Becoming a councillor
Serving as a councillor on any parish or town council is controlled by the rules and regulations laid out in the Local Government
Act 1972 (LGA 1972). Shinfield Parish Council has capacity for 15 serving councillors. In many cases those who put themselves forward for a seat on the parish council are uncontested. This council, generally speaking, has more seats than there are nominations. Nonetheless, the election process is adhered to and elections are held every four years. Seats remaining vacant at this time can be filled by co-option, subject to the correct procedures being followed.
Between elections further vacancies arising can also be filled by co-option, providing each vacancy is duly notified and
nominations invited.
Eligibility
Broadly speaking, anyone who has a desire and sufficient spare time to serve the community can become a councillor. Their appointment is subject to the qualifying criteria being met and the individual being willing to adhere to the statutory
Code of Conduct for Parish Councillors.
Qualifying criteria
A candidate must be:
- A British subject or a citizen of the a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union
- At least 18 years of age
- A local government elector for the area of the authority, or for during the preceding 12 months, lived in the parish or within 3 miles of the parish, have owned or occupied land in the parish, or worked in the parish
A candidate cannot:
- Hold paid office or employment within the council
- Be subject to a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order
- Have been within the last five years convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for more than three months
Relevant skills are:
- Good listening skills
- Good decision-making skills
- Good local knowledge
Applying to fill a casual vacancy
Either contact the council, via the Clerk, the Chairman or the Vice Chairman, stating your desire to serve on the council, or come along to any of our meetings. We welcome candidates from all walks of life and appreciate a diversity of skills and knowledge. Everyone who joins the council enhances our skills base in one way or another.
Applying to join the council at election time
Administration of formal elections is undertaken by Wokingham Borough Council. The next election will take place in May 2011.
If you want to stand you can obtain the necessary forms from the clerk or from:
The Returning Officer
Wokingham Borough Council
Shute End
Wokingham
RG40 1BN
