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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Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan
A meeting in January of Bovey Tracey Town Council discussed and agreed a Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan for the Riverside Community Centre and its associated operations.
Added: 02 February 2026
Heathfield families set to enjoy better play park
Families in Heathfield are set to benefit from improved children’s play facilities after Bovey Tracey Town Council (BTTC) agreed to seek ownership of a district play park.
Added: 21 January 2026
The Bovey Tracey and Heathfield Community Awards
This year the council will be seeking to make three Awards.
Added: 21 January 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council sets the budget for 2026/27
BAND D households in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield are being asked for an extra 62p per week to help cover unavoidable costs so the Town Council can stay in good shape for the future.
Added: 20 January 2026
Volunteers offer some African-inspired TLC at Heathfield Community Centre
VOLUNTEERS have started to give Heathfield Community Centre a little TLC, including a green makeover and new link to Zimbabwe! The team got busy before Christmas, clearing a site where rotten fencing is due to be replaced by a native hedge, planted in partnership with nearby St Catherine’s C of E Primary School.
Added: 12 January 2026
Benefits and tax credits top issues for Bovey Tracey and Heathfield residents
QUERIES about benefits and tax credits remained the biggest issue for residents in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield in the last quarter of 2025, according to Citizens Advice.
Added: 09 January 2026
New school for Bovey Tracey by 2029?
BOVEY Tracey could be set to have a new 420-pupil primary school before the end of the decade, if fresh survey work proves positive.
Added: 15 December 2025
Staff Vacancy - Finance Officer
Shape the future of Bovey Tracey – Join our team and help deliver services that make a real difference to our community.
Added: 04 December 2025
Bovey Tracey Town Council recognised for excellence in local government
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has been awarded the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Silver Quality Award.
Added: 12 November 2025
Help our hedgehogs in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield
FAMILIES in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield are being encouraged to make their communities more hedgehog-friendly by introducing a few simple changes such as lowering driving speeds and creating holes in garden fences.
Added: 06 November 2025
Blooming marvellous response to Bovey Tracey bulb-planting and litter-pick
A COMMUNITY litter-pick and bulb-planting event organised by Bovey Tracey Town Council has been hailed a success with scores of volunteers turning up on the day.
Added: 03 November 2025
A382 Better communications promised
BOVEY Tracey Mayor, Cllr Sheila Brooke, has stressed to engineers and highways officials working on the two-year A382 ‘roadworks scheme that residents must be better informed about diversions and that route management must be improved.
Added: 31 October 2025
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