The Role
The main role of a Parish Councillor is to represent the views of all residents within the Parish and to listen to, and understand, the needs of different groups in the community.
Parish Councils are statutory bodies. They have limited power to make decisions but do have the power to influence organisations such as district or county councils that do make the final decisions.
Parish Councillors are volunteers who receive no payment for the work they do.
All members of the Council are legally required to complete a declaration of interests form which are published on the website.
Elections
Parish Councillors are elected every four years. Anyone can stand for election who meets the following criteria:
- Over aged 18
- British, Commonwealth or European citizen
- On the electoral roll for the Parish
- Lived in the Parish, or within 3 miles of it for the previous 12 months
- Occupied any land or premises in the Parish for 12 months
- Main place of work is within the Parish
Find out more at the Electoral Commission Website.
Co-option
If insufficient volunteers come forward for election, in order to remain quorate, the Parish Council can co-opt new Councillors.
Interested in being a councillor?
The best way to find out what its like is to talk to someone who is doing it now. Contact the Parish Office to make arrangements.