Am I qualified ?

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The majority of people are qualified to stand as a Councillor. However there are a few rules - you have to be

  • over 21,
  • on the electoral register for the council area for which you wish to stand, or have worked in the area for the preceding 12 months,
  • a citizen of the European Union,
  • a local government elector of the parish; or a person who has, during the whole of the twelve months before he or she was nominated as a candidate, occupied land or other premises as owner or tenant in the parish. Or has during the same period, resided in that area or within three miles thereof, or has during the same period, had his or her principal or only place of work in that area.

You cannot stand for election if you

  • are bankrupt
  • 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).

But I'm too young…

Some parish councils also run youth councils, which are comprised of a number of young people representing their local schools and colleges. They are granted their own political forum by having a space and a time to meet and discuss matters that affect them. These youth councils are in direct communication with their parish councils so they can also be involved in decision-making. Contact your parish council or speak to your school to find out if either is involved in such a scheme and you are interested in getting involved. If there is not a scheme, or a parish youth forum, get together with friends and put a proposal to your local community, parish or town council.

I am not a member of a political party and do not want to be

Most community, parish and town councillors are not party political - and many who are tied to want party as a councillor for another sector, do not stand as a political candidate for their parish council