ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A PARISH COUNCILLOR?

What is a Parish Council?

A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish.

Why become a Parish Councillor?

Are you passionate about your community?

Do you want to help make a long-lasting change?

Do you have innovative ideas for the council?

Do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it?

If this is you, then we need you. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to make a change and become a councillor.

What do Parish Councils and Councillors do?

Local councils and councillors make a massive difference to local people's quality of life. They are passionate about their communities and seek to make a change to help improve their residents' lives.

A councillor’s role can include developing strategies and plans for the area, helping with problems and ideas, representing the community, working with other local community groups, decision making and reviewing decisions and talking to the community about their needs and what the council is doing.

Am I eligible to be a Parish Councillor?

To be able to become a Councillor for Thurston Parish Council, you must:

  • be an elector of the parish, or;
  • for the whole of the previous 12 months have occupied (as owner or tenant) land or other premises in the parish, or;
  • during the previous 12 months have worked in the parish (as your principal or only place of work), or;
  • for the whole of the previous 12 months lived in the parish or within three miles of the parish boundary.
  • be a least 18 years old.

How long does a Parish Councillor serve for?

Once elected, parish councillors sit on the council for a term of 4 years but can stand for re-election if they would like to remain.

Councillors can also be co-opted if a vacancy arises within the 4-year term.  This requires the prospective candidate to write a brief resumé and attend a parish meeting for a short informal interview. 

The councillors will then take a vote and appoint the most suitable candidate.

Currently Thurston holds three councillor vacancies.

If you would be interested in applying please contact the Parish Clerk on: info@thurstonparishcouncil.gov.uk or 07579 211938.