Why become a Councillor?
Being a Parish Councillor is an enjoyable way of contributing to your community, and helping to make it a better place to live and work.
Will I get paid for being a Councillor?
Councillors do not receive a salary.
Am I qualified?
Yes – most people are. However there are a few rules:
You have to be: •A British subject, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union and be 18 years of age or over •A local government elector for the council area for which you want to stand; or •Have during the whole of the 12 months preceding that day occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the council area; or •Have during that same period had your principal or only place of work in the council area; or •During that 12 month period resided in the council area
You cannot become a Parish Councillor if you: •Are subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order •Have, within five years, been convicted in the United Kingdom of any offence and have had a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of over three months without the option of a fine •You work for the council you want to become a councillor for (but you can work for other local authorities, including the principal authorities that represent the same area).
Our councillors are all elected or co-opted onto the Council. Attending a meeting is the best way to find out more about the work of the Council. if you would like to become a councillor or find out more about what they do then please follow the links below.
Good Councillors Guide 2024 (PDF, 4.5 Mb)
A useful guide for new councillors explaining the rules and procedures for local councils
It Takes All Sorts (NALC) (PDF, 1.8 Mb)
A publication from the National Association of Local Councils explaining the role of a Parish Councillor.