Role of the Parish Councillor

A councillor is a member of the council and is normally elected for a term of four years to represent the interests of the local community . A councillor may also be returned by by-election, co-option, appointment by the district council or by return after a successful election petition. All Councillors are required to complete a declaration of Acceptance of Office and to provide a written undertaking that they accept the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Individual councillors work together to serve the community and to help the Council to make decisions on behalf of the local community. Councillors contribute to the work of the council by suggesting ideas, engaging in constructive debate and by responding to the needs and views of the community representing their constituents. Councillors comment on proposals to ensure the best outcome and vote to enable the council to take collective decisions that form the policy of the council. Councillors are required to behave in an ethical way and to declare an personal interest when necessary. People of any political or religious persuasion are eligible to become a councillor, although their personal views should not extend into their parish council work.

The Chairman is elected by the members of the Council at the Annual Council meeting and serves for twelve months, being responsible for ensuring that effective and lawful decisions are taken at meetings of the council and, assisted by the Clerk, guides activities by managing the meetings of the council involving councillors in discussion and ensuring that councillors keep to the point. The Chairman summarises the debate and facilitates the making of clear resolutions. His/her first vote is a personal vote as a member of the Council, and if there is a tied vote, the Chairman can have a second, casting vote