Who can become a ? BECOME A PARISH COUNCILLOR How much will it cost?

Anyone can stand as a candidate Parish/ are entitled to levy a provided they meet the qualification If you care tax from their area. requirements (see overleaf) or you can about local democracy find out more by contacting the Electoral This is known as the precept and covers Services department the running costs for the Councils such at your local district as: election costs, local services, staff salaries and accommodation, (if the Clerk does not work from home). What is a Town/Parish Council? The cost will vary from Council to Council but parish/town Councils are very cost A town/parish Council is the tier of local effective, not least because most authority closest to its as it parish/town do not claim elects representatives from within that expenses allowances. community. Parish and town Councils Many will also commission local trades are democracy on your doorstep people which supports the local economy.

How will the Council be accountable? What is their Role ? Who will run the Council?

The decisions of the parish/town Council - Represent the local community Parish/town council elections are held are made by those Councillors who have - Deliver services within their powers to every 4 years. been elected – or if not enough meet very local needs candidates stand – co-opted to the - Work to improve quality of life in the Councillors, (who cannot be deselected Council. parish or town during those four years), are the decision Examples of activities: making body for the council. Council meetings are open to the public - Respond to planning applications If there are insufficient nominations – a and parish/town Councils must hold one - May provide facilities eg play Council may have no choice but to co- meeting per year which is a meeting for equipment opt non elected members. the whole parish known as the Annual - Provide grants to community groups Parish Meeting

Does the Council employ any staff? Do I qualify to stand for election? Am I excluded from standing?

A clerk (the proper officer) is appointed to You should be: You cannot become a Councillor if: advise councillors, answer enquiries and manage the administration of the council.  Aged 18 or over  You hold a paid office with the Council At higher tiers, the Clerk would be  A British, or Commonwealth equivalent to the Chief Executive Citizen or Euronational Citizen  If you are subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim Many small parishes only employ a Clerk and meet one of the four following order qualifications but larger Councils can have a number of  If you have within five years before staff, depending on how many functions  A registered the election or since election been they undertake eg running cemeteries, elector for the administrative area convicted in the United Kingdom, halls. of the parish the Channel Islands or the Isle of or Man of any offence and been  Resident for 12 months prior to the sentenced to not less than three Where can I get further information? day of nomination and election – months imprisonment (whether either in the parish or within 4.8 suspended or not) without the For any further information please kms. of the boundary option of a fine contact: or Your parish or town council clerk or  Disqualified under the Representation  Occupied as owner or tenant of of the People Act 1983 or under the land or other premises in the parish Audit Commission Act 1998 for 12 months preceding the day of nomination and election  Disqualified from standing for election or following a decision