Would you like to become a Buckland Parish Councillor to help make a difference to your community?
Buckland Parish Council is looking to fill a casual vacancy that has arisen following the resignation of a Parish Councillor. Council will do this by co-option and may co-opt anyone who legally qualifies to be a Councillor and expresses a willingness to be appointed to serve until May 2027[1].
How do you know if you legally qualify to be co-opted as a Parish Councillor?
You are eligible to be appointed provided you are:
(i) a British citizen or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union[2];
(ii) are not the subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order[3];
(iii) have not, during the five years prior to the date of co-option, been sentenced to prison for three months or more (whether suspended or not) without the option of a fine[4];
(iv) have not been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court[5]; and
(v) on the day you are being considered for co-option you are at least 18 years old and satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
(a) you are registered as a local government elector for Buckland;
(b) you have during the whole of the preceding twelve months occupied as owner or tenant. any land or premises in Buckland;
(c) your principal or only place of work during the preceding twelve months has been in Buckland;
(d) You have during the whole of the preceding twelve months resided in Buckland or within 4.8 km (3 miles) of the parish[6].
Why consider becoming a Parish Councillor?
There are many reasons why people decide to become a Councillor including:
- wanting to make a difference and be involved in shaping the future of your local community;
- being concerned about your local area and wanting to ensure that issues that matter in your local community are taken into account;
- wanting to contribute your business or professional skills;
- concerns about particular issues that may affect your local community.
Equally, if you feel you know someone who you think has the potential to become a Parish Councillor please highlight this opportunity to them.
How do I find out more?
For an application form or to discuss this opportunity further please use our contact form or call 01737 448023 to contact our Clerk, Sheena Boyce.
[1] The date of the next scheduled Parish Council elections
[2] Local Government Act 1972, Section 79(1)
[3] Local Government Act 1972, Section 80
[4] Local Government Act 1972, Section 80
[5] Representations of the People Act 1983
[6] Local Government Act 1972, Section 79(1)