Become a Community Councillor

What are the qualifications needed to become a Community Councillor?

The qualifications are:

Ø You must be at least 18 years old on both polling day and the day of nomination and you must be a British citizen, a citizen of the Irish Republic, the Commonwealth or another member state of the European Union.

Ø You must also meet at least one of the following 4 qualifications:

v (a) on those days and thereafter be a local government elector for the area of the authority; or

v (b) for the whole of the previous 12 months preceding both nomination day and day of election occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the area of the authority; or

v (c) the principal or only place of work during the 12 months preceding both nomination day and day of election resided in that area, or

v (d) is not disqualified.

v (e) to (a) to (d) above is added that the alternative qualification that the candidate has during the whole of the 12 months preceding both nomination and day of election resided either in the Community or within 4.8 kilometres of it

Are there any disqualifications?

Yes, and these could prevent you becoming a candidate. The disqualifications include a person:

Ø Surcharge.

Ø Corrupt practice.

Ø Who has been adjudged bankrupt. and

Ø Who has been sentenced to prison for 3 months or more in the previous 5 years.

Ø Bankrupts.

Certain exceptions may apply so you should check the position carefully before consenting to your nomination as candidate.

Further information can be found by contacting the Clerk@ clerk@langstonecommunitycouncil.org.uk

Rules and regulations for councillors

All councillors are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour.

The public needs to feel confident that you are living up to the high standards that they have a right to expect from you. Councillors are bound by a statutory Code of Conduct which outlines what is expected of them in terms of behaviour and conduct.

The code applies to councillors whenever they are acting or appear to be acting as a councillor - in short pretty much all of the time.

According to the Code, councillors need to act very clearly in the ways outlined below:

v Act only in the public interest - not in favour of yourself or anyone else

v Be honest and declare any interests you have.

v Act with integrity - not be influenced by any people or organisations for their benefit.

v Act within the law.

v Use the authority’s resources lawfully and prudently.

v Always take decisions on merit, using all the information and evidence available.

v Always show respect to other people no matter who they are and what they believe.

v Be as open as possible about your actions and the actions of the council.

v Be prepared to be open to the scrutiny of the public for what you do.

Lead others by example and be a positive role model for the council to the public and officers Breaches of the Code can be referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and sanctions can include formal apologies, training or even suspension or disqualification from office. Councillors are expected to formally agree to the Code when signing their acceptance of office following election.

Further information can be found by contacting the Clerk@ clerk@langstonecommunitycouncil.org.uk