Councillor
and Committee information index
Thinking of Becoming a Waveney District Councillor?
Councillors hold their office for a period of four
years, after which an election is held. At present the Council
elects in thirds. This means that there are elections for three
years with 16 of the 48 seats up for election each year, and then a
fallow year when there are no District Elections. In this fallow
year we hold County Council Elections.
Local Elections are always held on the first Thursday in May each
year. You can be a candidate if you are over 18, on the electoral
register, and have lived, worked or owned property in the area for
at least the past 12 months.
You may be disqualified as a candidate if you work for The Council
or hold a politically restricted post with another local authority.
Bankruptcy or a previous criminal conviction with a three-month or
more prison sentence would also disqualify you as a
candidate.
Most candidates are nominated through a political party. However,
individuals are welcome to stand in their own right. Before you can
be accepted as a candidate you must get one person to agree to
propose your nomination, another person to agree to second the
proposal. Both of these people must be on the electoral
register.
Details of elections and the statement of
persons nominated are published, when applicable, on the Waveney
District Council website.
Frequently Asked
Questions about Becoming a Waveney District Councillor
Newly elected Councillors are joining local government at a time of
significant change, which presents them with great opportunities
and challenges to make a difference in their communities.
The latest IDeA edition of the Councillor’s Guide has been revised
and updated to reflect the latest legislation and thinking
concerning local government in England.
The Guide focuses on the needs of newly elected Frontline
Councillors, although more experiences Councillors will find it
useful too.
The Guide includes the requirements of the 2006 Local Government
White Paper, Strong and Prosperous Communities, and the subsequent
Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.
Councillors’ Declarations of Interest
All members of the Council are required by law to complete a
declaration of interest form to register their financial
interests.
These include:
- details of any employment or business carried out by them
- the name of their employer
- details of any Directorships
- contracts between themselves/their firm and the Council
- interests in land in the area
A full description of interests that need to be
declared are set out in the code of conduct in the
Council's Constitution
A Register is maintained by a Committee Officer who can be
contacted on 01502 523257 The register is available for
inspection by appointment.
The Council is currently implementing a new system which will allow
members of the public to view Council Members' Declarations of
Interest online. This will be available in the near future.
Council Members
Allowances
Councillors Services and Advice
Councillor surgeries are open to members of the
public who are wanting to obtain information and advice, make a
complaint or enquire about services that the Council
provides.
If you wish to see
your Councillor at a surgery please contact the local party
headquarters. Alternatively, surgery details are published in the
local press.
Local MPs and MEPs
Members of Parliament and Members of the European
Parliament are elected to represent you.
Members of Parliament
Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected in the
General Election which can be called by the Government at any point
throughout the 5 year term of that Parliament but it must be held
before the 5 year period has ended. Each MP serves in the House of
Commons, representing his or her constituency.
Find out who your Member of Parliament is by visiting
http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/
Members of the European Parliament
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are
elected by you in the European Elections and serve for up to five
years. Waveney forms part of the Eastern region which has seven
MEPs elected by proportional representation.
More about European
Parliamentary Elections
Further information on the European Parliament, including who
your MEP is, can be found on their own website at
www.europarl.org.uk
Contact us:
Committee Services: 01502 523257
Electoral Services: 01502 523238
Fax: 01502 523005
E-mail:
elections@waveney.gov.uk
