South Lakeland District Council A guide to becoming a Councillor
Do you want to help to get things done in your neighbourhood? Are you already active in your community?
This booklet contains information about the council and how it works, the role and duties of a Councillor, and how to stand for election.
February 2015 www.southlakeland.gov.ukpage 1 South Lakeland District Council A guide to becoming a Councillor
This booklet contains information about the council and how it works, the role and duties of a Councillor, and how to stand for election.
For further information and clarification please contact the: Democratic and Electoral Services Manager South Lakeland District Council South Lakeland House Lowther Street Kendal Cumbria LA9 4UQ
Telephone: 01539 793186 Email: [email protected]
February 2015 A guide to becoming a Councillor South Lakeland District Council
Contents Page
1. Introduction 2
2. What do councils do? 2
3. The district of South Lakeland 2
4. South Lakeland District Council 3
5. Why become a Councillor? 3
6. How to become a Councillor 3
7. Requirements of standing as a District Councillor 4
8. The role of a Councillor 5
9. How the council makes decisions 6
10. Standards of conduct 8
11. How much time will I need to give to my council duties? 8
12. Allowances 8
13. Comments from new Councillors 9
14. More specific information on local government 9
page 1 South Lakeland District Council A guide to becoming a Councillor
1. Introduction 3. The district of South
This guide explains how to become a councillor. Lakeland We hope it will encourage you and people from South Lakeland is the fourth largest district in the all walks of life to take an interest in local UK, covering an area of some 600 square miles, democracy and to think about putting yourself and embracing a wide variety of landscapes, forward for election. including some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Britain. It stretches from More detailed and specific information can be Dunmail Raise in the north, southwards to obtained from the Democratic and Electoral Arnside, westwards to the Duddon Valley, and Services Manager as well as the various contacts eastwards to Dent and Garsdale, encompassing listed at the back of this publication. an area of countryside that includes mountains, fells, lakes, tarns, valleys, pasture land, estuary 2. What do councils do? and coastline. Large parts of the District fall within two national Parks, the Lake District Councils provide local services to people living National Park, and the Yorkshire Dales National or working in their areas. They are made up of Parks. smaller areas known as wards. There are different types of council: unitary, metropolitan The resident population is about 103,000, but this and London boroughs, which are responsible for is increased considerably by visitors to the area all local services; and county councils and district from all over Britain and from abroad. Whilst councils – where the responsibilities are shared there is a recognised season, extending from between them. In addition, there are also parish about Easter well into October, there is still a councillors who are important consultees for their steady flow of visitors throughout the winter local communities. months, attracted by the accessibility of the area and what it offers. With good rail and road In general terms, elected councillors make communications – the M6 Motorway bisects the decisions that guide the council and paid council district, as does the main railway line to Scotland staff carry these decisions out, in accordance – the Lake District is within a relatively short with the law and guidelines. journey time from a number of major cities, such as Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. Councils work in partnership with other local organisations such as health, fire and rescue and The principal centres of population are Kendal, police authorities. Councillors make sure that which houses the main offices of all departments these organisations work together to meet the of the Authority, Ambleside, Ulverston, needs of local people. Windermere and Grange-over-Sands. Good shopping facilities are available at all these centres, including many new developments. Because of the good road communications, shopping visits to the cities mentioned above, and many others, can be undertaken with ease.
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Whilst tourism is an ever-expanding industry, 6. How to become a Councillor agriculture still dominates the landscape. There are also numerous specialist industries based on The majority of people who become Councillors the developing industrial estates of Kendal and do so through a political party with which they Ulverston. may feel a natural affinity; however, some people choose to be independent of any formal political Recreation in the District caters for a wide range party. of interest, taking in active sports such as swimming, sailing, tennis, golf, fell-walking, District elections are normally held on the first mountaineering, to less strenuous pastimes. Thursday in May when a third of the Councillors Theatre, music, museums and concerts of all are re-elected. Consequently, one year in every kinds are available, plus festivals, agricultural four there are no district council elections. Each shows, and events unique to the area such as term of office is four years – unless you are Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling or elected into office as a result of a by-election (see hound-trailing. below). 4. South Lakeland District Occasionally, when a Councillor resigns or dies, for example, by-elections are held in between the Council scheduled district elections. If you are elected at The council has 51 elected members (District a by-election you will serve until the next Councillors) and employs over 400 full and part- scheduled district election for your Ward. time staff and has offices and depots in Kendal, When an election is called a notice is published. Ulverston and Windermere. Prospective candidates can apply to the Returning Officer, at the council offices, for a 5. Why become a Councillor? nomination pack.
People become a councillor for various reasons. You do not have to belong to a political party to These can be because they are interested in their stand for election but you will need to be a local area and it’s residents and care about the member of the party’s local organisation if you community as a whole; making sure that the are thinking of standing as a candidate for a views of the community are taken into account by particular party. the council when it makes decisions; wanting to be part of the process of shaping the future of You don’t have to pay a deposit to stand in local their local community; concerns about a elections. particular issue in the community; or wanting to pursue their political beliefs or being politically It is important to bear in mind that you may or active and wanting to pursue this to the next may not get time off work for your council duties. stage. This will depend on your employer, although by law your employer must allow you a reasonable amount of time off to perform your duties. If you are thinking of standing for election it would be advisable to discuss your intentions with your employer before you submit your nomination paper.
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Nomination packs
Two people are required to propose and second you and you need a further eight people to act as assenters to your nomination. Full details of the electoral processes including the nomination procedure are available upon request from:
Electoral Services Manager South Lakeland District Council South Lakeland House Lowther Street Kendal Cumbria LA9 4UQ It is important for you to bear in mind that there is a set limit of £600, with an additional 5p for every Telephone: 01539 793194 entry in the ward register of electors for which Fax: 01539 740300 you are seeking to be elected. Further Email: [email protected] information can be obtained from the Electoral Election agents Services Manager. You can act as your own election agent but many 7. Requirements for standing as candidates find it is helpful to have an agent. If a District Councillor you are in a political party, it may be that one person takes on the role of agent for several Age candidates. You must be 18 years old on the day of The role of the agent is to make sure that you nomination but there is no upper age limit. have completed all the paperwork correctly and that it has been submitted by the given deadlines; Nationality and keep clear and accurate financial records of You need to be a UK, EU or Commonwealth expenditure and make sure they are sent in citizen. within the deadline period to the Returning Officer. The agent will also help to organise your Other requirements election campaign. In addition you must also meet at least one of the Election expenses following criteria:
These cover things such as publicity material, • Be registered as an elector in the district; or property, services or items used for the • Have lived in the district for the past 12 campaign. Some assistance to cover these months; or costs may be available if you are a member of a political party but you should check this with your • Have occupied as owner or tenant any political party or group before entering into any premises or land in the district for the past expense. 12 months; or • Have had your main or only place of work in The Returning Officer does not reimburse any the district for the past 12 months. elections expenses. These costs must be met by you, as candidate, or by the political party for You may not be able to stand for election which you are standing (where appropriate). if: Receipts for all expenditure on your campaign • You work for South Lakeland District should be kept in order for you to complete your Council; Declaration and Return of Expenses. This needs to be submitted to the Returning Officer within 35 • You hold a politically restricted post for days of the count. another local authority; page 4 A guide to becoming a Councillor South Lakeland District Council
• You are bankrupt; through an active Member Development Programme of development opportunities which • You have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of 3 are carried out throughout the year on a variety of months or more within 5 years prior to the skills and knowledge areas. All Councillors are election; or encouraged to attend as many events as possible to broaden their knowledge of the work • You have been disqualified under any of the council. The training covers essential legislation relating to corrupt or illegal training, such as Planning, Licensing, Audit and practices. Standards Committees, as well as covering skills and knowledge areas. Equality All new Councillors are invited to attend a series The council is committed to equal opportunities. of induction sessions to familiarise themselves Training will be provided to help develop and with the working of the council and the basic support those members who have specific information they need to make the decision requirements. making process meaningful.
If you are considering becoming a Councillor and are in receipt of benefits it is advisable to check 8. The role of a Councillor that your benefits will not be affected. Councillors (members) are elected by the public to represent them both inside the council and Information technology outside the council in the community. They are accountable to their communities. Communities A significant amount of council business relies on should be able to judge their performance. the use of Information Technology (IT). It is reasonable to expect that, while a Councillor The council encourages Councillors to embrace may specialise in certain aspects of the role, all IT as it enables Councillors to considerably Councillors perform a broad spectrum of duties. reduce the amount of paperwork sent to them. A high performing member would undertake the They can also bring laptops/tablets to council majority of, if not all, the duties listed below: meetings, viewing the necessary documents • contribute actively in formulating the electronically. (This enables the council to make council’s policies, budget strategies and considerable savings on its printing and postage service delivery by attending and costs as well as being environmentally friendly.) participating at meetings where those decisions are being taken; While it would be advantageous for newly elected members to have some IT skills, this is not a • represent the interests of their Ward, deal requirement. Training in IT skills will be available with constituents' inquiries and for all who require it and for those who wish to representations and hold Ward surgeries on increase their existing skills. a regular basis where appropriate. Councillors should be visible in and be Formal qualifications and training recognisable to their community; • act as community advocate and champion There are no formal qualifications needed to causes for constituents, both within and stand as a councillor. However, to help you in outside the council, with particular your new role, you will be invited to take part in a emphasis on those that will improve the Personal Development Planning interview where quality of life of the community; your aspirations will be discussed, together with any skills you may wish or need to achieve them. • represent the council on any outside bodies and governing bodies, as appointed, The council is proud to have been awarded the providing two-way communications North West Charter for Member Development between the organisation and the council; which is a public acknowledgement of the • attend and participate in any Committee, commitment that its members have towards Panel, Group or Board to which you are continuous self improvement. This is achieved appointed and for any related
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responsibilities associated with them, 9. How the council makes including being available to participate as a member of any Committees which are decisions drawn from a pool of members and which can be time-consuming; The full council is responsible for setting the budget and the overall policy framework. • chair any ad-hoc Committees, Panels or Boards, where appointed; The Cabinet is responsible for most of the day-to- day decisions and it has to make these decisions • attend and participate in any Planning site in line with the council’s overall policies and visits, tender opening or other statutory or budget. If it wishes to make a decision which is non-statutory visits or tasks, as required; outside the budget or policy framework this must • seek out membership or involvement in be referred to the council as a whole to decide. community based initiatives/groups in own Ward and, where necessary, provide Members are appointed to serve in the Cabinet guidance and leadership; and each of them has their own specific portfolio of work. The portfolios cover :- • develop and maintain a good working knowledge of the council’s services, • Promoting South Lakeland and constitution, management arrangements, Finance; powers/duties and constraints sufficient to • Innovation and Improvement; be able to answer and deal with queries from within the community; • Environment and People; • develop and maintain good working • Health and Wellbeing; relations with relevant officers of the • Strategic Growth; council, in accordance with the Code of Conduct and Council Protocols; • Town Centres and Small Businesses; • develop and maintain a working knowledge • Culture, Arts and Events of the organisations, services, activities and All council meetings are open to the press and other factors that impact upon the public unless they are excluded on the ground community's well-being and identity; and, to that confidential or exempt information would be this end, work with and encourage the disclosed. community to tackle local problems and exploit local opportunities; In addition to formal meetings there are also • attend and participate in any training other less formal meetings such as advisory courses, 'Away Days', workshops and other groups and panels, which you may be invited to sessions either internally or externally sit on. provided, to enable him/her to fulfil their role as a Councillor; • contribute constructively to open government and democratic renewal by actively encouraging the community to participate in the government of the area; and seek to involve the community in decisions that affect them by ensuring they have full information and then by helping them make their views known; and • fulfil the statutory and locally determined requirements of an elected member of the Authority, including compliance with all relevant Codes of Conduct.
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More information on the decision making process There is also an Overview and Scrutiny is available upon request. Copies of agendas, Committee which supports the work of the reports and minutes can be viewed on the Cabinet and the council as a whole. The purpose council’s website www.southlakeland.gov.uk of the Committee is to review/scrutinise decisions which have been taken; and to encourage and South Lakeland District Council has the following enhance community participation in the committees: development of policies. A large part of their work includes setting up Task and Finish Groups Planning Committee - This deals with to look at individual areas in detail and report planning applications and building control back to the relevant Committee with matters. recommendations. All eligible Councillors are encouraged to take part in the work of the Task Licensing and Licensing Regulatory and Finish Groups. Committees - This includes responsibility for licensing functions in respect of hackney carriage The Committee has also set up a Performance and private hire licensing, the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee to specifically deal with and the Gambling Act 2005. They deal with performance related issues. miscellaneous licences e.g. animal welfare. Human Resources Committee Standards Committee - This is responsible for promoting and maintaining high standards of This Committee deals with staffing policies and conduct by councillors and co-opted members practices, terms and conditions. (including the council’s Code of Conduct); and holding hearings in relation to allegations of Lake Administration breaching the Code. This Committee deals with the functions of the Audit Committee - The purpose of the Audit Council in relation to the management of Lake Committee is to provide independent assurance Windermere. of the adequacy of the risk management framework and the associated control environment, independent scrutiny of the authority’s financial and non-financial performance to the extent that it affects the authority’s exposure to risk and weakens the control environment, and to oversee the financial reporting process.
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10. Standards of conduct 12. Allowances
All Councillors must agree to abide by the Each year, an Independent Panel makes council’s Code of Conduct. This code sets out recommendations to council concerning the rates standards of behaviour which Councillors are of allowances payable to Councillors. required to follow and include the requirement for them to register details of their financial and other Basic allowances interests within 28 days of their election date, which are published on the council’s website. The basic annual allowance payable from April 2015 is £3,919.00 (inclusive of an IT allowance). Councillors are also required to declare, at the Members’ allowances are normally reviewed by start of each meeting, if they have an interest the council each year. The allowance is which should be declared in any item which is to automatically paid to each Councillor on a be discussed. If so, the nature of the interest monthly basis and covers such things as time must be declared and, they may be required to spent working in the wards, attending meetings, leave the meeting room while the matter is stationery, telephone costs and computer determined. A copy of the Code of Conduct can consumables. However Councillors can elect not be found at Part 5 of the Council’s Constitution to receive the allowance. which is available to view on the council’s website: www.southlakeland.gov.uk. Special responsibility allowances
Councillors who hold particular positions of 11. How much time will I need to responsibility within the council, may receive a give to my council duties? Special Responsibility Allowance as well e.g. a Chairman of a Committee. The role of a Councillor has demands in terms of time commitment and a willingness and ability to Travelling and meal allowances make what are often difficult decisions. The time commitment varies depending on which Councillors may claim Travelling and Meal Committees, task and advisory groups, etc. a Allowances for certain approved duties, such as Councillor has been appointed to. A calendar of attending council meetings or attendance at the main committee meetings is approved by meetings of Outside Bodies. council each year at its annual meeting (normally in May). However, this can be s subject to change Childcare and dependant care throughout the year. South Lakeland District Council also pays a Normally, the main Committees meet between dependency allowance for approved duties. This four to six times a year. The present exception is covers things like contributing towards the cost Planning Committee which meets every month of a childminder, or a carer for a dependent and also holds site visits on a monthly basis too. relative, whilst a Councillor is attending council Sometimes there is a need for a committee or or committee meetings. sub-committee to hold additional meetings e.g. Licensing Sub-Committees. Other Task and For further details on allowances a copy of Finish Groups and Advisory Groups meet when the current allowance scheme can be found required, and this can sometimes be several at Part 6 of the council’s Constitution which times over a short period. can be viewed on the council’s website www.southlakeland.gov.uk. The basic allowance (see section 12) paid to a Councillor is a reflection of the time commitment required. The majority of meetings and training sessions are held during normal office hours although this can change if necessary. However, the meetings of the Full Council are held on weekday evenings.
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13. Comments from new 14. More specific information on Councillors local government
Comments for people thinking of standing for Local Government Association election from previous new Councillors:- www.local.gov.uk The LGA exists to promote better local government “Are you clear about what you hope to get out of this – both for yourself and National Association of Local Councils others?” www.nalc.gov.uk The national body for parish and town councils “Have clear objectives, be realistic, be Department of Communities and Local prepared to learn, and make sure you Government can say no!” www.communities.gov.uk
“Only take on committees and other Directgov commitments that you are happy www.direct.gov.uk with.” Electoral Commission www.electoralcommission.org.uk “Start with a small number of commitments and do them well. More can come later.”
“Be clear about the defined task, time and deadline for any Task and Finish Groups that you sign up for.”
“Remember to support your residents.”
“A Councillor needs to represent everyone fairly – not just supporters!”
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