Become a Councillor Information Pack Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to Becoming a Councillor

Become a councillor information pack Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Introduction About Rushcliffe As a Chief Executive in local government, and Returning and the Borough Council Officer for the Borough of Rushcliffe, I am always delighted to meet people who are willing to stand for Rushcliffe lies south of Nottingham within the Borough, nine per cent of the election as a local councillor. By putting yourself forward and the River Trent. It extends across population are from ‘non-white’ minority you display a real passion for your community and a towards Newark in the north east and ethnic backgrounds, and residents aged 65 desire to help the people who live there. Loughborough in the south west, years or older now make up twenty per cent The next elections are on 2 May 2019 for both the Borough covering an area of 157 square miles. of the population. Council and our local Town and Parish councils. This offers you Although parts of the Borough lie close Rushcliffe has a rich sporting heritage the perfect opportunity to stand as a representative of your to Nottingham, Rushcliffe has a strong with Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the City local community and become a Rushcliffe Borough councillor, identity of its own. Ground, home of Nottingham Forest Football or a town or parish councillor. We hope that this pack will be The main centre of population is West Club, The Bay, home of Nottingham Rugby, used by anyone who is thinking of standing for election and is Bridgford, where around one-third of the and the National Watersports Centre all interested in finding out about the role of the councillor. Borough's 111,129 population live. West located within West Bridgford. The area has I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest Bridgford, a leafy suburb, is where the a wide range of leisure facilities, including and wish you luck if you decide to stand. Borough Council has its Community Contact leisure centres, country parks, tennis courts, Centre. The Council's headquarters is and playgrounds. also based in West Bridgford, at Rushcliffe Allen Graham Arena, the Council’s brand new flagship The Council is made up of 44 councillors Chief Executive, Rushcliffe Borough Council, and Returning leisure centre. West Bridgford has a lively elected every four years by residents Officer for the Borough of Rushcliffe town centre, offering a range of shops to within their communities to represent their cater for most everyday needs, with plenty views and make informed decisions on T N neeon RE their behalf. At the present time, these 44 T R of low-cost parking, and lots of places to E IV R councillors represent five political groups: linam eat and drink. A46 a Brior iore • Conservative 34 creeon elor For those who prefer life in the country, ar elon • Labour 4 A52 eon olon aor Rushcliffe offers the best of both worlds: aclie T • Liberal Democrat 2 EN olme on ren the delights of rural living coupled with TR carrinon ER ierreon laorou RIV e Brior aonale oroon amon Binam good transport links for getting to work and • Green 2 locon Baron in ai to other parts of the county and country. • Independent 2 G R alon A N ron T A52 H Some of the most delightful small towns and A aon A453 olleron M roell rumon CANAL Buler The Conservative party are in overall control uinon orae villages in Nottinghamshire lie within the i lion lon Borough boundaries. The largest include as they have the most councillors. aclie lumree ieron oam uon on oar ormanon roell on e ol Bingham, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Cotgrave, Bramore Bio ore ran Keyworth, Ruddington and East Leake. Each inon eor anar on oar Barnone Bunn A606 boasts its own schools, shopping centres, olon e eae anon Bae health care facilities and leisure activities. A46 uon A60 on e ol Bonninon inoulon a eae all imerool Rushcliffe is the most affluent district within ooc the county, with low levels of unemployment ormanon A606 iclin on oar ore in e lee and crime, and higher than average anor emone illou on oar on e ol incomes. Nearly eighty per cent of homes er The Borough of Rushcliffe are owner-occupied and a higher than Brouon average number of residents are self- employed. According to the latest statistics, there are slightly more females than males

2 3 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

2 3 Rushcliffe Borough Council

About local government The Borough Council is a one of a number of layers of government responsible for delivering local services in a geographical area. A family living in Rushcliffe may receive services from a parish council, the Borough Council, the County Council as well as feeling the impact of decisions made at a national level by Central Government. They may also receive services from other areas of the public sector such as the health service, fire service and police force. It is not always clear who provides which services to residents in an area. Cllr Gordon Wheeler and Cllr Alan Philips join basketball players at a Rushcliffe training session Rushcliffe Borough Council serves the How the Council operates is set by the Local residents of Rushcliffe by providing the Government Acts from 1972 and 2000, as So, what is a councillor? following services (either alone or with well as the Localism Act 2011 and a number partners): of other more specific acts of parliament Simply put, a councillor is somebody • working with council officers to bring • Refuse collection and recycling governing housing, the environment and from a local community elected to about improvements to their ward local council finances. You can find out more • Street cleansing and playground represent that community. They do this • holding surgeries where local people can at legislation.gov.uk maintenance (Streetwise) on many levels balancing the needs and drop in with enquiries about the council interests of residents, the political party • Council tax collection Every four years the Borough Council or raise issues and concerns about publishes a Corporate Strategy which sets they represent (if any) and the Borough any problems that they have which the • Leisure centres (Parkwood Leisure and out what it is going to focus its attention and as a whole. councillor can deal with or seek to resolve Carillion Leisure) resources on in addition to delivering its • getting involved in local campaigns • Edwalton Golf Course (Glendale) The role and responsibilities of a local core services to residents. These tend to be councillor include: • offering support to local schools, • Car parks development tasks that deliver real change • representing the community for which community groups, businesses and other to residents in the Borough. The progress • Elections they are elected organisations. towards delivering these tasks is monitored • Sports development by councillors and reported publically. • decision-making • Arts and events There are many reasons why people decide You can view the Corporate Strategy as • developing and reviewing council policy to become a local councillor: • Rushcliffe Country Park well as the Council’s financial plans and • scrutinising decisions taken by the • they want to make a difference, be other key documents here rushcliffe. • Planning councillors on the Cabinet involved in shaping the local community gov.uk/aboutus/aboutthecouncil/ • Environmental health • regulatory, quasi-judicial and statutory and getting better services documentsstrategiesandpolicies • Housing and homelessness (Metropolitan duties • they want to represent the views of local Housing) • community leadership and engagement. people and ensure that local community • Processing of benefit claims interests are taken into account For many councillors, representing their • they want to pursue their political beliefs ward is the most important aspect of their • they are concerned about particular role. This can involve a variety of activities issues in an area but usually means councillors will spend time: For some, it is an extension of what they • listening to the views of local people so are already doing, as they are active in a that they know what problems and issues political party, parish council, or trade union, exist in their ward and they see the next step is to become a • ensuring that the needs of their ward councillor. are taken into account when the council is making decisions about how it is run, what services it should provide and how it should spend its money

4 5 Rushcliffe Borough Council

About local government The Borough Council is a one of a number of layers of government responsible for delivering local services in a geographical area. A family living in Rushcliffe may receive services from a parish council, the Borough Council, the County Council as well as feeling the impact of decisions made at a national level by Central Government. They may also receive services from other areas of the public sector such as the health service, fire service and police force. It is not always clear who provides which services to residents in an area. Cllr Gordon Wheeler joins basketball players at a Rushcliffe training session Rushcliffe Borough Council serves the How the Council operates is set by the Local residents of Rushcliffe by providing the Government Acts from 1972 and 2000, as So, what is a councillor? following services (either alone or with well as the Localism Act 2011 and a number partners): of other more specific acts of parliament Simply put, a councillor is somebody • working with council officers to bring • Refuse collection and recycling governing housing, the environment and from a local community elected to about improvements to their ward local council finances. You can find out more • Street cleansing and playground represent that community. They do this • holding surgeries where local people can at legislation.gov.uk maintenance (Streetwise) on many levels balancing the needs and drop in with enquiries about the council interests of residents, the political party • Council tax collection Every four years the Borough Council or raise issues and concerns about publishes a Corporate Strategy which sets they represent (if any) and the Borough any problems that they have which the • Leisure centres (Parkwood Leisure and out what it is going to focus its attention and as a whole. councillor can deal with or seek to resolve Carillion Leisure) resources on in addition to delivering its • getting involved in local campaigns • Edwalton Golf Course (Glendale) The role and responsibilities of a local core services to residents. These tend to be councillor include: • offering support to local schools, • Car parks development tasks that deliver real change • representing the community for which community groups, businesses and other to residents in the Borough. The progress • Elections they are elected organisations. towards delivering these tasks is monitored • Sports development by councillors and reported publically. • decision-making • Arts and events There are many reasons why people decide You can view the Corporate Strategy as • developing and reviewing council policy to become a local councillor: • Rushcliffe Country Park well as the Council’s financial plans and • scrutinising decisions taken by the • they want to make a difference, be other key documents here rushcliffe. • Planning councillors on the Cabinet involved in shaping the local community gov.uk/aboutus/aboutthecouncil/ • Environmental health • regulatory, quasi-judicial and statutory and getting better services documentsstrategiesandpolicies • Housing and homelessness (Metropolitan duties • they want to represent the views of local Housing) • community leadership and engagement. people and ensure that local community • Processing of benefit claims interests are taken into account For many councillors, representing their • they want to pursue their political beliefs ward is the most important aspect of their • they are concerned about particular role. This can involve a variety of activities issues in an area but usually means councillors will spend time: For some, it is an extension of what they • listening to the views of local people so are already doing, as they are active in a that they know what problems and issues political party, parish council, or trade union, exist in their ward and they see the next step is to become a • ensuring that the needs of their ward councillor. are taken into account when the council is making decisions about how it is run, what services it should provide and how it should spend its money

4 5 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Here are some of our current councillors Standing for Election explaining why they became councillors: To become a councillor you need to stand for, and win, an election. You do not need any specific qualifications to become a councillor but you do need to fulfil certain criteria to be eligible. Councillor Debbie Mason To stand for election, on the day of You can’t stand if you: nomination, you must be 18 or over and • work for Rushcliffe Borough Council I became a councillor because I had moved into my a UK, EU or commonwealth citizen [this • hold a politically restricted post for area and wanted to become part of it and get to know may change for the 2019 Borough Council another authority people in the community in some way. I was already elections as a result of the UK leaving the part of a Political Party but felt I had something to offer EU]. • have been sentenced to a prison locally as well. sentence (including suspended You must also meet at least one of the sentences) of 3 months or more within 5 following criteria: years prior to polling day • be registered, and continue to be, as a • are the subject of a bankruptcy local government elector for Rushcliffe restrictions order or interim order Councillor Jonathan Wheeler from the day of your nomination onwards, • have been disqualified under any or I became a councillor because I wanted to legislation relating to corrupt or illegal make a difference to the local community, and • have occupied (as owner or tenant) any practices or offences relating to I wanted to see younger people involved in land or premises in Rushcliffe during donations. local politics. My father was already a local the whole of the 12 months before the councillor, and I saw the difference he made in day you are nominated and the day of You don’t have to belong to a political party the community, which made my mind up being election, or or group to stand for election. Rushcliffe has both councillors connected to a political a Borough Councillor would be the best way • your main or only place of work during party and those that stand as independents for me to make a difference. the last 12 months, prior to the day of (candidates who do not belong to any your nomination and the day of election, political party); however, those working has been in Rushcliffe, or together as a party form the majority and • you have lived in Rushcliffe during the lead the Council. Councillor Andy Edyvean whole of the last 12 months, before the day of your nomination and the day of A few years ago, I realised I’d reached election. a time in my life where I felt I had the time to put something back into my community so I stood for election as a Borough Councillor.

Councillor Alan Phillips Having lived in the ward I represent for over 25 years I knew I was well placed to represent my ward as a councillor.

Cllr Debbie Mason leading the Council's tree planting scheme Cllr Roger Upton and award winning Rushcliffe Wildlife Watch Group

6 7 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Councillor Alan Phillips Having lived in the ward I represent for over 25 years I knew I was well placed to represent my ward as a councillor.

Cllr Debbie Mason leading the Council's tree planting scheme Cllr Roger Upton and award winning Rushcliffe Wildlife Watch Group

6 7 Rushcliffe Borough Council

What do councillors do Representing your community cases, your role will be to listen and identify whether the Council, or another public Community leadership is at the heart of service, is best placed to resolve the issue, modern local government. A community and in others your role will be to explain leader represents the views of that Council policy and make sure that the policy community and stands up for what that has been carried out fairly. You will get help community wants. A community leader Cllr John Lungley, Cllr Jean Greenwood and Cllr Martin and support to deal with residents’ enquiries Buckle at a Nottingham GCRS steam day will listen to and represent the views of and complaints from officers at the Council. all residents, including helping people Cllr Simon Robinson with food donations for The Friary on specific individual matters, and Before getting elected, you might want to Representing the Council So, following the election you could find make sure public services are delivered consider how you are going to engage with yourself being a member of the Cabinet, effectively in the area. your community, making it easy for residents In contrast to representing your a scrutiny group or a regulatory committee. to recognise you and contact you, and for community as a whole, or attempting to Most meetings are open to the press and As a councillor you will find that much of you to get information out to them. assist with the resolution of the problems public, and many now involve some element your time is spent dealing with ward matters of individual residents, as a councillor of public speaking. There are written rules, and representing your community. In some you will also need to represent the which govern behaviour and procedures Borough (as a collective group of people at these meetings’ called 'standing orders' and as a place) and participate in making and these enable councillors to take part decisions as a member of the Council. effectively and fairly. The standing orders Here are some of our current councillors Working together with your colleagues, form part of the Council’s constitution and other councillors who represent different can be viewed at rushcliffe.gov.uk/media/ describing how they help their community: areas of the Borough and different political rushcliffe/media/documents/pdf/public parties, you will need to help form policy, the ationscheme/1whoweareandwhatwedo/ documents that guide the way decisions are The%20Complete%20Constitution.pdf Councillor made and services are provided, and help Decisions and topics for discussion develop the Council's budget and agree Gordon Wheeler at Council and Cabinet meetings are the level of Council Tax. Your role on the published in the Council’s Forward Plan. I regularly engage with Councillor Council is to plan, run, monitor and develop The topics under discussion at scrutiny the community through Richard Butler council business. Councillors are essential groups are published in a work programme newsletters and every 18 in deciding what is in the public interest as part of each agenda. You may also months or so my fellow I help the community amongst a range of conflicting issues and be asked to sit on one of the Council’s Borough Councillor by being a point of views. regulatory committees such as the planning and I door knock right across the ward. contact for advice over All councillors have a seat on Council committee, which meets monthly or Where residents are out or we cannot council-related matters which meets five times a year, unless an licensing committee, which meets as and access properties (e.g. flats) we leave a – and also sometimes extraordinary meeting is called. All Council when required. The Council, Cabinet or 'calling card' inviting residents to contact to absorb occasional confusion and meetings start at 7pm and are held in the Scrutiny Committees appoint other working us if they have any issues to discuss. frustration that residents may face Council Chamber of Rushcliffe Arena, groups from time to time. These are not We also deliver a letter to new residents, in trying to perhaps contact correct Rugby Road in West Bridgford. At the first public meetings and generally investigate a introducing ourselves and inviting them to departments or make improvements/ meeting of Council following the election, single issue in more depth before reporting contact us if they need any assistance. I repairs to services. Because of the the Council appoints a Leader, who then back to either Council, Cabinet or Scrutiny also hold a community meeting four times way local government works, people do selects his or her Cabinet. Positions on all of Committee with a recommended course of a year. sometimes get confused as to "which the other committees and groups are then action. The Council also has a Standards council does what" and "where do I go to allocated in line with the political balance of Committee which promotes and maintains find out about" type of issues. the Council. high standards of conduct by councillors mainly through the Council's Code of Conduct.

8 9 Rushcliffe Borough Council

8 9 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Here are some of our current councillors Important considerations explaining their role within the Council: Skills and attributes required • Working in partnership and meeting key partner organisations You don’t need any specific qualifications to • Protecting you and the Council Councillor Alan Phillips become a Borough councillor but there are skills that will make being a councillor much • Being on the frontline I am a member on two scrutiny easier. The most effective councillors are Councillors joining the Council as part of a group committees and the Member comfortable: political party may also be able to access Development Group. • talking to people either individually or in a additional help and support provided by group more experienced councillors or by the • representing other people’s views party. New councillors are also allocated • listening to people’s problems and being a member of the Council’s Executive Councillor Debbie Mason able to identify the main points Management Team as a key contact and first point of call. My role at the moment is Cabinet Member for Community and • thinking on their feet Additional training offered over the last four Leisure and I am also Deputy Leader. My Portfolio for Community • reading, sometimes long and complex, years includes: means I get to meet many different organisations and residents as reports and being able to identify the key well as contributing to the decisions that the Cabinet and Council points • Personal effectiveness including makes. Leisure involves Sport, Health and Leisure Centres. As • forming an argument and participating in resilience and time management Deputy Leader I support the Leader and stand in for him when he a debate • Managing challenging people and difficult is unavailable. All of this is both interesting and challenging. • negotiating with different groups of situations people to resolve disagreements and • Understanding local government finance conflicts • Effect of the Localism Act on the frontline Councillor Jean Greenwood • using basic IT packages such as email, councillor role word processing, the internet and, • Understanding partners and what they do My role in the Council is making sure the views increasingly, social media to undertake of local people are listened to and are heard • Chairing/facilitating skills work and keep in touch with their at Council meetings/discussions and to see residents. • Public speaking that the Council looks after the needs of the • Managing casework and advocacy skills residents of Rushcliffe. Training and support given to councillors Councillor Hayley Chewings All new councillors are able to access an extensive induction programme that runs for My role as a councillor is to represent the people of my six months and additional training is offered ward over a wide range of local issues, responding to to all councillors on a range of topics people’s issues, investigating their concerns and trying throughout the four year term of office. to resolve their issue with the best outcome. I am also vice chair of a scrutiny group. The induction programme covers (but is not limited to): • I’ve been elected – what happens next? Councillor Andy Edyvean • Your role in meetings and making decisions I was very honoured earlier this year to • Council meetings explained – a practical be appointed to the Cabinet where Cllr Debbie Mason at the Rushcliffe Learning Alliance session Pupil Parliament I can help set the strategic direction of the Council.

10 11 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

10 11 Guide to becoming a councillor

Allowances and Expenses The Council also has a protocol defining the relationship between councillors and There is no salary for being a councillor. officers (the staff employed by the Council) However, you will be paid an allowance to which also forms part of the constitution. reimburse you for time (paid automatically) The principles of the protocol are: and expenses (which need to be claimed for on a monthly basis) incurred whilst on • both councillors and officers serve local Council business. people, but have distinct roles • the best service will be provided to local Every Rushcliffe Borough councillor is people by both councillors and officers entitled to a basic allowance, currently working as one team £5,292.24 a year, paid into a bank account in 12 monthly instalments. Some councillors • the service given to local people must be are given an additional allowance to cover efficient, open and accountable any special responsibilities such as Cabinet • councillors and officers must act ethically member or a chairman/ vice chairman. The Cllr Neil Clarke and Cllr Roger Upton help out with a clear up of Radcliffe Station • officers must be politically impartial allowance will be reviewed before the 2019 • effective working relationships between election. For more information about the councillors and officers must be based on Help is also offered to councillors by a Finding the time Members Allowance Scheme please visit trust and mutual respect dedicated support team. The Constitutional the Council’s website at rushcliffe.gov.uk/ The amount of free time needed to be an Services team is here to plan and service councillors/membersallowances. effective councillor is often a concern for the meetings at which councillors make anyone considering standing for election. It decisions as well as supporting the is for you to decide the level of commitment Code of Conduct Council’s decision-making process. They will and the amount of time you have available be in touch regularly with information about Rushcliffe Borough Council has a written for being a councillor. As well as the events and training, meetings and additional Code of Conduct for councillors which requirement to attend council meetings, information available to councillors, and will forms part of the Council’s Constitution. which generally take place in the evening, try to answer any questions you have about The Code of Conduct sets out the rules that there will also be ward matters that require your ward – or they will find you the person councillors should adhere to as a councillor, your attention and contributing towards your who can answer your questions. The Council and all councillors are required to sign a political party if you represent one. It also also has a dedicated councillors’ room declaration of acceptance of office once depends on your role within the Council and where you can meet with other councillors, elected which includes an undertaking to the number of duties you decide to take on. use Council-provided IT equipment and pick abide by the Code of Conduct. Breaches Cllr Barrie Cooper at the West Bridgford Lights It could range from a few hours each week up any post that comes into the Council. of the Code may be considered by the Switch On to a few hours every day at busier times. Standards Committee. Some of the information you will have If you are working, by law your employer access to as a councillor is sensitive The Code is based on the seven Nolan must allow you to take a reasonable amount in nature and is protected by rules of Principles of Standards in Public Life: of time off during working hours to perform confidentiality and in some cases the Data • selflessness your duties as a councillor. The amount Protection Act – training is given to ensure of time needed will depend upon your • integrity you are able to access this information responsibilities within the Council and we • objectivity securely and protect it. strongly advise you discussing this with • accountability You will be given a councillor email address your employer before committing to being a • openness and will be able to access information councillor. related to being a councillor such as • honesty the papers you need for meetings and • leadership background information on the Council's intranet. Cllr Debbie Mason at the Rushcliffe Sports awards

12 13 Guide to becoming a councillor

12 13 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Here are some of our current councillors highlighting their biggest achievements: Councillor Richard Butler It's hard to pick biggest achievements, but I have to say that for many years now, I have been to many (I've lost count!) meetings in connection with the investment Councillor Alan Phillips and regeneration/improvements in Cotgrave (my ward), and whilst there are many council and outside bodies I have taken a very keen interest in the tram that runs who are making this happen, I feel that I have played through my ward. During construction I raised concerns a part by getting over the "local on the ground" views. about noise and vibration the tram would bring and as But other main achievements are the relatively "simple" a result design was amended to include longer sections things which actually make a big difference to people's of noise barriers and anti-vibration matting under some lives. Examples of these include helping to find new sections of the track. I raised safety concerns regarding and more suitable accommodation via the council for the number of accidents at the tram crossing at Wilford residents who face challenges, and also playing a part Lane. Alterations to traffic lights were made and safety in various environmental improvements which help to at the crossing has improved. A pedestrian crossing at make the area more pleasant. the Compton Acres tram stop had serious visibility issues especially for small children. As a result of concerns I proposed that some sections of noise barrier fencing were removed to improve the visibility for pedestrians and tram drivers to see each other.

Councillor Jean Greenwood My main achievement in the last few years was championing the St. Mary's Community Park Project in Ruddington. Working with a group of residents on what seemed like an impossible idea to see a completed park/play area a couple of years later.

Councillor Martin Edwards I addressed residents’ concerns about planned changes at a local industrial estate and allayed their fears through meetings with the planning team at the council. I was able to get their concerns across and all were happy with the subsequent outcome.

Cllr Debbie Mason with international young entrepreneurs from Slovakia, Rome and Poznan at West Bridgford Library and Young People's Centre

14 15 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Cllr Debbie Mason with international young entrepreneurs from Slovakia, Rome and Poznan at West Bridgford Library and Young People's Centre

14 15 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Find out more Next steps If you’ve read all about becoming a councillor, taken a look at our website, been to a Further information on the Council’s website few meetings and even taken a look at some of the resources available online, and you There is lots of information about the Council, the services it provides, its priorities over the still want to be a councillor – great, it sounds like the residents of Rushcliffe will be next few years and how it is funded, on the Council’s website – rushcliffe.gov.uk. These lucky to have you representing them. are a few quick links to pages of particular interest if you are thinking about becoming a councillor:

Information about standing for election – rushcliffe.gov.uk/elections/standforelection

Information about the borough’s wards – rushcliffe.gov.uk/elections/wardboundariesandmaps

Lots of links to information about the Council’s main policies and strategies, management structure, spending and budget – rushcliffe.gov.uk/aboutus/aboutthecouncil/documentsstrategiesandpolicies

The Council’s Constitution – rushcliffe.gov.uk/media/rushcliffe/media/documents/pdf/pub licationscheme/1whoweareandwhatwedo/The%20Complete%20Constitution.pdf

The Council’s Corporate Strategy – rushcliffe.gov.uk/media/rushcliffe/media/documents/ Cllr Nigel Lawrence visits the Council's waste depot pdf/councilanddemocracy/constitution/Corporate%20Strategy%202016-20.pdf The next Borough Council election will be In the run up to the election, candidates can held in May 2019 – the nominations period have a free copy of the electoral register Further information from other people will open in March 2019 and the deadline for the ward for which they are standing to submit will be publicised on our website which lists residents who can vote at the Local Government Association – local.gov.uk and social media channels. You will need to next election and a map showing the ward Local Government Association Microsite – Be a councillor – beacouncillor.co.uk be proposed, seconded and also to have boundaries. eight further people as supporters to your It is your choice whether or not you have Electoral Commission – electoralcommission.org.uk nomination. Full details of the electoral an election agent to represent you and process including the nomination procedure manage your election campaign. An agent Electoral Commission – standing for election – are available from our Electoral Services can help you make sure all the forms are electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent team at: [email protected] filled in correctly and submitted before As a prospective candidate, you will be the deadlines, help you keep a clear and Political Parties invited to a meeting to hear about how the accurate record of financial expenditure, election is organised and run, including how and help you plan your campaign. • The Conservative Party – conservatives.com we deal with postal votes, where the count If you decide to stand for election and of the votes will be held, where the polling spend money on your campaign, there is • The Labour Party – labour.org.uk stations are going to be and to ask any a set limit of £740 with an additional 6p for questions you may have. • Green Party – greenparty.org.uk every local government elector registered It is your responsibility, or your agent's, to in the register of electors for the area • Liberal Democrats – libdems.org.uk present nomination papers to the Returning you are seeking to be elected. If you are • UKIP – ukip.org Officer before the statutory deadline. standing for a political party, help with This will be made clear in advance of the election expenses may be available. The nomination period and in your nomination Electoral Commission can help you with any pack. questions you may have about expenses [email protected]

16 17 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Information about standing for election – rushcliffe.gov.uk/elections/standforelection

Information about the borough’s wards – rushcliffe.gov.uk/elections/wardboundariesandmaps

Lots of links to information about the Council’s main policies and strategies, management structure, spending and budget – rushcliffe.gov.uk/aboutus/aboutthecouncil/documentsstrategiesandpolicies

The Council’s Constitution – rushcliffe.gov.uk/media/rushcliffe/media/documents/pdf/pub licationscheme/1whoweareandwhatwedo/The%20Complete%20Constitution.pdf

16 17 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

Here are some of our current councillors Here are some of our current councillors talking about what they enjoy most about being a explaining what they find most difficult about being councillor: a councillor:

Councillor Alan Phillips Councillor Jonathan Wheeler Can be balancing full time employment responsibilities, family life and Helping local people and playing a role councillor duties. It requires a certain in helping the council modernise and amount of commitment and flexibility meet the challenges of modern day local as you have to be there for your government. constituents.

Councillor Gordon Wheeler Councillor The challenge of being a councillor is that your details are in the public domain. Juliet Donoghue This means you can be contacted not I enjoy being a councillor as it just by residents (which is absolutely gives me the opportunity to make fine) but by external organisations or a difference in the community, individuals. representing the people who live in my ward. Councillor Richard Butler The hardest thing – there is a lot of reading to do and meetings to attend! Councillor Rob Inglis Also many rules and policies in place I enjoy being a councillor because I that are often set by, for example, care about people. I get satisfaction in national government that sometimes dealing with others people’s issues and mean that things we would like to do getting them resolved. It is not routine can't be done, or takes a long time to and the workload is not consistent. achieve. One thing you have to learn is There are lots of regular meetings how to develop the art of patience! with spells of inactivity balanced with periods of overwhelming demand. To me it is ultimately about achieving and maintaining a ‘Quality of Life’ for the residents in my community. Councillor Andy Edyvean I think one of the hardest things about being a councillor is having to make decisions on planning applications and sometimes we have to make difficult decisions to balance the needs of different parties.

18 19 Rushcliffe Borough Council Guide to becoming a councillor

18 19 Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre Rectory Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6BU

By telephone: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm In person: 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on the first Saturday of every month.

T 0115 981 9911 | E [email protected] | W www.rushcliffe.gov.uk

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