As a councillor, the decisions that you make will have a big impact on your area and the everyday lives of its’ residents. Having been elected, you are consequently entrusted by your community to make decisions that reflect their wishes. You will have to carefully balance the needs of the different communities involved, be able to deal with conflicting views, and take decisions within legal guidelines (for example planning and licensing). Through knocking on doors, attending community group meeting and getting to know local residents, you will be responsible for advocating their views at the Town Hall, and making sure that workable agreements emerge, and that improvements begin to be made.
“I wanted to be a new, approachable face whom all groups of the community felt they could approach with a problem they wanted me to sort out. I really enjoy challenging perspectives at the council, and asking why something has just always been done the same way out of tradition and not because it is actually delivering a result!” Anne Pascoe, former Councillor, Camborne, Cornwall
The IDEA has produced and excellent booklet on being a councillor and your role in civic life and tells you a lot more about the roles and responsibilities.
