Thinking of becoming a councillor? Westbury Town Council wants to hear from you

Whatever needs changing in your neighbourhood, you could be just the person to change it by becoming a local councillor.

Councillors are elected to the local council to represent their local community. The elected term is four years. Becoming a councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be in a position to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects. Being an effective councillor requires both commitment and hard work. The councillor’s role and responsibilities include: Representing the ward for which they are elected, decision-making, attending council meetings and voting, developing and reviewing council policy, act as a consultee on planning applications and community engagement.

Almost anyone can be a councillor as long as you are a British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union, at least 18 years-old and are registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.

You cannot be a councilor if you are employed by the council or another local authority, subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order, have been sentenced to prison for three months or more during the five years before election day or have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.

Once you decide you want to take it further and put yourself forward as a candidate, what’s the next step? The answer depends on whether you want to represent a political party, or group, or would like to stand as an independent candidate. If you want to represent a political party, then the next step would be to get involved with your local party as soon as possible. If you are thinking of standing as an independent candidate your next step is to start building your profile, ready for the next election on Thursday 4th May 2017, so that local people know who you are. Work out how you will represent your community and understand what it is the people want.

Nearer election time, as you start going door to door persuading people to vote for you, you will be challenged on your opinions. Whether you have been selected by a party, or are standing as an independent candidate, you must make sure that you are officially nominated as the election date draws nearer. This means getting 10 people to sign your nomination papers. Signatories must be registered electors in the ward where you wish to stand. These papers are available from your local council’s elections team at Wiltshire Council. You must also give your consent to your nomination in writing. All the necessary documents must be submitted 19 working days before the day of the election.

Visit the Electoral Commission Website for more details: www.electoralcommision.org.uk Why not come along to a local council meeting? Or make an appointment to speak with the Town Clerk to find out more about Westbury Town Council and pop in to the office and meet the team.

For any enquiries call 01373 822232.