Councillors
Parish Councillors are not employees, they are elected volunteers who volunteer their time to work for free on behalf of their communities. They do not have to belong to a political party, they just need to be concerned with local community maters. They are elected by residents at ordinary elections which are held every four years. If a position becomes vacant due to a Councillor resigning, dying, or being disqualified, a vacant seat is created. If after displaying a notice of vacancy for at least 14 working days, as long as no more than 10 electors from the Parish give written notice to request a by election, the vacancy can be filled by co-option.
The Parish Clerk is the proper officer and statutory office holder, they are not an elected member but a paid employee of the council. Their role is to ensure that the Council as a whole conducts its business properly and to provide independent, objective and professional advice and support.
Your Parish Council has the following members: If you wish to contact your councillors, please in the first instance direct your query to the Clerk, Hannah-Louise O’Callaghan.
Chairman
Cllr Andrew Mills
West Lodge, Duncton
07476 955 885
Councillors
Vice Chairman
4 Woodbury House, Burton Park Road
01798 669365
Councillors
Cllr. Richard Guy
07900 823 326
richard@duncton.org
Cllr. James Garrow
07729 692 895
james@duncton.org
County and District Councillors
Cllr Tom Richardson
County Councillor – Rother Valley Division
West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RQ
Email: tom.richardson@westsussex.gov.uk
Cllr John Cross
District Councillor
07592 307 027
Duncton Parish has an allocation of 7 Councillors and currently has 3 vacancies. If you wish to join the Parish Council please contact the Chairman.
What do councillors do?
Councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes. Becoming a councillor will allow you to make a real difference in your community by engaging with residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs; making decisions on which services and projects the council should take forward; and getting involved locally to ensure the services are meeting your community’s needs.
The Good Councillors Guide, 2018 edition gives essential guidance for Parish Councillors and is a welcome resource for new councillors and for those thinking about becoming a Councillor.ALL ABOUT LOCAL COUNCILS top tips on local councils and how you can stand
How much of my time will it take?
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Local Councillor Census Survey found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work. This often includes attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking on behalf of the council to other bodies.
Am I eligible to become a councillor?
You must be:
- A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union
- 18 years of age or older
- Satisfy one of the following 4 qualifications:
- you are a registered local government elector for the Parish; or
- you have occupied, as owner or tenant, any land or premises in the Parish during the last 12 months; or
- your principal or only place of work during the last 12 months has been in the Parish; or
- you have during the last 12 months resided within the Parish or within 3 miles of the Parish boundary.
Take a look at the Criteria for Eligibility and Person Specification below.
How do I become a councillor?
Parish Councillors are elected by residents at ordinary elections which are held every four years. If a position becomes vacant due to a Councillor resigning, dying, or being disqualified, a vacant seat is created. If after displaying a notice of vacancy for at least 14 working days, as long as no more than 10 electors from the Parish give written notice to request a by election, the vacancy can be filled by co-option.
How can I get involved?
Please contact Hannah-Louise O’Callaghan, the Parish Clerk, for a nomination pack or visit the NALC website for more information: clerk@duncton.org or 07708 028656 / 01428 707318.
Criteria for Eligibility: A person is eligible to be co-opted provided they are qualified to be a councillor pursuant to s.79 of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the Act”) and are not disqualified pursuant to s.80 of the Act. For more details click here | Person Specification: As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, anyone can become a Parish Councillor. The main thing is that you are willing to volunteer your time to work for free on behalf of your community. You do not have to belong to a political party, you just need to be concerned with local community matters. For more details click here. |