The role of the Parish Council is to represent the interests of the whole community. It is a part of local government supporting the democratic process.
Parish Councillors are elected to represent a geographical area known Kirkby Underwood Parish. They are elected by people who live in this area. Elections are held every four years.
Councillors have three main areas of work:-
• Decision Making
• Monitoring
• Getting Involved locally.
Decision Making: Through attending meetings and committees with other elected members, Councillors decide which activities to support, where money should be spent, what services should be delivered and what policies should be implemented.
Monitoring: Councillors ensure that their decisions lead to efficient and effective services by keeping an eye on how well things are working.
Getting Involved Locally: As local representatives, Councillors have responsibilities towards their parishioners and local organisations.
The routine work of a Parish Councillor may include attending meetings of local organisations; attending meetings of bodies that affect the wider community - such as the police, Highways Authority etc.
Parish Councillors are a voice for the community, and all Councillors need to have the concerns and interests of the Parish as a whole at heart. Councillors are Community Leaders and should represent the aspirations of the public that they serve.
Being a Parish Councillor is an enjoyable way of contributing to the local community and helping to make it a better place to live and work.
To become a Parish Councillor you have to be:
• A British Citizen, or citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union.
• 18 years or older on the day you become nominated for election
• Live or work in or near the Parish
You cannot stand for election if you:
• Are the subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order.
• Have, within 5 years before the day of the election, been convicted in the U.K. of any offence and have had a prison sentence (whether suspended or not) for a period of over 3 months, without the option of a fine.