About the Council

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

Criteria

The applicant must be at least 18 years old
The applicant’s name must appear on the current register of the ‘Voters List’ or the applicant should during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date resided in or within three miles of the parish or the applicant’s only place of work during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date is in the parish.
The applicant must not be debarred from standing as a Councillor.