Becoming a councillor

What do parish councillors do?

By becoming a Parish Councillor you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support. 

Parish councils make many different kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. In Bracebridge Heath, common areas of discussion include our open spaces and parks, sports and recreation facilities, planning applications and street lighting. However, the parish council get involved in many different types of things. As advocates of the local community, this can be anything of interest to residents.

Once elected, Parish Councillors sit on the council for a maximum of four years.  If they then want to stay in the post they can stand for re-election. 

How can I become a councillor? 

You can either stand in a scheduled election or you can be co-opted by the existing members. Our next election will be 2027 but co-option can be carried out at any time before then where a vacancy arises. 

Do I need to be a member of a political party?

No.

Will I get paid?

No.

Am I eligible?

You must be at least 18 years of age and one of the following nationalities:

• British;
• A Commonwealth National;
• An Irish or EU Citizen.

and either

1. are on and remain on the register of electors for the parish;

or

2. during the whole of the twelve months preceding the nomination have lived in, worked in or lived within 3 miles of the parish boundary.

Do I have to give up much time?

The council meets on the first Tuesday evening of each month at 7pm. A full calendar of meetings can be found on our website at https://bracebridge-heath.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/council-business/meeting-calendar-2020-2021/1.

Documents are shared beforehand so that you can prepare for each meeting. Beyond preparation and attendance at meetings, the amount of time you contribute is up to you. Most of our current councillors says that 2 to 3 hours a week is needed as a minimum. 

I'm interested in becoming a councillor. What do I do now?

Find out more at www.beacouncillor.co.uk.

The best way to find out what it’s like to be a Parish Councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it now. Speak to current Parish Councillors if you can, or contact the clerk who will be able to provide information or contact details for parish councillors.

You can also join us at one of our meetings. Everyone is welcome.