Becoming a councillor
Have you thought about standing for election to the Vale of
Glamorgan Council?
Do you want to help get things done in your
neighbourhood? Are you already active in your community? As a
councillor, you can make a difference.
What does a councillor do?
A councillor's role can take in:
- representing your local ward
- decision-making
- policy and strategy review and development
- overview and scrutiny
- regulatory duties
- community leadership and
engagement.
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Why become a councillor?
Being a councillor is a rewarding form of
public service that puts you in a unique position where you can
make decisions about local issues and improve the quality of life
for people within the Vale of Glamorgan. It gives you the
opportunity to help your local community and be part of a dedicated
team providing key services for your area.
Being an effective councillor requires hard
work. The primary role of a councillor is to represent their ward
and the people who live in it. Community leadership is at the heart
of modern local government and councils are taking on new
responsibilities for working in partnership with other
organisations, including the voluntary and community sector, to
improve services and the quality of life for citizens. Being a
councillor is also a great way to gain political experience and
useful skills in public speaking, debating and problem solving.
Councillors are expected to take steps to keep
in touch with their communities.
It is assumed that they will, at least on an
annual basis, attend community/town council meetings and meetings
of local community groups. Councillors may also be chosen to
represent the Council on outside bodies (both local and national),
which can include a wide range of trusts, associations and
committees.
Who can become a councillor?
You can become a councillor if:
- you are over 18 on both polling day and the
day of nomination;
- you are a British citizen, a citizen of the
Irish Republic, the Commonwealth or another member state of the
European Union;
- you are on the Register of Electors and your
home is in the Vale of Glamorgan (and has been for at
least the past 12 months), or you work in the Vale of Glamorgan
(and have for at least the past 12 months), or
- you own a property in the Vale of Glamorgan
(and have for at least the past 12 months).
You could be disqualified as a candidate
if:
- you are an undischarged bankrupt;
- you have a criminal conviction which carried
a prison sentence of 3 months or more in the previous 5 years;
- you work for the Vale of Glamorgan Council,
or hold a politically restricted post with another authority.
How much do I need to know?
The main qualifications are an interest in
your community and a willingness to learn. Knowledge, experience
and confidence will soon follow. You will be offered a
comprehensive induction to your role as a councillor and ongoing
support and guidance about your personal development.
What expenses can I claim?
Councillors receive a basic allowance and
certain approved duties are eligible for travel and/or subsistence
allowances. Some members also receive a special responsibility
allowance for particular duties they undertake (for example,
chairing a committee).
What other support will I get?
To help you carry out your duties you will be
able to use the secretarial and administrative support staff in
Members' Services. You can also call on information and advice from
the professional officers of the Council.
Interested?
If you are thinking of standing, contact your
local elections officer (below) and they will be pleased to give
you more information.
Where can I find out more?
To find out more about the role and
responsibilities of the councillor please follow the Improvement
and Development Agency (IDeA) link, or contact the Council as
detailed below.
Related information
Contact
Tel: 01446 709408
email: Democratic
Services,
or write to:
Democratic Services,
Legal, Public Protection and Housing,
Vale of Glamorgan Council,
Civic Offices,
Holton Road,
Barry.
CF63 4RU