members of our communities are supported through effective policies and practical action.
Independent, but working together
Being part of The Borough first Independents does not mean councillors are instructed how to vote or what to say.
Councillors retain their individual judgement and responsibility to their wards, while working constructively with other independent colleagues where doing so can achieve better results.
We believe that gives residents something valuable: independent voices that can still collaborate and get things done.
Read our Constitution
The Borough first Independents constitution sets out our aims, membership, governance, structure and organisational rules.