Interested in Becoming a Councillor
What do Councillors do?
Local councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood. Local councils and councillors make a massive difference to local people's quality of life, they are passionate about their communities and seek to make a change to help improve their residents' lives.
Local councils run numerous services, depending on the size of the council. Many you will see day-to-day, but some are less known. These include organising community buses, creating neighbourhood plans, managing open spaces, maintaining footpaths, traffic calming and Community Speedwatch, public seating, organising dog and litter bins.
Councillors are elected to represent the local community, so you must either live or work in the council area. Becoming a councillor is a rewarding experience as you will be able to make a change in your community to help improve residents' lives.
A councillor’s role may include:
- developing strategies and plans for the area
- making decisions on local services
- attending to local needs of residents, local groups and businesses
- helping with problems and ideas
- representing the community
- working with other local community groups
- talking to the community about their needs and what the council is doing
- collaborating with district and borough councils to adhere to local needs
- progressing vital projects to invest in the future of the community.
The Good Councillors Guide is a great start to explain Parish Councillor responsibilities.
and the Good Councillor’s Guide to Finance and Transparency is also really useful.
What do Councils do?
Councils lead on community services such as allotments, footpaths, public seating and litter bins, but also larger projects such as the running of local transport, leisure services and climate change initiatives. These activities are funded by a local tax, called a precept which is determined by the council.
How much time does it take?
The NALC (National Association of Local Council's) Local Councillor Census Survey found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work. Council work often includes attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking to local groups and bodies on behalf of the council.
Can I stand for election?
To become a Councillor you must be:
• A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union
• 18 years of age or older
• Live in an area that is served by a local council
How can I get involved?
Weston on the Green Parish Council currently has three Councillor vacancies.
For more information about the duties of a Councillor, please contact any of the current Councillors or the Clerk; the details are in the Parish Council page.
Free training to be an effective Councillor and advice will be provided and there are a variety of different areas where your skills can be utilised.
If you would like to apply please see the Councillor Vacancy Procedure Information Document and complete the Councillor Co-option Application Form and return it to the Clerk.
You can find out more about becoming a councillor on The Electoral Commission and Local Government Association website.
National Association of Local Councils Make A Change Campaign Video
Please come and join us and help make a difference to our village!