News article

Make a change – Become a councillor

Mon 13 Feb 2023

18:30

Warwick District Council will explain how to become a Councillor; what is expected of you and why it can be very rewarding.

Warwick District Council will also cover:

  • The role of the District / Monitoring Officer and the “special relationship” with Parish Councils
  • Code of Conduct
  • Criteria for becoming a Parish or Town Councillor
  • The process to stand for election
  • The process after becoming a Councillor (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests etc)

Speakers

  • WALC Representative
  • Experienced Councillor from the District
  • Experienced Clerk from the District
  • Warwick District Council: Monitoring Officer and Electoral Services Manager

 This free virtual briefing event is open to members of the public.

No registration is necessary but please provide your name upon entering the WALC Zoom Room.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82318436937

Meeting ID: 823 1843 6937
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Meeting ID: 823 1843 6937

What do local councillors do?

Your local (parish and town) council has overall responsibility for the wellbeing of your local community. Their work falls into three main categories:

  • Delivery of services
  • Improve quality of life for residents
  • Give communities a democratic voice

Local councils run numerous services, depending on the size of the council. Many you will see day-to-day, but some are less known. These include introducing solar panels, setting up dementia-friendly groups, organising community buses, creating neighbourhood plans, implementing suitable housing, establishing youth projects, managing allotments and open spaces, maintaining footpaths, public seating and litter bins.

Becoming a local councillor

As a local Councillor you can become a voice for your community and make real change. Local Councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood.
Local Councillor responsibilities fall into three main categories:

  • Decision-making
  • Monitoring
  • Getting involved locally

Local Councillors attend to local needs of residents, local groups and businesses, make decisions on local services, collaborate with district and borough councils to adhere to local needs, and progress vital projects to invest in the future of the community.

Can I stand for election?

To stand for election to a local council you must be:

  • A UK or Commonwealth citizen; or be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or be a citizen of another Member State of the European Union
  • At least 18 years old
  • An elector of the local council; or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the area the local council serves (as owner or tenant); or work in the area local council serves (as your principal or only place of work); or live within three miles of the local council boundary

Find out more at www.walc.org.uk/information/become-a-councillor