• What does a Parish or Town Councillor do?
• How much of your time is required?
• Will it cost you anything?
• What experience/knowledge do you need?
• What is the nomination process?
• How to apply
• How are they elected?
• When do the elections take place?
• Further information

What does a Parish or Town Councillor do?

You should consider becoming a parish or town councillor if:

• You want to do something positive for your community
• You want to spend your time productively 
• You can think, listen and act locally

How much of your time is required?

It is possible to spend a lot of time on council work - but most people have jobs, families and hobbies that also demand a lot of time. However, as with most things, the more you put in, the more you (and your community) will get out.

Generally speaking, the larger your community the larger your workload will be. The times of the meetings vary, as do the venues. Parish councils normally meet in the evening. It is important to establish the pattern of meetings and venues to make sure they can accommodate your domestic and/or business arrangements.

Most councils meet once a month and many also have committees, in which case you would probably be invited to sit on a committee. These usually meet in between the meetings of the full parish council.

Will it cost you anything?

Being a councillor should cost you little. There is usually cover for subsistence and travel allowances if your duties take you out of your local council's area.

These allowances will be determined by the council, and will be within a maximum laid down by the Government.

What experience/knowledge do you need?

Initially, you may have little knowledge of council work but this will come, along with experience and confidence.

As a new Councillor you will bring to the council fresh enthusiasm and new ideas, a care for your community and a willingness to learn.

Eligibility

A candidate for a Parish or Town Council when nominated must be:

• A British subject or Irish citizen.
• 18 years of age.
• In the list of electors for that Parish or Town or has during the whole of the preceding twelve months:
• a. occupied land as owner or tenant in it, or
• b. had a principal place of work there, or 
• c. resided in or within three miles of it.

What is the nomination process?

A prospective candidate must deliver or send by post to the Returning Officer for the election a valid nomination paper. This form is obtained from the Officer (see How to apply below). 

The candidate's surname, forenames, residence and description (if required) must be entered and his or her number and prefix letter from the current register of electors. The Returning Officer has a copy of this register, and the clerk of the local council normally has one. 

The nomination paper must also contain similar particulars of a proposer and a seconder. They must be electors for the area for which the candidate seeks election (i.e. the parish, community or town or the ward if it is divided into wards): they must sign it.

How to apply

If you are considering becoming a candidate for election you are very strongly recommended to contact the Returning Officer at the District or Borough Council (see table below) to obtain information on what you need to do to be nominated.

All of the District and Borough Councils produce guidance on Election Procedures and it is imperative that these are followed or you may find that you have disqualified yourself from candidacy.

How are they elected?

Parish councillors are elected by the public at an ordinary election, normally held on the first Thursday in May every four years. 

Being a parish councillor is an unpaid position although allowances to cover costs are sometimes available.

When do the elections take place?

Ordinary elections usually coincide with the election year of the District Council and must be held on the same day. The interval between elections is 4 years and therefore your term of office would normally be 4 years. 

If you decide to stand for election you must submit your nomination by noon on Monday 4 April 2011.

Elections timetable 2011

Further information

For further details about becoming a parish councillor please visit the:

• Stand and Deliver website

Further information about the work of parish and town councils is available through:

• Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils