What is a local government councillor?
A local government councillor is an elected representative who serves on the council to support the local community. Their role is to improve services, represent residents’ interests, and help enhance the quality of life in the area.
People choose to become councillors for many reasons, including:
• Wanting to make a difference in their local community
• Representing the concerns and views of residents
• Expressing and promoting personal political beliefs
• Using professional or personal skills to benefit the area
While no formal qualifications are required, most councillors rely on skills gained through work or personal experiences. These often include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
Under the Electoral Administration Act 2006, anyone aged 18 or over can stand as a candidate in local elections. Candidates must have either lived in the ward or district they represent for 12 months or more prior to an election, or they must be on the electoral register or employed in the area. Those who live locally are usually more likely to be elected.
How to become a local councillor
If you’re considering standing for election, the first step is deciding whether to run as an independent councillor or represent a political party. Unlike parliamentary elections, there is no deposit required to stand for local council elections.
To be nominated, candidates need a small number of registered voters (currently 10 people) to sign their nomination papers. These must be submitted to the council’s electoral officer at least 19 days before the election.
Do local councillors get paid?
Local councillors do not receive a salary. However, they are given a basic allowance to cover time and expenses incurred while carrying out council duties. The exact amount of local councillor pay varies between councils.
