A councillor is someone who is elected by their community to represent its interests. But what does a councillor actually do?
Councillor Liz Brighouse: "It’s about local people working together, making a difference, getting policies that reflect their needs."
Councillor Ian Hudspeth: "There’s no such thing as a standard day for a councillor. Every day is different."
As a councillor you might deal with individual cases by providing advice, suggesting solutions and representing people at meetings.
Councillor Zoe Patrick: "I suppose the best thing about the job is when you have made a difference in your community and you see something that you’ve campaigned for potentially that’s now there in place."
You’ll help explain council services, and point people in the right direction. As a councillor you may get involved in campaigning for changes in the community, and be involved in community projects, making things happen for young and old alike.
Councillor Sushila Dhall: "You represent the people who breathe the air, use the vehicles, travel, use the buildings."
Councillor Zoe Patrick: "You take an issue for somebody else, and you help that person get an outcome that they want."
As a councillor you’ll keep an eye out to ensure local services are being properly provided. Ultimately, you’ll help make decisions about how council services are run in your area.
Councillor Liz Brighouse: "I used to think that politicians were like Batman or they were able to do things - they sat in meetings and by magic things happened. And I suddenly realised that wasn’t actually the case, that politicians were ordinary people. They were ordinary people who could make a difference."
Almost anyone can be a councillor. You don’t even have to be a member of a political party, though many councillors are.
You just have to be aged 18 or over, a British or qualifying European or Commonwealth citizen, be on the register of electors or have lived or worked in the area for at least 12 months.
Councillor Ian Hudspeth: "You don’t really need to have any specific talent, just simply the ability to listen to people, communicate that back, and then fight somebody’s corner.
Councillor Zoe Patrick: "If you do feel passionate about where you live, then how about saying 'look lets represent that place, and take all those peoples’ views forward'."
Councillor Sushila Dhall: "That’s all it takes really. To be able to feel passionately about something and say so."
You can devote as much time as you have available to your role as councillor. Although you won’t receive a salary, you’ll be provided with certain allowances and expenses. But the biggest reward is working with dedicated people for a better community.
Councillor Ian Hudspeth: "I just really enjoy the job itself, it’s fantastic."
Councillor Zoe Patrick: "I love it very much, that’s why I do it."
If you’re passionate about where you live and want to make a difference, get in touch with your local council to find out more.
Councillor Liz Brighouse: "That’s the joy of being a local politician, you can talk to so many people, and some of them even think you’re Batman!"
It’s your voice. Use it.
A councillor is someone who is elected by their community to represent its interests. But what does a councillor actually do?
Councillor Liz Brighouse: "It’s about local people working together, making a difference, getting policies that reflect their needs."
Councillor Ian Hudspeth: "There’s no such thing as a standard day for a councillor. Every day is different."
As a councillor you might deal with individual cases by providing advice, suggesting solutions and representing people at meetings.
Councillor Zoe Patrick: "I suppose the best thing about the job is when you have made a difference in your community and you see something that you’ve campaigned for potentially that’s now there in place."
You’ll help explain council services, and point people in the right direction. As a councillor you may get involved in campaigning for changes in the community, and be involved in community projects, making things happen for young and old alike.
Councillor Sushila Dhall: "You represent the people who breathe the air, use the vehicles, travel, use the buildings."
Councillor Zoe Patrick: "You take an issue for somebody else, and you help that person get an outcome that they want."
As a councillor you’ll keep an eye out to ensure local services are being properly provided. Ultimately, you’ll help make decisions about how council services are run in your area.
Councillor Liz Brighouse: "I used to think that politicians were like Batman or they were able to do things - they sat in meetings and by magic things happened. And I suddenly realised that wasn’t actually the case, that politicians were ordinary people. They were ordinary people who could make a difference."
Almost anyone can be a councillor. You don’t even have to be a member of a political party, though many councillors are.
You just have to be aged 18 or over, a British or qualifying European or Commonwealth citizen, be on the register of electors or have lived or worked in the area for at least 12 months.
Councillor Ian Hudspeth: "You don’t really need to have any specific talent, just simply the ability to listen to people, communicate that back, and then fight somebody’s corner.
Councillor Zoe Patrick: "If you do feel passionate about where you live, then how about saying 'look lets represent that place, and take all those peoples’ views forward'."
Councillor Sushila Dhall: "That’s all it takes really. To be able to feel passionately about something and say so."
You can devote as much time as you have available to your role as councillor. Although you won’t receive a salary, you’ll be provided with certain allowances and expenses. But the biggest reward is working with dedicated people for a better community.
Councillor Ian Hudspeth: "I just really enjoy the job itself, it’s fantastic."
Councillor Zoe Patrick: "I love it very much, that’s why I do it."
If you’re passionate about where you live and want to make a difference, get in touch with your local council to find out more.
Councillor Liz Brighouse: "That’s the joy of being a local politician, you can talk to so many people, and some of them even think you’re Batman!"
It’s your voice. Use it.
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