How do I become a councillor?
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Introduction
Councillors play an important part of ensuring their community's needs are met by making sure that the council aims to work closely with its communities to improve the quality of life for all its resident. Councillors give attention to a wide range of issues when making decisions, the environment, prosperity, equalities and social inclusion.
Councillors are likely to be involved in a wide variety of duties:
- preparing for and attending meetings
- speaking on behalf of the community
- public consultation and campaigning
- policy formulation
- liaising with council staff
- dealing with casework
- meeting individual residents
- representing the council at other meetings
- attending party group meetings
- looking at the services the council provides
- monitoring the performance of the council
- composing speeches
- writing articles
- meeting and representing you
If you have ever had concerns about the future of local services and felt that you could be a voice for your community in pursuing the public interest, then you should consider becoming a councillor. Those already working in local government find the role interesting and challenging and there is the opportunity to specialise in a particular topic or area of interest. However, do not expect to be able to change the world overnight.
Legal requirements to be a councillor
To stand for election, on the day of nomination, you must be:
- 18 or over
- and a UK, EU or Commonwealth Citizen
- and
- either be registered to vote on the current register with the local council
- or have either worked or lived in the council's area for one year
- or have been an owner or tenant of any land or premises in the council's area for one year
You cannot stand if:
- you work for your local council
- or you hold a politically restricted post for another authority
- or you are subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order
- or you have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of three months or more within five years prior to the election
- or you have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices
You do not need any formal qualifications to become a councillor.
Becoming a councillor
The majority of people become councillors as a result of joining a political party. However, some people stand for election as an independent (a candidate who does not belong to any political party), or pressure groups, such as the Ratepayer's Association.
The Electoral Commission's website contains information for prospective candidates on all elections - you can find on the:
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Do I need a deposit?
A deposit is not needed for local government elections.
How long am I a councillor?
The term of office is four years. At the end of this time you can retire or stand for re-election.
You can choose to retire at any time.
If you stand to replace a councillor who has retired during the year (not at a scheduled election) you will serve as a councillor for the remainder of that person's term of office. Standing as a member of a political party.
Standing as a member of a Political Party
If you are thinking of standing as a candidate for a particular Political Party, then you will need to be a member of that Party's local organisation.
You can find out which parties are currently represented and the political make up of each council using the links below:
Adur District Council
Worthing Borough Council
More information on political parties
For more information on the above political parties and any others you are interested in, visit the:
Standing as an independent councillor
The Independent Group on the Local Government Association (LGA) has a range of information and advice for Independent Councillors and candidates.
For details see:
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Publications
There is a very good book in the 'How to ...' range available from the library service in West Sussex entitled 'How to ... be a local councillor' by Peter Arnold.
It is a useful book taking you through the stages from decision and commitment, the election process to being a new councillor and developing a public life.
First published in 1992 (it is now out of print), but you may be able to find a copy to purchase on the internet, eg:
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Do I need an agent?
Candidates normally appoint an agent to act on their behalf. Election agents receive all correspondence and notices from the council, are entitled to attend the opening of postal votes and the counting of votes. Agents must make an expenses return to the local authority within the specified period.
Counting agents attend the counting of votes to oversee the counting process.
It is not necessary to appoint an agent; candidates may act as their own agent.
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Campaigning expenses / How much can I spend on campaigning?
The amount available to spend is calculated prior to each election and will be included in the nomination pack.
Details of expenses must be submitted to the authority within 35 days after the election.
Candidates are not allowed to pay helpers for leaflet distribution.
What do I do next? (Nomination pack)
Once you have decided to stand for election as a councillor you will need to be proposed and then seconded by another and also have eight further people as assenters to your nomination. A total of ten people to support you (all registered local electors).
Full details of the electoral process including the nomination procedure is available by contacting the Electoral services department.
The nomination pack includes nomination forms, timetables and guidance notes.
The timetable for the next local election is available on request or on the:
Candidate's seminar
As a candidate in a forthcoming election you will be invited to a candidate's and election agent's seminar.
Further information is available on this seminar by contacting Electoral services.
Once elected, what support will I get?
As a new councillor, you will be invited to take part in an induction programme, introducing you to the workings of the council. Training for councillors continues throughout their term of office on a variety of relevant topics.
The professional officers working at the council are available to assist you in any way they can, such as advice about council procedures or problems in your ward. As all officers must be politically impartial, they cannot assist in any matter that could be seen as supporting a political party or pressure group.
Code of conduct
If elected to the council you will be required to sign the council's Code of Conduct, which is a public document open to public inspection by request. To read a copy of the Code of Conduct please see:
Payments to councillors
Currently there are two types of allowances for councillors:
- Basic Allowance (paid to all councillors)
- Special Responsibility Allowance (paid to those councillors who carry out special duties such as being the chairman of a committee)
Each local authority can decide how to pay these allowances but are required to set up independent panels to recommend local schemes of allowances.
In addition, councillors can claim for travel and subsistence allowances. A carer's allowance is also available.
Councillors no longer have the option to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
For more details see:
How much time will I spend on council duties?
Some councillors may spend each week between 12 and 15 hours on council work, but there are huge variations. Those with an executive or chairing role will have a greater workload.
Adur District Council
- most meetings are held at The Shoreham Centre in Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, starting at 7:00pm
- some are held at other venues in the Adur District
- some are held at Worthing Town Hall
- joint meetings start at 6:30pm
Worthing Borough Council
- most meetings are held at the Worthing Town Hall, Chapel Road starting at 6:30pm
- some are held at Adur District Council venues
- joint meetings start at 6:30pm
Details and dates of meetings
For details of upcoming meetings, and to see reports, agendas and minutes for the meetings, please see:
Other sources of information on becoming a councillor
The following external websites offer other sources of information on becoming a councillor:
- Electoral Commission (stand for election) website
- Local Government Association website
- Become a councillor - on the GOV.UK website
- LGA (Local Government Association) website:
- search for 'be a councillor'
- search for 'stand as an independent councillor' - Candidate or agent - on the Electoral Commission website
- Audit Commission website
- Find out more about becoming a councillor for West Sussex County Council - on WSCC website
See also:
Websites for the political parties represented in Adur and Worthing:
(listed in alphabetical order)
See also:
01903 221069
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Page last updated: 12 September 2023