Chilly directions
Dartford as a parliament constituency is nearly the same area as the Borough, which covers a range of services including planning and economic development; housing; and arts and leisure. Many services are delivered through Kent County Council, which is responsible for primary and secondary education; social services; transport; police and fire; there are six county divisions, each with one councillor. Dartford Borough is divided into 17 wards, represented by 44 councillors (9 Labour, 31 Conservative, 4 Residents association); it is responsible for housing; planning; refuse; and leisure.
Parliamentary elections run on a five year cycle: the next general election is due in 2015 unless the government decides it cannot command sufficient support. Local government elections are held every four years: the county will be decided in 2013, and the borough in 2015.
Dartford is part of the Southeast constituency of the European Parliament, which returns a delegation of 9 MEPs selected by proportional representation. Peter Skinner is the one Labour MEP for the region.
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