The District Councillor's Role

The Council is made up of 38 Councillors representing 22 wards.  The wards currently have between one and three Councillors each.

Councillors work within the remit of the District Council's Constitution.

All Councillors are expected to represent and champion the interests of the community, businesses and constituents in their ward.  To achieve this as a Councillor you will need to:

• keep yourself informed about the needs of your area
• represent your community to the District Council and other bodies
• be accessible to the people in your area
• play a leading role in your area and keep in contact with local groups, societies and parish councils
• keep the people in your area informed about your work and that of the council.

As well as representational roles, Councillors participate in the political management of the council  All 38 Councillors agree the council's annual budget and important policies.  Additionally your political group may put you forward to be a member of one or more of the council's committees.

Committee meetings are open to the public and prior to the elections you are welcome to attend if you would like to see how the council's political structures operate.  A calendar of meetings is available for your information.

Councillors may also be nominated by the council to serve on a wide range of organisations such as community organisations and charities or to represent the council on local and regional bodies.

Personal Conduct

The way in which Councillors conduct themselves in office, particularly over matters where they have a financial or personal interest, is governed both by the law and by a Code of Conduct.

If elected, you will be required to sign a declaration stating that you undertake to observe the Council's Code of Conduct for Councillors.  You will also be required to declare certain financial and other interests which you may have.