A LOCAL councillor has been re-elected chairman of an influential social services committee.

For Blackburn councillor Jack Bury, 70, who received an OBE in January, it will be his third year in the driving seat of powerful national committee the ACC (Association of County Councils).

The position takes on more significance with Coun Bury playing a key role in amalgamating the ACC with the new Local Government Association next year.

"I'm really pleased to serve as chairman again," said the popular Higher Croft and Ewood county councillor. "We'll be setting policies to take social care into the 21st century."

"Central to this will be ensuring the transition to the new association is a seamless one so it can fight for the caring services in Whitehall and Westminster."

Coun Bury spends on average two days a week in the ACC's London headquarters, just a stone's throw away from Parliament.

Only last week, Coun Bury had a private meeting with the Minister for Health, Stephen Dorrell.

He added: "I meet ministers every six weeks and they do listen to what we have to say about local government.

"I lead the delegation and talks with ministers like Mr Dorrell are very important. I just wish London was closer."

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