Then stand for election to become a local councillor

Do you care about your local area? Are you interested in the issues facing your community? Would you like to know more about how the council works and how decisions are reached? For anyone who wants to make a difference to their local area, standing for election to become a local councillor could be the perfect opportunity.

If becoming a councillor might be for you, Hounslow Council is holding an open session on Saturday, 16 January at 10am, at the Civic Centre about what it means to become a councillor.

Councillors represent everyone who lives in the area they are elected into, and may end up working with local schools, community and resident groups and youth organisations, to improve the community.

Cllr Peter Thompson, leader of the council, will introduce the event and there will be sessions outlining the role and responsibilities of a councillor as well as an overview of the borough and the types of issues that affect residents. There will also be a chance to ask questions and discuss the opportunity of becoming a councillor with those that have already made the commitment, as well as other council officers.

To stand for election, on the day of nomination, candidates must:
• Be aged 18 or over
• Be a UK, EU or Commonwealth citizen
• Be registered to vote or have either worked or lived in the area for at least a year.

People cannot stand if they:
• Work for the council
• Hold a politically restricted post for another authority
• Are bankrupt
• Have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of three months or more within five years prior to the election
• Have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices

The majority of people become councillors as a result of joining a political party. However, some people stand for election as Independents (candidates who do not belong to any political party) or pressure groups.

January 7, 2010