Have you ever considered becoming a Parish Councillor?

Gravenhurst Parish Council urgently needs to recruit two councillors to join the team of 5 current councillors.  Could this be you?

Councillor vacancies

Due to the resignation of Richard Brewer, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.  If by 8 April, 2022 (14 days excluding Dies Non, after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TEN electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.  If an election is called, it will take place not later than 17 June, 2022.  Please see here official Notice of Vacancy issued by Central Bedfordshire Council.

What does a parish councillor do?

A parish councillor is a volunteer and represents the views of all residents within the parish. Their ultimate aim is to improve the quality of life and the environment in the local area by working to identify issues which are important to the lives of the residents, bringing about improvements through local projects, lobbying other service providers and working in partnership with other parishes and agencies.

In Gravenhurst our parish councillors have responsibility for amongst other things; setting the precept (part of your council tax that helps run the services offered by the parish council), running the parish cemetery, allotments and recreation ground, village grass cutting, street lights, play equipment, reporting highways issues, responding to planning applications and consultations both local and national.   Our small team try to allocate responsibilities evenly amongst the team to help the Clerk who only works 6 hours a week and other key volunteers.

How much time does it take?

We usually meet formally once a month (3^rd Monday of the month at 7:30pm) for at least 2 hours in the Village Hall to make decisions on a variety of issues.  Councillors are also required to give time for ‘ad hoc’ tasks e.g., reviewing planning applications, responding to emails, carrying out inspections, assisting the Clerk with other village responsibilities etc.  In reality councillors put in as much time as they can and we understand that this can change.

Are you eligible?

To be a councillor you must be; a UK, Commonwealth or EU citizen, at least 18 years old; an elector of the parish (or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the parish or worked in the parish.  Those living within 3 miles of the parish boundary are also eligible.

Why join?

By becoming a parish councillor, you become someone our 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.   Once you join you will be in post until May 2023 when you can stand for re-election for the next 4-year term. This does not mean you have to stay for this length of time.  If you find it’s not for you, or you can no longer meet the commitment, you can stand down.

Still interested?

The best way to find out what it’s like to be a councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it now.  Why not come along to a Parish Council meeting and speak to one of our team or contact our Clerk, Alessandra on 07930 813808 or email clerk@gravenhurst-pc.gov.uk, for more details.