Becoming a Parish Councillor
You must be:
- A British subject, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union;
- On the ‘relevant date’ (ie the day on which you are nominated, or if there is a poll on the day of the election) be 18 years of age or
Also:
- Be on the Electorial Role for the Council area where you want to stand on the ‘relevant date’;
- OR have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the council area during the whole of the
12 months preceding that day; - OR had your principal or only place of work in the council area during that same period;
- OR have resided in the council area during that 12 month period;
- You can also satisfy the criteria to be elected if you have lived in the council area or within 4.8km (3 miles) of it for the whole of the 12 months preceding the ‘relevant ’ date
TO BE A COUNCILLOR YOU NEED TO:
- Care about getting the best for your community
- Have a willingness to represent your neighbours
- Want to make a difference
- Undertake training
- Adhere to the Code of Conduct
- Register your interests
- Have the time
- Be committed and enthusiastic
Could this be you?
TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Parish Councillors are an essential element of the ’Big Society’, and have a long tradition of promoting a sense of pride in the local community.
How much time does it take?
Quite often Councillors say that their duties occupy them for about three hours per week. Some spend more than this and others less, it depends on the level of involvement.
It exists to serve the people of the Parish by:
- Providing services appropriate to their needs and expectations where it is legally empowered
- Representing people without discrimination and involving them in decisions where necessary
- Working in partnership with voluntary agencies, the private sector, other local authorities and public bodies.
- Contributing to the economic prosperity of the area
- Keeping the Parish a place where people want to live, work and enjoy themselves
POWERS & DUTIES
The Parish Council acts within the framework of legislation conferred on it by Parliament. The functions of the council are mainly discretionary, that is they amount to powers as opposed to duties.
Parish Councils derive their powers from a number of sources but in general terms the important source is the Local Government Act of 1972 and subsequent amendments and enhancements.
Parish Councils can delegate power to the clerk or a committee but never to individual councillors or chairmen.
