How to become a councillor

Full Borough Council elections are held in all wards every four years, usually the first Thursday in May. The next scheduled Borough and Parish council elections are Thursday 6 May 2027.

Support

Once you are elected the Council provides a wide range of support to help you quickly become informed and effective, and then they help you to continually develop your skills and knowledge throughout your time as a councillor.

Here is an overview of what we offer to support you:

Tools

  • Training in digital skills.
  • Laptop.
  • Trouble shooting your ICT issues.
  • Access to a specialist app so you can download, view and annotate meeting papers.

Information

  • Provide emails and briefings from service areas on emerging issues.
  • Provide any specialist support you need to deliver your role on certain committees.
  • Signpost you to resolve your queries.
  • Publish regular newsletters providing updates, information, guidance and details of events.

Development

  • Help you to identify what training you need.
  • Deliver a councillor development programme which responds to strategic issues, changes to legislation and individual skill requirements.

Democratic Services will help you

  • with allowances, register of interest, hospitality and declarations;
  • show you how to organise meetings or book meeting rooms;
  • with practical things such as expenses and parking.