Would you make a good Parish Councillor?

Published: 12 November 2021

Have you ever considered volunteering to become a Parish Councillor? If the answer is no, then you should reconsider. The Parish Council plays a vital role within the Parish of Foston. The Parish Council works towards keeping the Parish an attractive place to live and can influence the future of the area.

Here are a few reasons why you should give the role your consideration:

· You would like to help keep the Parish a desirable place to live

· You are interested in planning and development

· Be a voice for the people of the Parish

 

Why become a Parish Councillor?

As a parish councillor you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support. A member of the community with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the parish. Seeing your community change for the better, because of decisions you have helped to make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.

The Parish of Foston is situated in an area with a rich history and preservation of the area is of great importance. The Parish Council helps to ensure the area continues to be a desirable place to live, work and visit.

Am I eligible to be a Parish Councillor?

To apply for co-opition to the parish council, you must:

· be a UK or commonwealth citizen, or;

· be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or;

· be a citizen of another Member state of the European Union;

· be at least 18 years old.

 

 To be eligible to stand for co-option, 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.

 

Don’t take our word for it!

The best way to find out what it’s like to be a parish councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it now, speak to one of our councillors and find out what they think of the role.