BEING A PARISH COUNCILLOR & SERVING THE COMMUNITY
Councillors play a key role in the life of the Parish Council. They are the voice of the community representing local people.
Why become a Parish Councillor?
- Be involved in the decision -making process that helps your local community
- Represent the views of local people and ensure they count.
- Work as a team member to evaluate and serve the needs of the community.
- Aim to make a difference.
Who can become a Councillor?
To be able to stand as a candidate at a Parish Council election you must:
- Be at least 18 years old on the day of your nomination.
- Be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, or an eligible citizen from a member state of the European Union
- Live within 4.8kms of the parish
- Meet at least one of the four following qualifications:
– a registered local government elector for the administrative area of the parish. Or,
– have resided for 12 months prior to the day of nomination and election, either in the parish or within 4.8kms of the boundary.
– Occupied as owner or tenant of land or other premises in the parish for 12 months preceding the day of nomination and election. Or,
– had a principal or only place of work for 12 months prior to the day of nomination and election.
Am I excluded from standing?
You cannot become a Councillor if:
- You hold a paid office within the Council.
- If you are subject to a bankruptcy restriction order or an interim order.
- If you have within five years before the election or since election been convicted in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man of any offence and been sentenced to not less than three months imprisonment (whether suspended or not) without the option of a fine.
- Disqualified under the Representation of the People Act 1983 or under the Audit Commission Act 1998.
- Disqualified from standing for election following a decision at the Standards for England First Tier Tribunal.
What do Councillors Do?
- Represent the local community
- Deliver services within their powers to meet the needs of the parish
- Work to improve the quality of life for those living in the parish
Parish councillors are elected every four years and meet together regularly as ‘full’ council. Marston Sicca Parish Council meet monthly on the third Monday of each month. An agenda is produced that lists the items to be discussed and it is for full council to make appropriate decisions. Parish Councils may have committees or working groups to help focus on specific tasks or projects. Meetings are open to the public except where personal or confidential matters are being debated. It is important for council discussions and decisions to be transparent and for the council to engage positively with the local community.
If you are interested in the role of parish councillor, please contact the parish Clerk: clerk@marstonsicca-pc.gov.uk or call 07768 684673 for more information.