Could you be a Parish Councillor?
Am I Qualified?
Yes – most people are; however there are a few rules…. You have to be:
- A British subject, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union; and
- On the “relevant date” (i.e. the day on which you are nominated or if there is a poll the day of the election) 18 years of age or over; and additionally:
- On the “relevant day” a local government elector for the council area for which you want to stand; or
- Have during the whole of the 12 months preceding that day occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the council area; or
- Have during that same period had your principal or only place of work in the council area; or
- During that 12 month period resided in the council area.
- In the case of a sitting member of a parish or community council you can also satisfy the criteria to be elected if you have lived in the council area or within 3 miles of it for the whole of the 12 months preceding the “relevant day”.
You cannot stand if you
- Are subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order.
- Have, within five years before the day of the election, been convicted in the United Kingdom of any offence and have had a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of over three months without the option of a fine.
- You work for the council you want to become a Councillor for (but you can work for other local authorities, including the principal authorities that represent the same area).
If you think that you would like to become a Parish Councillor, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Council Clerk