Meet the candidate: Nadia Cenci

On Thursday, 7 May, Ipswich residents will head to the polls for two local elections on the same day — one for Ipswich Borough Council, the other for Suffolk County Council. Nadia Cenci is standing for the Conservative Party in the Belstead Hills division, contesting one of 12 county council seats up for election across Ipswich.

As an apolitical publication, we sent every candidate standing in the town the same five questions, and we're publishing every response in full, without editing, so that residents can hear directly from the people asking for their vote. No candidate receives more or less prominence than any other. This is what Nadia told us.

Tell us a bit about yourself — who are you, what's your connection to your ward/division, and why do you want to become a councillor?

I have been a councillor for Stoke Park and Sprites areas for a continuous 20 years, lived there for 47 years. My terms consist of 16 years as an Ipswich borough councillor and 5 years as a County councillor with one year being both.

I am even more passionate and energised than ever before. As cabinet member for Communities I feel I have so much more to achieve for the residents, and I would like LGR and devolution to be handled by experienced councillors such as myself to ensure its success.

What are the three biggest issues facing your ward/division right now, and what would you do about them if elected?

The division is very mixed with vulnerable older adults and young families, some comfortable and some struggling. My case work reflects the problems and I always ensure I respond immediately.

There is also an element of crime and Antisocial behaviour which I keep a close eye on and liaise with various partners and the PCC.

I am also very passionate about raising skills and exam attainment including apprenticeships for our young people because this is an area that needs improving in comparison with other parts of the town.

Suffolk is in the middle of significant change — from the local government reorganisation creating new unitary authorities to ongoing pressures on housing, transport and public services. What's your view on how these changes should be handled, and what role do you see a local councillor playing?

I have already been involved in looking at the best options for Suffolk and I still believe One Suffolk to be the best. However we have to make it work as three.

Councillors need to have an understanding of how the various councils work, will need to be working with officers and staff on the disaggregation of services like Adult social care and children's services. It will not be business as usual over the next couple of years. Alliances will need to be built and councillors will need to help design services and ensure communities have a voice. Most of all NOT political point scoring!

What do you consider your most significant personal, professional or community achievement — and what does it tell voters about how you'd approach the role?

I think residents know me as honest, open, can-do positive attitude, speaking out and standing up for what I believe without fear or favour. I am known to taking my time to get to know the organisations that exist so that my locality budget is used wisely, on residents behalf, and I always ensure case work is dealt with swiftly and that I communicate promptly too with updates.

People know me as someone that delivers for the residents and that I like to have fun with a serious intent! Successes are many over 20 years but my favourite is the bond I have with the many diverse residents and organisations in my division and beyond. We have to work together to make it happen.

If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to residents in your ward/division? How can people contact you now, and how do you plan to keep in touch if you win?

As I always have – face to face, social media, leaflets, and e-mail.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in Belstead Hills — and across the rest of Ipswich? We're publishing every response we receive in full.

Polling stations open at 07:00 and close at 22:00 on Thursday, 7 May, with results expected on Friday, 8 May. To vote in person you will need a valid form of photo ID — if you don't have one, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at gov.uk before 17:00 on Tuesday, 28 April. The last day to register to vote is Monday, 20 April. For a full breakdown of every candidate standing across Ipswich and all the key deadlines, read our complete guide to the May elections.

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