We contacted all candidates vying for your vote to be the next MP for the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency, asking each of them the same questions. We've taken their responses exactly as they were sent to us - so you know where each of the candidates stands to help you decide who to vote for.

Here are their responses to the question:

How will you ensure that vital public services, such as libraries, community centres, and youth services, are maintained and improved? What are your plans for enhancing public safety and reducing crime in our area?

Jon Cousins (Green Party):

Green Party policy would transform the planning system so that all new developments come with access to public services and green spaces are protected. As mentioned in my answer to the 'Housing Question', Green policy will also ensure large-scale developments are always supported by new infrastructure such as GP surgeries, bus services, cycling and walking networks, and extra places at nurseries and schools. As your Green MP, I would push for local decisions about planning to be informed by a land use planning policy framework that seeks to balance various needs – including new infrastructure – and that all new-built homes will be required to maximise the use of solar panels and heat pumps, or equivalent low carbon technologies.

On a wider scale, the Green Party would invest £4billion over the next five years to insulate other public buildings to a high standard. This is primarily for schools and hospitals, as part of a ten-year programme. £1billion will also be made available as grants to retrofit private sector buildings to a similarly high standard.

Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrats):

As a Somerset councillor, I know how vital these services are for our communities. The Conservatives have robbed local communities of their powers and their resources and forced councils to do more and more with less and less. I've repeatedly pressed for urgent local government reforms, including calling for cross-party unity on the issue, and I've also demanded urgent funding to keep recycling centres open, to prevent fly-tipping in rural areas. The Liberal Democrats will support local government through these difficult times and allow communities to take the action they need to improve their areas. We'll appoint a cross-departmental Minister for Rural Communities, to make sure that rural voices are heard across government. We'll encourage post offices to become community banking and government hubs, and keep DVLA services available at post office counters. We'll enhance powers over community assets to help local authorities protect pubs, community farms, and other vital infrastructure. We'll invest in leisure centres, swimming pools and other grassroot facilities, and support community sports clubs. We'll also give local authorities the powers they need to restore bus routes and add new ones where there is local need.

Hal Hooberman (Labour):

Libraries, community centres, and youth services used to be the lifeblood of our communities. Public services making our lives better. The Conservatives just do not believe in this; they have cut anything like this to the bone. I will be a community campaigner, on the ground, right here in Glastonbury and Somerton for all local community public services - working to protect those we have and fighting for more. The last Labour Government's Sure Start centres meant the world to so many. The next Labour Government's will create a new Young Futures programme with a network of hubs reaching every community. These hubs will have youth workers, mental health support workers, and careers advisers to support young people's mental health and avoid them being drawn into crime.

Tom Carter (Reform UK):

No response received

Faye Purbrick (Conservative)

No response received