How to Become a Councillor

• In Brief
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FAQs

• Who can become a Councillor?
• Are there any other restrictions to becoming a Councillor?
• How do I become a Councillor?
• What should I do if I want to stand for election as an independent candidate?
• What does a Councillor do?
• Is there training for Councillors?
• Will I have a secretary?
• Will I have my own office?
• How much of my time will it all take up?
• What expenses can I claim?
• As a Councillor, what other support will I get?

Who can become a Councillor?

You can become a Councillor if you: • are 21 or over on the day of nomination • have property in or work connections with the UK • are a UK, Commonwealth EU or Irish Republic citizen • have not been declared bankrupt • you are on the electoral role in the Council area

Are there any other restrictions to becoming a Councillor?

A person will be disqualified from holding office as a district Councillor if they: • hold a paid office or employment made or confirmed by the Council. • Have been declared bankrupt in the past five years and have not repaid their debts. • Have been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to not less than three months imprisonment (including any suspended sentence) within the past five years. Persons can also be disqualified from holding office by order of the court, if they have incurred illegal expenditure (when acting as a Councillor) of over £2,000 and been found guilty of corrupt or illegal practices under the Representation of the Peoples Act 1983.

How do I become a Councillor?

A Candidates Pack is available before every election. If you are thinking of standing as a candidate for a particular political party, then you should first get in touch with that party's local organisation. Many parties also have a national website, through which you can get information about their organisations in your area.

What should I do if I want to stand for election as an independent candidate?

If you plan to stand for the council as an independent, your local Electoral Registration Officer can advise you about what you'll need to do to get your name on the ballot. This is all explained in the Candidates Pack.

What does a Councillor do?

You will need to attend meetings. Some of these are held during the working day and so, if you are working, you will need an understanding employer. Many Councillors represent the council on one or more outside bodies. For most of the meetings you attend there will be papers which you will need to read beforehand. The people you represent will look to you for help in dealing with their problems, even if these do not involve the work of the council. You are likely to receive a lot of post and many telephone calls. Not every caller will telephone at what you might think is a reasonable hour!

Is there training for Councillors?

There will be a programme of induction and training sessions for new Councillors after the elections. Meanwhile, if you'd like to know what committee and council meetings are like, you would be welcome to come and see. The calendar of meetings is published in May.

Will I have a secretary?

No, not unless you become Leader of the Council or leader of one of the political groups on the council.

Will I have my own office?

No, although each political group has its own office and group room which you will be able to share.

How much of my time will it all take up?

According to the commitments you take on, this can vary from a few hours each week to several hours each day.

What expenses can I claim?

Information about expenses can be found on the page about Members' Allowances. These are to cover your constituency duties such as: • sending letters and telephone calls, • attending council meetings, committees and other authorised meetings • attendance at seminars and conferences, outside bodies and Parish Council meetings. Certain "approved duties" are eligible for travel and/or subsistence allowances, but only for travel outside the Council area, when necessary. Some members also receive a Special Responsibility Allowance for particular duties they undertake (for example, chairing particular meetings). This is something that each council considers and decides on after a local election.

As a Councillor, what other support will I get?

To help you carry out your duties, you will be able to use the support staff located in Members Services who provide secretarial and administrative support. You can also call on information and advice from the professional officers of the Decision Support Unit Office. These may well be the officers you see most often. They service the meetings of the council and its committees by convening meetings, writing the minutes and by keeping the democratic system running.

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