How do I become a candidate ? 

You must be able to comply with these rules

You must be aged 21 or over at the date of your nomination and a Commonwealth citizen, citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or a citizen of an EC Member state and either:

• be a local government elector (a voter) within the local authority, or

• have during the whole of the 12 months preceding the day on which you are nominated as a candidate, occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises of the area of the authority, or

• your principal or only place of work in the last 12 months preceding the day on which you are nominated as a candidate has been in the area of the authority, or

• you have lived in the area of the authority during the whole of the 12 months preceding the day on which you are nominated as a candidate.

There are certain things which will disqualify you from being elected and the authority will have a detailed leaflet on these.  But in the main you are ruled out if;

• you hold a paid office under the local authority or a politically restricted post for another local authority

• you are bankrupt

• you have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment ( whether suspended or not) of not less than three months without the option of a fine during the five years preceding the election.

If you can satisfy these conditions then you must be nominated  i.e. proposed, seconded and supported by eight other electors, who live in the ward you intend to challenge.

  However, in addition to the above illegally imposed rules to be a councillor you:

• Need no qualifications.

• Need no experience, in local government, but previous voluntary work in the community would be advantageous.   

• Must be self-disciplined as there will be no supervision.  

• May be unemployed or already in full time employment.  (Your employer must give you reasonable time off work to fulfil your council duties.)

• Do not need to be a member of a political party.

• Must have a will to represent the community.

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Do councillors have a job description ?

Councillors are elected to represent the people. As a member of the council, he or she has to consider not just the interests of their local electorate but what is in the best interests of council area as a whole.

Many people turn to their local councillor for advice and help on issues that are not the responsibility of the Council.  

Councillors represent their constituent's interests at more than just council meetings. Many are appointed to represent interests in organisations ranging from local voluntary groups and community health councils to the body responsible for regional planning. Councillors are appointed to a wide range of public bodies including the Police Authority and the Fire and Rescue Authority.

Councillors can help their constituents put their interests, views and concerns to the right people at the right time, whether officers or a committee. Councillors can suggest and help their constituents find the right person to give advice and help.

Councillors welcome the opportunity to hear local people's views. All Councillors have their own arrangements for keeping in touch with the communities they represent. Many arrange regular opportunities for local people to meet them and discuss issues of concern.

Councillors are expected and required to act with integrity and in a way that can give no ground for suspicion of partiality, self-interest or corruption.

Councillors must give the highest possible standard of service to the public. There is a Code of Conduct setting out what is expected. This Code covers important issues such as declaration of interests, not using information for personal gain and not accepting gifts and hospitality.

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They do not get salaries or wages because they are not employees of the council, but are entitled to allowances, which are designed to partly recompense them for the costs they face in carrying out their public duties.

There are two types of allowance for councillors:

• A basic allowance: this is a flat rate allowance – all councillors must get the same amount – designed to compensate for their costs. It is an annual amount, but most councils pay it monthly.

• A Special responsibilities allowance: as its name suggests, this additional allowance is paid to certain more senior office holders in the council to recognise the extra responsibilities of their post. Typically, SRAs would be paid to the chairman and Leader of the council, group leaders and chairs and vice chairs of committees. Each council can decide how many and which positions qualify for Special Responsibility Allowances.

Councillors are also able to receive travel and subsistence allowances when undertaking official duties.

• CLICK HERE for more detailed information on the allowances system!  
• CLICK HERE for the statutory regulations governing the allowances system and remuneration panels!

Throughout the England and Wales there are no two allowance schemes identical in terms money and which position gets the special responsibility allowance.  

• The council itself decides the amount of allowance, but it must first seek recommendations from its independent remuneration panel. 
• All councils are obliged both to publish details of their local scheme and the amounts that each member receives annually. 

Councils can now, if they wish, pay a carers’ allowances to those councillors who have responsibility for children or other relatives, to contribute to providing temporary care to enable them to carry out their official duties. 

Councillors, who are in receipt of benefits should seek advice from their local authority and the benefits Agency, who produce a range of leaflets.

Councillors do not at present get a pension.  Though the Government is currently consulting on proposals to make them available for certain senior members of local authorities.

Must candidates belong to political parties ?

No. At one time it was the easiest way of becoming a councillor but recently the politically independent candidate is becoming more popular with the electorate because independents act on the true concerns of their local electorate who are now beginning to see the benefits of having a representative who is not bound by party rules and regulations.

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I'm fully employed.  Must I resign  ?

Absolutely not.  By law your employer must give you reasonable time off, without pay, to fulfil your public duties.  Some employers do pay their employee councillors.  But rest assured the council salary you will receive will more than compensate you for the loss of your earnings.  What is classed as 'reasonable' time off is usually locally negotiated.  

• Employees of other Local Authorities who become councillors are usually given 18 days per year off to fulfil their public duties.  However, more days are usually given if the councillor takes on a position of extra responsibility. 

Absolutely nothing.  There is no deposit in local elections.