We have a vacancies for two new Parish Councillors.
Are you interested in becoming a Parish Councillor and or a County Councillor?
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) have endorsed a new free online course from the Association of Electoral Administrators (AEA) to help anyone thinking of standing as a parish or town councillor.
The course clearly explains what candidates need to know about parish and town council elections, including the key paperwork, deadlines, people involved and how the process works. It covers four short modules on nomination paper, consent to nomination, home address form and final steps.
There’s also a quick knowledge check at the end to reinforce learning. The whole course takes around 20 minutes to complete.
NALC have worked closely with the AEA on its development, including testing the course with input from county officers in early 2026. The result is a practical, easy-to-follow resource designed to give candidates confidence and clarity.
With 343 parish and town council elections taking place on 7 May 2026 across 16 county areas (including Greater London), NALC encourage parish and councils and county associations to promote this free resource widely.
What powers do parish councils have?
A wide range of powers related to local matters, such as looking after community buildings, open spaces, allotments, litter bins, play areas, planning, street lighting, bus shelters, car parks, youth facilities, leisure and sports facilities, organising events, and much more. A local council also has the power to raise money through taxation, otherwise known as the precept. The precept is the parish council’s share of the council tax. The precept demand is sent to the billing authority, Rother District Council, which collects the tax for the parish council.
What role do Councillors Play?
A councillor’s primary role is to represent their local area and the people who live in it. The role brings people together. Councillors work with a diverse range of people from their community and have officers to support them in their role at the council. It’s a varied role and one that means councillors meet all their residents over time.
How can you become a councillor?
Councillors are elected to represent their own local community, so they must either live or work in the area. Each councillor has their own reasons for wanting to become a councillor but the role offers the chance to make a huge difference to the quality of life for people in your local area. The councillor’s role centres around community leadership and engagement. Councillors serve and represent the community in many ways, for example:
- Listening and talking to people.
- Keeping the community informed about local issues and events.
- Reading council meeting agendas and reports, research and evidence to understand issues and participate in discussions and decisions. Attending formal council meetings as well as meetings with local partners and organisations.
- Working collaboratively with the staff, local people, voluntary and community organisations, police, health partners, and businesses to shape the future of the local area.
- Building strong relationships and encouraging people to get involved and share their views and ideas.
Who can be a councillor?
Councillors come from all backgrounds and experiences and reflect the communities they serve. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications. Your life experience, everyday skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are vital, and it’s important that councils reflect the local population.
To be a councillor you need to be:
- At least 18 years old
- British or a citizen of the Commonwealth. You may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union, its best to check on the uk website for advice about EU citizens’ voting and candidacy rights in local elections.
- Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked, or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.
The best way to find out what it’s like to be a parish councillor is to talk to someone who is doing it already. Contact any of our current councillors you can find their details here on our website.
Alternatively contact the clerk by filling in the form on our contact us page.
