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If you care about what happens in your local area, are interested in making a real difference, like getting involved and want to have your say - then you should consider standing for election as a Borough Councillor.
The next Borough Elections will take place in May 2010, to elect 20 Councillors (also called 'Members'), a third of the total number, to represent almost every area ('Ward')of the Borough. Councillors are elected for a period of 4 years.
As a Councillor you will be the voice of your constituents, with the opportunity to shape the future direction of Elmbridge and be an ambassador for the Council. You will also have the opportunity to help and support your local constitutents on a variety of issues
Becoming a local Councillor is a rewarding experience. It gives you the opportunity to help your local community and is a great way to help you contribute to decisions that will develop and define Elmbridge for future years.
The Council is responsible for a range of services, including building control, planning, housing, environmental health, community safety, community support, environmental care, leisure and cultural services. Our |A-Z shows all the services the Council is involved in.
Members also have a key role to play in working with the police, health and other bodies in the public and private sector in order to achieve improvements for the area.
You may want to look at the |agendas and minutes of recent meetings to get an idea of the decisions Councillors are involved in. You would also be more than welcome to attend a meeting!
If you would like further information on the role of a Councillor, please contact |Committee & Member Services.
Most employers are prepared, within reason, to grant some time off for Council work. You should discuss this with your employer before making the commitment.
However, the majority of Council meetings are held in the evening to minimise difficulties for those in full-time employment.
The Council provides a comprehensive induction programme for newly elected Councillors and other development opportunities throughout the year.
Councillors are entitled to receive an allowance to help meet their expenses, which is reviewed annually by an |independent panel. The allowance payable varies according to the roles and responsibilities of each Member.
Any British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen who is 18 years of age or over and who lives or works in the Borough can stand as a candidate. The Council aims to be representative of the Borough we serve, and therefore welcomes candidates from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, together with younger members of the community, who are currently under-represented on the Council. Candidates can be affiliated to a particular political party, or can be independent. No deposit is required.
In order to stand for elections, a candidate must submit a nomination paper signed by ten electors for the electoral ward, together with consent to nomination, by the statutory deadline. Additional requirements apply if you wish to stand on behalf of a registered political party.
Nomination papers and candidates' packs including details of qualifications and the electoral process are available from the |Electoral Services Section approximately two months before an election.
|More detailed information regarding election requirements is also available online
Please note: The next opportunity to stand as an Elmbridge Borough Councillor for most wards will be in May 2010 but there may be by-elections held before this date. Surrey County Council elections will be held in May 2009. For more details on all forthcoming elections, please visit the |Electoral Services webpages.