Become a local councillor

Parish and town councils are the grassroots of local democracy and have a greater understanding of the views and interests within their localities.

By becoming a councillor you will be an important member of a team that works to represent those views and find ways to improve the area and lives of your fellow neighbours. You may be able to bring skills and/or knowledge to the council, or the council may be an opportunity for you to learn new skills and meet others with the same community spirit and desire to help build a better future for generations to come.

How do I become a councillor?

New councillors are elected on to the council through elections that are usually held every four years. To be eligible you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a British citizen, an eligible commonwealth citizen or a citizen of any other member of the EU
• Meet at least one of the following four qualifications:
  • Your name must appear on the local elector register for the parish at the time of nomination should you be elected.
  • Have occupied any land or other premises as owner or tenant in the parish during 12 months before the day of nomination and day of election.
  • Your main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of nomination and day of election has been within the parish area. You do not have to have paid employment to qualify as long as your main or only place of work is in the parish area.
  • You have lived in the parish or within three miles of it during the 12 months before the day of nomination and day of election.

To find out more about being a councillor, download 'Get Informed, Get Involved' below.

To find out more about your local council you can visit its website, social media, local newsletter and notice boards.