I THINK everyone realised in 2016 that politics matters and voting and joining a political party can affect history.

There is a phrase ‘decisions are made by those who turn up’ and to that I would add, ‘If you don't ask, you don't get’.

Before I became a politician, I used to be a bit cynical about consultations and ‘listening exercises’. But I now see they are important and are genuinely heeded by those with the power to affect our lives.

Having your say is an important right and successive generations have fought for the freedom to express an opinion.

And while many of you go to the polling stations to choice your politicians, there are other important ways that you can shape your own world.

On the all-important NHS, this month Worcestershire Health and Care Trust is carrying out events to talk about the future of health services across the county including where, and how, we get the best possible care.

It’s a far-reaching debate which will impact the future use of our excellent Tenbury Community Hospital and it is so important that you make sure you have your say by attending an event or filling out an online form at http://www.hacw.nhs.uk/yourconversation/.

The Department for Education is also looking for feedback on its proposals to move to a fairer funding deal for local schools.

I am sure that all parents will have a view and this is their chance to feedback directly about how much our schools will benefit from an increased funding settlement. Schools in areas that are seeing funding reductions certainly will. https://consult.education.gov.uk/funding-policy-unit/schools-national-funding-formula2/consultation/intro/

Finally, the team leading the extension of the superfast broadband network is looking for businesses to help them make the case for further local funding.

There are many businesses in and around Tenbury regularly calling for better broadband and this is another exercise that needs people to get involved and have their say – the more respondents that they get, the better the chances of extra money towards getting fibre connections to the hard-to-reach areas. http://tinyurl.com/jgdhmyf

So please speak up for what services you want locally. This is your chance to have your say – and more importantly – show your support for those people who deliver our vital local services and help to make Worcestershire an even greater place to live and work.