Local elections are taking place in most parts of the North East on Thursday, May 2.
This is when we elect councillors, who make important decisions about local services.
For some people, the elections will be an important test of how popular the parties and their leaders are.
But others will be more interested in what they mean for vital services such as recycling, road maintenance and social care.
Local councils also decide how much to charge residents in council tax each year.
This guide will give you a rough idea what the different parties stand for.
We’ve included the names of the party leaders and where they stand on Brexit - but of course, voters who feel these things shouldn’t matter in local elections are free to ignore them.
Conservative Party
The Conservative Party, also known as the Tories, say they are the party of good quality services and lower council tax.
They claim that they are better at managing people’s money than rival parties, so they offer better services at a local cost.
Party leader Theresa May said: “Conservative councils give better services, they recycle more, they fix more potholes and they charge lower taxes.
“A vote for Labour is a vote for mismanagement, worse services and higher taxes.
“It is Conservative councils that give better services and charge you less.”
Party leader: Theresa May. The Tories are in power in the national government, but have been unable to deliver Brexit. Some commentators think they might do badly in these elections as a result.
Backing Brexit? Yes - but it hasn’t been easy.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats or Lib Dems are a centre-ground party. They say they avoid the excesses of some of the more extreme Labour or Conservative politicians.
In addition to a focus on effective basic services like street cleaning, refuse collection, and roads and pavements, Lib Dems say their priorities include sustainable communities, value for money for council taxpayers, responsive and accountable public services, and better quality of life through environmental sustainability and a fairer society.
North East Lib Dem spokesman Greg Stone said “Liberal Democrats believe in local democracy and local decision making for everyone.
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“We aim to provide an effective alternative and opposition challenge on complacent councils in the control of one party.
“Across the North East Lib Dem councillors are rooted in the communities they serve, and champion their area’s interests by being their voice on the council rather than the council’s voice in their area.”
Party leader: Sir Vince Cable. He’s said he will stand down later this month, allowing the party to elect a new leader.
Backing Brexit? No. The Lib Dems want a second referendum.
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Labour Party
The Labour Party traditionally does well in the North East.
The party has issued a series of pledges for the local election campaign.
They are:
Cut crime by putting 10,000 extra police on the street
Proper GP funding, so you can get an appointment when you need one
1 million new homes to buy and rent
Cut class sizes so children can get a better education
A new social care fund to support people with dementia and their families
Local councils don’t have the power to do these things but Labour says the local elections are a chance to send a message to the national Government.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: “We need to elect as many Labour Councillors as possible on 2 May to send a message to this Government that real change is needed and austerity must end.”
Party leader: Jeremy Corbyn, the Leader of the Opposition in Westminster.
Backing Brexit? Basically yes, but Labour says it could support a second referendum to stop what it calls a “damaging Tory Brexit”.
Green Party
The Green Party are best known for their focus on protecting the environment and dealing with climate change, but they have policies on a range of issues.
They say that Green councillors will campaign for an end to cuts in funding to local councils.
A Green Party document says: “The Green Party is committed to campaigning to restore the £50 billion of public money taken from councils – having Greens elected to councils will send a strong message to Westminster that people have had enough of losing cherished local services.”
Councils don’t actually have the power to reverse cuts in funding from central government but they as the party says, they can attempt to put pressure on the government.
They also say they believe in putting more power in the hands of local people. For example by allowing residents to form panels and assemblies to directly input into council decision making.
Party leader: There are two - Siân Berry and Jonathan Bartley. The most well-known member is probably former leader Caroline Lucas, the party’s only MP.
Backing Brexit? No. The Green Party backs a second referendum.
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UKIP
UKIP is the party once led by Nigel Farage. But he’s left, and now runs a different, rival party.
The most well-known UKIP policy is, of course, leaving the European Union.
UKIP also has policies on other issues, but it’s hard to pin down what the party stands for.
The party is often described as right-wing, but it traditionally had left-wing members too.
Recently, it has become a staunch anti-immigrant party.
One of its pledges in its local election manifesto is to end mass uncontrolled immigration and open borders.
Party leader Gerard Batten also hired Tommy Robinson as an adviser. Mr Robinson is the founder of the English Defence League and has made a series of remarks attacking ordinary Muslims.
Party leader: Gerard Batten
Backing Brexit? Yes
Change UK/The Independent Group
They new anti-Brexit party formed by former Labour and Conservative MPs was not registered at the time required to field candidates in the local elections.
It has announced it is supporting “the candidates of pro-People’s Vote and pro-Remain parties”.
The Brexit Party
Nigel Farage’s new pro-Brexit party also isn’t standing candidates in local elections.
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