Parish Councillor
There are no Parish Council vacancies at present.
The Parish Council is looking for a resident of Great Yeldham to be co-opted onto the Parish Council following a recent resignation.
The Parish Council represents the people of Great Yeldham and their interests. It is important that the makeup of the Council reflects the
local community. The Parish Council has a wide range of responsibilities and represents the interests of residents to other local
authorities and organisations. The role of a co-opted councillor is the same as that of an elected councillor, is very varied and can be very
rewarding.
Applications are welcomed from all who meet the qualifying requirements, further details can be obtained from the Parish Council
website https://greatyeldham-pc.gov.uk/; the Parish Clerk at clerk@greatyeldham-pc.gov.uk or 01787 237832. If you are
interested in applying for the vacancy please send a written expression of interest which includes your reasons for wishing to be a councillor;
previous community/council experience; any other skills you can bring to the Council, your interests and recent career history.
Applicants will need to complete and sign a ‘Candidates Consent to Co-option’ form, available on the website https://greatyeldham-pc.gov.uk/documents/co-option-candidates-consent-form/ or from the Parish Clerk. Applications must be
received via email or at the Parish Office by noon on Thursday 27th February 2025. The Parish Council will consider all expressions
of interest at the Parish Council Meeting to be held on Thursday 6th March 2025. If more than 1 candidate, the successful candidate
will be selected by signed ballot completed by those councillors present at the meeting and permitted to vote.
Could I be a Parish Councillor?
As a Councillor you can become a voice for your community and affect real change. Parish Councillors are the most local part of our demographic system and are closest to the public. Parish Councils have a large range of powers and activities. We are involved in planning consultations, environmental and highways issues, facilities provided by the Parish Council including the Recreation Ground, the Burial Grounds, the Play Park on Bowtells’ Meadow; grass cutting and grounds maintenance. Councillors are elected as Trustees to Education Foundation, The Reading Room Management Committee, Sports and Recreation Ground Management Committee and United Charities.
How much time does it take up?
Gt Yeldham Parish Council meets monthly for a full council meeting and Councillors are also required to sit as a Trustee on the above mentioned Management Committees and charities. Councillors require some time to read Agendas and other paperwork and may also attend training courses. Being a parish Councillor is an enjoyable way of contributing to your community and helping to make it a better place to live.
Am I qualified?
Most people are. However, there are a few rules. You have to be:
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a British Citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union, and
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18 years or older on the day you become nominated for election
You cannot stand for election if you:
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are the subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order
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have, within five years before the day of the election, been convicted in the UK 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
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work for the council you want to become a councillor for.
What do Parish Councillors do?
Councillors have three main areas of work:
1. 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.
2. Monitoring – Councillors make sure that their decisions lead to efficient and effective services by keeping an eye on how well things are working.
3. Getting involved locally – as local representatives, Councillors have responsibilities towards their constituents and local organisations. This often depends on what the Councillor wants to achieve and how much time is available.