Vacancy for a Parish Councillor
VACANCY FOR A PARISH COUNCILLOR
Two vacancies exist for a Parish Councillor for Blidworth Parish Council – North Ward.
No election has been called to fill the vacancies so the Parish Council is permitted to fill this vacancy by co-option at the earliest opportunity.
Any persons interested in this role are asked to contact the Parish Clerk for an application form or to download it from our website. All applications need to be received no later than the Thursday, 13 February 2025.
Signed: B. Boyer
Locum Clerk to Blidworth Parish Council.
Dated: 03/02/2025
Blidworth Library
New Lane
Blidworth
Nottinghamshire
NG21 0PW
e-: blidworthparishcouncil@outlook.com
m-: 07356 031636
www.blidworthparishcouncil.org.uk
Being A Parish Councillor
To understand what is involved in being a Parish Councillor you first need to know what a Parish Council is and what it can and can’t do.
What is a Parish Council?
A Parish Council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish and is the level of government closest to the community. Parish Councils are the first place that people go to with concerns or ideas and for this reason they are a vital part of any community.
Why become a Parish Councillor?
By becoming a Parish Councillor, you become somebody your community will look to for help, guidance and support, a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve. Seeing your community change for the better, as a
result of decisions you have helped to make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.
What decisions do Parish Councils make?
The most common areas that Parish Councils get involved in include crime prevention, planning issues and managing open spaces and village halls. It is fair to say that on their own Parish Councils have limited decision-making powers, but they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those organisations that do make final decisions, such as District and County Councils, health authorities etc. These authorities know that a Parish Council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something and its views will be taken seriously.
How much time will it take up?
Parish Councils typically meet once a month (often excluding August) for the council meeting to which the public are invited. Meetings might last 2-3 hours, depending on the length of the agenda of items to be discussed. Some councils also have committees to deal with specific matters such as planning and finance. In addition to regular meetings councillors should also be prepared to attend occasional ad hoc meetings, for example with architects or agents concerning planning issues.
How long does a Parish Councillor serve for?
Once elected Parish Councillors sit on the council for a maximum of 4 years at the end of which they can stand for re-election if they wish. The next elections will take place in May 2023. The period of co-option will be until this time.
Interested?
Why not talk to your local councillors and find out what they think about the job. Alternatively contact the Parish Clerk on 01623 490358 (Mondays only) or 07356031636 or email blidworthparishcouncil@outlook.com
BPC Co-option Policy June 2023