Introduction
At Stowmarket Town Council, we are committed to promoting democracy and the role performed by Town Councillors in representing the interests of their local community.
It is important to us that local people are aware of the opportunities available for local people to become Councillors. This can either be at full Council elections which are held every four years, (the next will be held in May 2027), or when casual vacancies occur from time to time. We seek to publicise these opportunities in a variety of ways such as via our website, on social media and using more traditional methods such as noticeboards or magazines. We are always on the look out for new people with fresh ideas from all walks of life who are proud of their town and want to improve it.
You may have met us previously through our Councillors or staff, or by being coming into contact with us about our grants schemes, community projects or local events. Alternatively, you may be new to the town and civic and community life. Whatever your route in finding us, we would be delighted to help you discover more – so that you can reach an informed decision about whether being a Town Councillor would be right for you. Initially however, we have prepared the information below to explain more.
Do you care about your town and local community? Are you interested in being involved in decisions that affect its present and future? If so, have you thought about becoming a Town Councillor?
So your first questions may be “What will it involve?” and “How can I find out more?” We are here to help answer these questions and help you decide whether becoming a Town Councillor would be right for you.
There are an estimated 20,000 local councillors in England. Councillors are elected to represent their own local community, so they must either live or work in the area. Stowmarket Town Council comprises 16 Town Councillors who determine the objectives and priorities of the Town Council and ensure that action is taken to fulfil them.
Councillors come from all walks of life. Each and every person has the potential to become an effective Councillor in being passionate about their town, knowing the people that live and work in it and bringing their own knowledge and unique personal experiences to the role.
We would recommend that the first step to becoming a Councillor is to read this page and to read the additional resources that are available. Further information can be accessed via the Be a councillor website or download the Be a councillor guide. Likewise the National Association of Local Councils has more information and stories from Councillors on their Being a Councillor Page. There is additional support available to you if you’re disabled and considering standing for elected office.
Being a Town Councillor
Next Steps
We appreciate that trying anything new can be daunting but we are here to help you in deciding if you wish to pursue your interest. Being a Town Councillor is a privileged position. Through it, you will find out a lot more about how things work within the local community.
For example, a year in the life of a Town Councillor could involve:
- Considering proposals for major projects with recent examples including the Recreation Ground Redevelopment Project and St Peter and St Mary’s Parish Churchyard Improvement Project.
- Supporting civic and community events such as the Stowmarket Town Awards, Stowfest, Stowmarket Food and Drink Festival, the Mayor’s Civic Service and the Christmas Market Fayre
- Awarding grants to a wide range of sports, social and community groups to help them purchase new items of equipment or support particular initiatives.
- Commenting upon planning applications such as for a new solar farm, new units at Gateway 14, expansion of the John Peel Centre and residential properties at Aspen Grange.
- Safeguarding the local environment and working with local partners to deliver a range of environmental projects and initiatives in Stowmarket.
- Handling enquires from the public and either heling them to find a solution or advising them how they can obtain further help if the matter comes outside the jurisdiction of the Town Council.
- Engaging with the local community and understanding the hopes and fears of local people in representing their interests.
- Attending Council and Committee meetings to make decisions on community matters and to ensure that the Town Council is operating effectively and efficiently.
Being a Town Councillor does require a degree of commitment in fulfilling the above roles but a great deal of the work of the Town Council is undertaken by the Town Council’s team of staff who work closely with Councillors in serving the local community.
If the above information interests you, or even if you are unsure and want to find out more, please contact us. An informal conversation may help you in reaching an informed decision and we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us on 01449 612060 or info@stowmarket.org.
Standing for Election
Town Council elections are held every 4 years. The next elections are due to be held in May 2027. Therefore, you have time to consider if you wish to pursue your interest in becoming a Town Councillor. There are two main routes to becoming a Councillor – to stand as an independent or to stand for one of the political parties. Either way, we can help provide the information that you may need.
Whether you represent a political party or you are standing as an independent candidate, you must make sure that you are officially nominated as the election date draws nearer. This means getting 10 people to sign your nomination papers (signatories must be registered electors in the ward where you wish to stand). A nomination paper can be obtained from the Electoral Services Team at Mid Suffolk District Council which coordinates local elections. All the necessary documents must be submitted 19 working days before the day of the election.
Again we can help advise you on the procedures to be followed so that you are clear about what you will need to do.
