HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT STANDING FOR ELECTION TO BOVEY TRACEY TOWN COUNCIL
Do you want to help get things done in your neighbourhood? Are you already active in your community? As a councillor, you can make a difference.
WHY BECOME A COUNCILLOR?
Being a councillor is a rewarding form of public service that puts you in a unique position where you can make decisions about local issues and improve the quality of life for people within Bovey Tracey & Heathfield. It gives you the opportunity to help your local community and be part of a dedicated team providing key services for your area.
WHAT DOES A COUNCILLOR DO?
The councillor's role takes in:
- representing the division
- decision-making
- policy and strategy review and development
- overview and scrutiny
- regulatory duties
- community leadership and engagement.
Being an effective councillor requires hard work. The primary role of a councillor is to represent their division and the people who live in it. Community leadership is at the heart of modern local government and councils are taking on new responsibilities for working in partnership with other organisations, including the voluntary and community sector, to improve services and the quality of life for citizens. Being a councillor is also a great way to gain political experience and useful skills in public speaking, debating and problem solving.
Councillors are expected to take steps to keep in touch with their communities. It is assumed that they will, at least on an annual basis, attend parish/town council meetings and meetings of local community groups. Councillors are also chosen to represent on outside bodies (both local and national), which include a wide range of trusts, associations and committees.
WHO CAN BECOME A COUNCILLOR?
To qualify to be a candidate for a local election, on the day of nomination and on the day of the election you must be:
- aged 18 years or over;
- and either a UK or Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of the Irish Republic,or a citizen of a member state of the EU.
In addition, you must meet at least one of the following:
- on the day of nomination and on the day of the election you are and thereafter you continue to be registered as a voter in the Parish;
- for the whole of twelve months before the day of nomination and the day of the election you have occupied any land or other premises as owner or tenant in the Parish;
- for the whole of twelve months before the day of nomination and the day of the election your principal or only place of work has been in the Parish;
- for the whole of twelve months before the day of nomination and the day of the election you have resided in the Parish or within three miles of it.
You will be unable to be elected and to serve as a Councillor if:
- you are a paid employee of the Parish;
- you are subject to bankruptcy restrictions order;
- you have within five years, before the day of the election, been sentenced to a term of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) of not less than three months without the option of a fine.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO KNOW?
The main qualifications are an interest in your community and a willingness to learn. Knowledge, experience and confidence will soon follow. You will be offered a comprehensive induction to your role as a councillor and ongoing support and guidance about your personal development.
DO I HAVE THE TIME?
Councillors have to balance the needs and interests of their residents, voters, political parties and the council. According to the commitments you take on, your work as a councillor can vary from a few hours each week to several hours each day. For most council meetings there are papers to be read beforehand. Some council meetings are held during the working day and so, if you are working, you will need an understanding employer.
WHAT OTHER SUPPORT WILL I GET?
To help you carry out your duties you will be able to use the secretarial and administrative support services in the Town Council offices. You can also call on information and advice from the professional officer of the council.
More news
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Community Awards
COMMUNITY AWARDS 2024 There was a good turn-out at the Annual Town Meeting on 27th March, when this year’s Bovey Tracey Community Awards were presented by the Mayor, Cllr Sheila Brooke.
Added: 14 May 2024
Wildflower verges
Wildflower verges Bovey Tracey Town Council recognise the importance of continuing to develop wildflower areas and consider initiatives to conserve natural areas in the town.
Added: 08 May 2024
BOVEY TRACEY COMMUNITY AWARDS 2024: The winners and nominations for the 2024 Community Awards:
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD (JOINT WINNERS) ISABELLA STEPHENSON Bella (at age 9) is an active member of the Parish Church (PPT) where she leads on children’s songs and supports the congregation in any way she can.
Added: 09 April 2024
A Royal Visitor to Bovey Tracey
A Royal visitor to Bovey Tracey Congratulations to Stella and her team at the Community Kitchen Hub HRH The Duke of Gloucester and Mr David Fursdon, Lord Lieutenant of Devon visited Bovey Tracey on Tuesday 19th March.
Added: 21 March 2024
Bovey Tracey South West in Bloom 2024 - Inviting entries
Business Owners in Bovey Its time again to decide if you would like to enter South West in Bloom this year.
Added: 04 March 2024
20mph is Plenty - Expression of Interest to Devon County Council
A big thank you to all those who completed our online survey on 20 mph in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield.
Added: 08 February 2024
Bovey Tracey Community Awards 2024 - Nominations now being Invited
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY Bovey Tracey Town Council’s annual Community Awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of people in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield that might otherwise go unrecognised.
Added: 22 January 2024
Is 20 mph right for some of the roads of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield?
Thank you very much for the feedback we collected on this at the Nourish Festival.
Added: 23 October 2023
Bovey Tracey Wins Gold - South West in Bloom 2023
Bovey Tracey was awarded Gold in the ‘Pennant’ category at the South West in Bloom campaign 2023 and Best in Category! This is a great result for Bovey Tracey which is recognised for its community horticultural attributes.
Added: 06 October 2023
Community Awards - 2023
BOVEY TRACEY TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY AWARDS 2023 The council was pleased to confirm the recipients of the 2023awards announced at the Annual Town Meeting in May 2023.
Added: 07 June 2023
NOTICE OF CO-OPTION ON BOVEY TRACEY TOWN COUNCIL
Following the recent Town Council elections for Bovey Tracey, 12 Councillors were elected uncontested for the Bovey Ward.
Added: 17 May 2023
Notice of Uncontested Election - Bovey Tracey & Heathfield 2023
12 candidates are standing for 14 seats within Bovey Tracey and Heathfield for Bovey Tracey Town Council and therefore the election will be uncontested.
Added: 05 April 2023
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