Councillors are elected to represent a number of local residents in an area called a ward.
The role of a councillor can be very varied and it is up to each individual councillor how they work.
Councillors have responsibilities to their ward, to the Council and to the community.
|
|
-
listen to and represent the views of the residents
-
make sure services are delivered effectively in their ward
-
try to secure extra resources for their ward
-
help out individual ward members on specific issues, known as casework
As a councillor you will find that much of your time is taken up by contact with local people. This could be in the form of dealing with
complaints or enquiries. Your role will be to listen, explain council policy and make sure that the policy has been carried out fairly according to official procedures. You will get help and support to deal with constituents' enquiries and complaints from officers in the Council.
As a ward representative you can represent views and issues associated with the Council on constituents’ behalf. You could also be representing an individual or family at special appeals. |
| Council responsibilities |
|
Your role on the Council as a whole is to plan, run, monitor and develop council business.
Councillors are essential to deciding what is in the public interest amidst a range of conflicting issues and views.
As a councillor you will be a member of the Council, and could also be on the Cabinet, a Scrutiny Committee or a Regulatory Committee. You will meet with other councillors from all political groups, to debate and approve Council business in a formal setting. Most meetings are open to the press and public. There are written rules, which govern behaviour and procedures at these meetings called ‘Procedure Rules’ and these enable Councillors to take part effectively. |
