We have 2 councillor vacancies which can be filled by co-option after the 9^th May 2023

Kempsford Parish covers the villages of Kempsford and Whelford, and the hamlets of Dunfield and Dudgrove.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUR BECOMING A PARISH COUNCILLOR?

If you have a keen interest in our local community, can spare some time and are passionate about making a difference, then becoming a Councillor might be for you. To be a councillor you don’t need any special qualifications. Everyone has something to give from their life experiences. Everyday skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are vital, and it’s important that councils reflect the local community.

By becoming a parish councillor you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support, a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve. Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.

WHAT DECISIONS DO PARISH COUNCILS MAKE?

Parish councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. Probably the most common topics that parish councils get involved with are planning matters (they are statutory consultees), crime prevention, managing open spaces and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities.

It’s true to say that on their own, parish councils have limited powers to make decisions. But they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions (such as the unitary council, health authorities, police etc.).

In this respect parish councils are extremely powerful. The organisations that make the final decisions know that a parish council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something, and its views will be taken seriously.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE UP?

We meet once a month for the council meeting, to which members of the public are also invited. Meetings generally last one to two hours, depending on the agenda set for the meeting to discuss. In addition to the regular meetings, councillors are required to attend other meeting representing the council. For example acting as a representative on an outside body, community activities or helping develop a new project for the community. Such meetings won’t happen every day, so it’s not going to take over your life.

Parish Councillors volunteer their time to work on behalf of their local community. If you have lived in the Parish, or within 3 miles of it, for at least a year and are over 18, you are probably eligible (please check with the clerk for further eligibility criteria). Training is not essential, but can be provided by the Gloucestershire Association of Parish & Town Councils, and funded by the Parish Council, if desired.

For a copy of the Application and Eligibility Form, or any further information, please contact the Clerk or visit the ‘News’ page of our website – www.kempsfordparishcouncil.net

Applications close on Wednesday 31st May 2023.

Mrs Teresa Griffin, Clerk to Kempsford Parish Council, Winterwood, Whelford, Glos. GL7 4EB

Email: clerk@kempsfordparishcouncil.net Tel: 0781 8626158