Why become a Parish Councillor
09 Mar 2022
KIRKBY MALZEARD, LAVERTON AND DALLOWGILL PARISH COUNCIL - ELECTIONS MAY 2022
What is our Parish Council ?
A parish council is the level of government closest to the community, and is often the first place people will go with concerns or ideas. For this reason the Parish Council is a vital part of our community.
Its work falls into three main categories:
representing the local community
delivering to meet local needs
striving to improve quality of life in the parish
Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council is a “grouped” Parish Council with seven councillors. Five are elected by residents in Kirkby Malzeard Parish and two are elected by residents of Laverton and Dallowgill.
Why become a Parish Councillor?
By becoming a parish councillor you become someone who can help and support your community with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve.
What decisions does the Parish Council make?
Probably the most common topics that the parish council gets involved with are planning matters (they are statutory consultees), helping local organisations, and campaigning for better services and facilities.
It’s true to say that on its own, the parish council has limited powers to make decisions. But it does have the ability to negotiate with and influence those other councils and organisations that do make the final decisions.
How much time does it take up?
The Parish Council usually meets once a month for the council meeting, to which members of the public are also invited. Parish Councillors are also involved in some on-going matters between meetings - but it’s not going to take over your life!
How long does a parish councillor serve for?
Once elected, parish councillors normally sit on the council for a maximum of four years - on this occasion because of local government reorganisation in North Yorkshire the term is five years. They can then stand for re-election.
Am I eligible to be a Parish Councillor?
You have to be:
a British subject, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union
over 18 years of age
and additionally you have to be one of the following:
a local government elector for the council area for which you want to stand
have during the whole of the 12 months occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the council area or within 3 miles of it for the whole period
have during that same period had your principal or only place of work in the council area or within 3 miles of it for the whole period.
You cannot stand for election if you
are subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order.
have, within five years before the day of the election, been convicted in the United Kingdom of any offence and have had a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of over three months without the option of a fine.
you work for the council you want to become a councillor for (but you can work for other local authorities, including the principal authorities that represent the same area).
You don’t have to be connected to a political party.
If you do become a parish councillor you will have to sign up to our Code of Conduct.
How to stand for Election in May 2022
As soon as possible, obtain your nomination papers from Harrogate Borough Council or use the links below to print – see the official Notice of Election. -Notice of Election - Parish Council Elections 5th May 2022.pdf- Return your completed papers BY HAND to Harrogate offices Civic Centre St Lukes Avenue HG1 2AE no later than 4pm Tuesday 5 April 2022 BUT don't leave it to then.. its best to contact elect@harrogate.gov.uk 01423500600 to arrange a time to hand your form in and let them check it ...if possible.. If there is an error on the (very complicated) form the elections officer will reject it!.
Nomination pack parish council election
Parish council elections in England - spending return and notes
You can watch a recorded presentation prepared for candidates by Harrogate Borough Council:
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Want to know more?
Please discuss with a current Parish Councillor or contact our Parish Clerk on: clerk.kmldpc@outlook.com
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