COUNCILLORS & STAFF

Councillors | Council Staff | Becoming a councillor


BECOMING A COUNCILLOR

Serving as a councillor on any parish or town council is controlled by the rules and regulation of local government under the Local Government Act 1972 (LGA 1972). There is an eligibility criteria and appointment is organised on an election basis.

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 4 years - candidates standing for election  are often returned to office without contest. Seats remaining vacant at this time can be filled by co-option.

During the four-year term of office, further vacancies arising can also be filled by co-option, providing the 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:

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Must be a British subject or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland

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Must be at least 21 years of age

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Be a local government elector for the area of the authority;
Or for the preceding 12 months, owned or occupy land in the area, lived in the area, worked in the area, or lived within 3 miles of the parish

Disqualifying criteria:

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Any individual who holds paid office or employment within the council

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Any individual who has been adjudged bankrupt (There are conditions whereby the disqualification for bankruptcy ceases)

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Has within 5 years been convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for more than 3 months


RELEVANT SKILLS
  • Good listening skills
  • Good decision-making skills
  • Good local knowledge
  • Willingness to serve the community
  • Willingness to comply with the statutory Code of Conduct


APPLYING TO FILL A CASUAL VACANCY

Either contact or write to the council, via the Clerk, the Chairman, or the Vice Chairman, stating your desire to serve on the council, and/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 skill base in one way or another.


APPLYING TO JOIN THE COUNCIL AT ELECTION

Administration of a formal Election is undertaken by Wokingham Unitary Authority, Shinfield Parish Council will be called to embark upon the election process in April 2003. Nomination forms can be obtained from:
The Returning Officer, Wokingham Unitary, Shute End, WOKINGHAM or by contacting the Clerk.

 

Councillors | Council Staff | Becoming a councillor