Becoming a Councillor
The Democratic Process
What are parish councils?
Local Councils (inclusive of Town and Parish Councils) are the first tier of local government. There are around 10,000 local councils throughout England, in both towns and rural areas, with over 30% of the country parished, 100,000 councillors who serve in these local councils, and representing around 16 million people. Parish councils represent the interests of their local communities, provide local services and work to improve the quality and wellbeing of life in the parish.
What powers do parish councils have?
They have a wide range of powers which essentially related to local matters, such as looking after community buildings, open spaces, allotments, litter bins, play areas, planning, street lighting, bus shelters, car parks, youth facilities, leisure and sports facilities, organising events, and much more. A local council also has the power to raise money through taxation, otherwise known as the precept. The precept is the parish council’s share of the council tax. The precept demand goes to the billing authority, the district council, which collects the tax for the parish council.
Who are the councillors?
Local councils are made up of councillors who are elected or co-opted. Councillors work with local people and partners, such as community groups, businesses and other organisations, to agree and deliver on local priorities. The decisions are implemented by permanent council staff, council officers, who deliver services on a daily basis.
What is the role of councillors?
A councillor’s primary role is to represent their local area (or ward where the council is warded) and the people who live in it. Councillors provide a bridge between the community and the council. The role brings people together. Councillors work with a diverse range of people from their community and have officers to support them in their role at the council. Councillors lead the local conversation: you can be part of that to make your area the best place it can be. It’s a varied and highly fulfilling role, and no day is the same.
How can you become a councillor?
There are roughly 100,000 local councillors in England. Councillors are elected to the local council to represent their own local community, so they must either live or work in the area. Each councillor has their own reasons for running but the role offers the chance to make a huge difference to the quality of life for people in your local area. The councillor’s role centres around community leadership and engagement. What does it look like in practice? Councillors serve and represent the community in many ways, for example: •Talking to constituents by phone, email and letter, social media, home visits, drop-in sessions, street or community meetings, and local events. •Responding to queries and issues from local people, investigating concerns, helping with solutions (this is called casework). •Keeping the community informed about local issues and events - for example through email, newsletters, blogs, social media and in person. •Reading council meeting agendas and reports, research and evidence to understand issues and participate in discussions and decisions. •Attending formal council meetings as well as meetings with local partners and organisations. •Working collaboratively with the staff, local people, voluntary and community organisations, police, health partners, and businesses to shape the future of the local area. Building strong relationships and encouraging people to get involved and share their views and ideas. •Some councillors have extra responsibilities, for example specific council projects, or positions in committees or working groups.
Do I need any special qualifications?
Being a councillor is a varied and highly fulfilling role. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications, and you’ll gain lots of new skills, experience, knowledge, and confidence.
Why become a councillor?
Being a councillor is all about giving back to your community by bringing your energy, passion, and hard-working attitude. You can make a real difference to the local community and wider society in many ways as a councillor. For example, you could be representing the views of local people to ensure the community gets the right services, supporting a resident with an issue, or helping to shape the community by driving new ideas.
Is any training provided?
Councillor training will be provided to all councillors to help them with their role. At Southwater Parish Council we are committed to providing councillors with the necessary training and development opportunities to ensure that the Council can meet its aims and objectives. The Council values the time given by its councillors to their community and needs to maximise the rewards from that time by ensuring that its members understand and nenjoy their role in the community.
Who can be a councillor?
We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications. Your life experience, everyday skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are vital, and it’s important that councils reflect the local population. To be a councillor you need to be: •British or a citizen of the Commonwealth. You may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union, however the criteria has changed now that the UK has left the European Union. Please check on the gov.uk website for advice about EU citizens’ voting and candidacy rights in local elections. •At least 18 years old. •Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked, or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.
Who can't be a councillor?
You can’t be a councillor if you: •Work for the council you want to be a councillor for, you can work for another local authority as long as you are not in a political restricted post. •Are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order. •Have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day. •Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court. •Are subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence. Please read the full eligibility criteria from the Electoral Commission. If you are in any doubt about whether you are eligible to stand as a councillor, you should contact the Electoral Services or Democratic Services team at your local council (Horsham District Council) or the Electoral Commission for advice.
Are councillors getting paid?
Councillors are not paid a salary or wages, but they are entitled to claim allowances and expenses to cover some of the costs of carrying out their public duties. All councillors can opt to receive an annual allowance (if they are elected). Don’t be discouraged if the next elections are a long way away – there is plenty to do and learn on the journey to becoming a councillor. Starting early will help to understand the processes of standing for election and learn more about local government to hit the ground running if elected. Likewise, from time to time, vacancies become available, and the Council has the opportunity to co-opt a prospective councillor.
Useful resources
Sources used: https://www.local.gov.uk/be-councillor https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/ https://www.nalc.gov.uk/library/our-work/civility/3802-roles-and-responsibilities-guidance/file https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/ https://clophill-pc.gov.uk/our-parish-council/what-is-a-parish-council-and-why-become-a-parish-councillor/
Don’t just take our word for it!
The best way to find out what it’s like to be a parish councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it already. Come along to a councillor surgery (first Saturday of every month, except August) or speak to one of our councillors and find out what they think of the job.