top of page

BECOMING A COUNCILLOR

Becoming a Councillor

Are you interested in joining the Parish Council?

 

A councillor is a member of the council and is normally elected for a term of four years. People of any political or religious persuasion are eligible to become a councillor for Upwell, although their personal, political views should not extend into their parish council work.

​

Becoming a parish councillor is a rewarding and valued form of public service. All councillors contribute to the work of the Parish Council by:

 

  • Having a say about the things they care about

  • Putting forward ideas for better services

  • Responding to the needs and views of parishioners

  • Seeking the best outcome to local issues

  • Getting involved in decision making

  • Helping to make Upwell, Three Holes and Lakes End a better place to live!

 

We normally meet on the second Monday of the month. Meetings commence at 7 pm lasting around 2 hours at the Upwell Village Hall. Councillors are expected to attend meetings on a regular basis.

​Please contact the clerk if you are interested in finding out more.

Can I be a Parish Councillor?

To stand for election to become a parish councillor you must be:

  • At least 18 years old on the day of your nomination, and

  • A British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of any other member state of the European Union

You must also meet at least one of the following four qualifications:

  • You are, and will continue to be, registered as a local government elector for the parish in which you wish to stand from the day of your nomination onwards, or

  • You have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the parish area during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election, or

  • Your main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of your nomination and the day of election has been in the parish area, or

  • You have lived in the parish area of within three miles of it during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election

There are certain people who are disqualified:

  • You are employed by the parish council or hold a paid office under the parish/community council (including joint boards or committees)

  • You are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order

  • You have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more (including a suspended sentence), without the option of a fine, during the five years before polling day

  • You have been disqualified under the Representation of the People Act 1983 (which covers corrupt or illegal electoral practices and offences relating to donations) or under the Audit Commission Act 1998

bottom of page