The council has vacancies for 2 parish councillors in South Petherton and intends to fill these vacancies by co-option.
Expressions of interest are invited from anyone that would like to be considered for co-option to the council. Eligibility requirements are:
- British, Commonwealth or EU citizen
- Aged 18 years or over
- On the Electoral Register for the parish
- Have lived or worked in the parish for at least a year
If you would like more information please contact Kate or Rose at the parish office. 01460 241002 clerk@southpethertonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Here is more information about what the role entails:
To appreciate what is involved in being a parish councillor, people need to know what a parish council is and what it can and cannot do. It is important to get the image of the Vicar of Dibley out of your mind!
“Your Parish Council is the local authority closest to the Electorate.”
Each councillor has their own reasons for running but the role offers the chance to make a huge difference to the quality of life for people in your local area.
Being an effective councillor requires both commitment and hard work. Councillors have to balance the needs and interests of residents and the council. As a minimum, the parish council meets once a month and our most effective Councillors prepare by reading the paperwork provided ahead of the meeting. Councillors who also engage with the local community between meetings help progress projects and issues quickly and effectively.
Training is available and support will be found from colleagues, the Clerks to the council as well as from external training providers.
Councillors have a duty to behave in an ethical manner according to a Code of Conduct (declaring interests and leaving the room when likely to be prejudiced) and a duty to have the annual accounts subjected to audit.
All councillors retire after a four-year term but can stand again as many times as they wish; casual vacancies may well arise in the intervening period. Being co-opted is a useful way of seeing if you like being a local councillor before the next full elections.
More about the Parish Council?
A parish council is a separate legal, corporate entity. First created by the Local Government Act of 1894 in most rural areas, the current consolidated legislation is that of 1972. The parish council is nothing to do with the Church or the Diocese; nor is it a voluntary and community sector body.
A parish council also provides services for the local people. South Petherton’s services range from recreation grounds and play areas, to cemeteries, allotments, a library and more. There is a list of the activities that a parish council has the power to provide. Like any statutory body it can only do the things for which the law or any governing document gives a power.
The parish council has one particular asset that is extremely valuable — it has the ability to set a Precept (sum of money), which is collected from all residents through the Council Tax system. Councillors are responsible for ensuring this precept is spent wisely and on what the residents require.
So, if you want to do more for your community, if you want to spend your time productively and if you can think, listen and act locally – become a parish councillor!
