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.
Closing date for applications : Monday 1st June 2026
[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)