Your Parish Council needs you!
Parish Council Elections 2023
https://www.nalc.gov.uk/our-work/local-elections
Saturday May 6, the date for the Coronation of King Charles, is not the only important one for the month, because two days prior to the London event is election day for local parish and town councils, when local residents have opportunity to take steps to become involved in the affairs of their area by putting their name forward for their local council.
The message for Thursday May 4 is ‘Make a change, become a councillor’ with residents being asked are they passionate about their community and do they want to help make a long-lasting change or have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it.
The County wide message going out to all residents aged 18 or more years underlines the importance of getting people interested in the future of their parish and giving them an opportunity to have a say on the future of their area.
The message from the National Association of Local Councils is “If this is you, then we need you” saying there is a need for people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put themselves forward for election.
“Do you have innovative ideas for the council? Do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it? If this is you , then we need you. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put themselves forward for election. Make a change and become a councillor.”
The Make A Change campaign encourages local councils to engage with as many residents from their community as possible and is aimed at helping improve local councils through various experiences, skills, and knowledge, and help councils become representatives of their communities.
The Nottinghamshire Association of Local Councils is well aware of the need to make sure local residents are given the opportunity to consider being involved with their local council and secretary Tanya Grimes, says “by becoming a Parish Councillor you become somebody your community will look to for help, guidance and support, and be a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve.”
“Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped to make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride,” she adds.
Branch Chair for Nottinghamshire is Councillor Mick Baker, and he says “Parish Councils typically meet once a month discussing issues such as crime prevention, planning, local amenities like village halls, community support and managing open spaces. Why not talk to your local councillors and find out what they think about the role. If you are interested in becoming a councillor, the clerk to your local council can help you find the necessary forms and to fill them in.”
“Although the elections are not until May 4th, nomination forms must be submitted to your District Council by 4pm on Tuesday 4th April so you don’t have long to think about it. If you miss this deadline, you will have to wait 4 years for another opportunity unless a councillor resigns in the meantime. Don’t wait: Make a Change NOW – become a Parish Councillor.”
Nomination pack available from:
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/local-elections-england