Becoming a Parish Councillor

Why become a Parish Councillor?

If you’ve never been to a Parish Council meeting before, you may be forgiven for thinking that Parish Councillors are a group of (probably older) people who meet now and then in a draughty village hall. If, however, you live in a community where something ‘big’ has happened, you’ll know that when people in the community need support and guidance, it is sometimes the Parish Council that is turned to.

By becoming a Parish Councillor, you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve.

Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.

How long does a Parish Councillor serve for?

Once elected, Parish Councillors sit on the council for a maximum of four years. If they then want to stay in the post they can stand for re-election.

Am I eligible to be a Parish Councillor?

You must be:

a British subject, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union
over 18 years of age

and additionally, you must be one of the following:

a local government elector for the council area for which you want to stand
have during the whole of the 12 months occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the council area or within 3 miles of it for the whole period
have during that same period had your principal or only place of work in the council area or within 3 miles of it for the whole period.

You cannot stand for election 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).
You don’t have to be connected to a political party.

If you do become a Parish Councillor, you will have to sign up to the Code of Conduct and complete the Register of Interests which is held at Central Bedfordshire Council and available to the public.

If you feel you could contribute to life in the village and are interested in becoming a councillor, please contact the Parish Clerk on 01234 413569 or email: clerk@marstonmoreteyne-pc.gov.uk for more information and an application form.