Thinking of becoming a Herefordshire councillor?

Herefordshire Council local elections take place next May and now is the time for would-be politicians to start thinking about whether they want to submit a nomination and become a local councillor.

Councillors are elected for four years and, although there is no salary, they are entitled to a basic allowance and a travel allowance.

To help potential candidates, the Council has produced an easy-to-read guide detailing all people need to know about the first stages of getting elected.

The fifteen-page booklet covers everything from councillor eligibility and how the council works to the actual election process and what it feels like to be a new councillor.

The first section of the guide outlines the role of a councillor, demands of the job and explains party politics as well as the structure of the council committees and how the decision-making process is organised.

A brief history of Herefordshire Council is included, along with a list of council services and an explanation of the organisational structure and how the council operates. Details of the main council offices and the “Info In Herefordshire” shops are also featured.

The final chapters include information on the electoral process, key dates, what support councillors can expect and what happens when people are elected.

Anyone interested in becoming a councillor can get a copy of the guide from council offices, post offices, libraries, INFO shops and INFO Points or contact Carol Clapham on 01432 383404.

Neil Pringle, Returning Officer at Herefordshire Council, said: “Democracy is the life blood of local communities and councillors have a key role to play at all levels of local government.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering standing at the elections in May to get hold of one of these booklets which will give them a good insight into the roles and responsibilities of being a local councillor.”