Local councils are the first tier of governance and are the first point of contact for anyone concerned with a community issue. They are democratically elected local authorities and exist in England, Wales and Scotland. The term 'local council' is synonymous with 'parish council', 'town council' and 'community council'.
They represent the concerns of residents and providing services to meet local needs. Parish councils have a wide range of powers including looking after community buildings, planning, street lighting, allotments. They also have the power to raise money through council tax.
Becoming a Parish Councillor
“By becoming a parish councillor, you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support. A community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve. 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.”
Our Parish Council election is on Thursday 5 May. There are seven councillors to be elected, why not stand?
How to stand as a Parish Councillor
Firstly, you must be qualified to stand. This means you must be at least 18 and a British subject or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union.
You must satisfy at least one of the following:
- be a local government elector for the parish of Aston, Cote, Shifford & Chimney;
- have, during the whole of the previous 12 months, occupied land or other property in the parish, either as owner or tenant;
- have, during the whole of the previous 12 months, had your principal or only place of work in the parish;
- have resided in the parish during the whole of the previous 12 months.
Becoming nominated
Nomination papers and guidance notes will be available from West Oxfordshire District Council or the Parish Clerk ([email protected])
The detailed conditions for being an applicant from the District Council website http://www.westoxon.gov.uk and follow the links.
Completed nomination papers MUST be hand delivered to the Returning Officer at the Elections Office, Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney, Oxon, OX28 1NB by, no later than, 4pm on Tuesday 4th April 2022.