With all the uncertainty we are facing in the country currently, Congleton ward councillor Rob Moreton would like to talk to the community about debt.

It is something we do not talk about. There is still a perception of shame if we, as people, mount up any amount of debt, which is probably why we do not talk about it, but we should.

Debt can play a big part in our mental health. We should bring debt out into the open, like we have mental health, we should not be ashamed of our struggles.

We should be honest and open and get help if we need it, I myself have struggled, you will not hear many councillors admit they have fallen into arrears with their council tax, but for a time I did.

I did not attend February's Cheshire East Council meeting where the 2020/21 Council Tax Statutory Resolution and budget was discussed due to my daughter having a hospital appointment that day.

If I had not needed to look after my daughter, I would have attended the meeting, but declared my arrears and not taken part in the budget debate.

Maybe I am the first to admit it, I am not sure, but if I can talk about debt, open and honestly, maybe others will too.

It is nothing to be ashamed of and with more businesses closing and more jobs being lost, you can be assured there will be a lot more people struggling.

That was one of the reasons I became an independent councillor in the first place. I am a working-class person from a working-class background like most people in this country.

I knew I could represent you because I feel the same as you and when those in central government make the little people suffer, I suffer too. Because I too, am one of those little people.

But I stand tall and proud and have done so ever since you voted for me, but not only am I going to continue to stand tall, I'm going to continue to offer support and keeping fighting for you all.

We can all stand tall together, we can talk about our problems, our debt, our mental health and together we will come out of our struggles as better people.