Make a Change, Become a Councillor

Are you passionate about our community? Do you want to help make a long-lasting change? Do you have innovative ideas for the council? Do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it? If this is you, then we need you. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect our community to put themselves forward for election. Make a change and become a councillor.

NOTICE OF VACANCY FOR OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR

PARISH OF TOTNES, BRIDGETOWN WARD

Totnes Town Council is seeking up to two dedicated and motivated persons to become a Town Councillor. The vacancies have arisen due to two recent resignations, one for Totnes Town Ward and one for Bridgetown Ward. One vacancy will be filled by co-option and there will be a by-election to fill the other vacancy.

These vacancies were advertised earlier this year by the Town Council and South Hams District Council, inviting residents in each ward to make a request for an election. At least 10 residents are required to make a request in writing for an election to be held. South Hams District Council did not receive the required number of requests for the vacancy in Bridgetown Ward. As a result, this position can be filled by co-option. South Hams District Council did receive the required number of requests for an election for the vacancy in Totnes Town Ward. As a result, a by-election will take place on a date to be confirmed.

Residents and local business owners are now invited to put themselves forward for co-option as a councillor to the Bridgetown Ward position. Town Councillors will then review the applications and make an appointment. The deadline for anyone interested in being considered is midday on Thursday 23 May 2024, so that Full Council can review the applications at the meeting on 10 June 2024.

Notice of the vacancy is below.

Co-option to Vacancies

Where a vacancy arises outside of the normal election cycle, if there is no request for an election to be held that the vacancy can be filled by co-option. The process that will be followed in such cases is set out in the Council’s policy document:

2024 By-Election

Residents and local business owners will also be able to nominate themselves as a candidate for the by-election in Totnes Town Ward. The deadline for nominations will be confirmed shortly.

Elections for Totnes Town Councillors are held every four years, with the next full election in 2027, however vacancies can arise during this term. When a vacancy comes up public notices will be produced. Firstly, the public are asked if they wish for an election to take place, with 10 signatures or more required from residents in the ward (the area of the town which the Councillor represents, so either Totnes Town or Bridgetown) for the election to go ahead. If there is no request for an election then a public notice is issued inviting those interested in becoming a Councillor to contact the Clerk, the applications are then reviewed by the Council and a new councillor is ‘co-opted’.

So what is the role of Totnes Town Council? The Council acts as a voice for the local community and hopes to improve the wellbeing of the local community through:

Delivery of services – the running of the cemetery, provides a civic space in terms of funding the maintenance and running costs for the Civic Hall, determines its own tourism policy and approach, makes public realm improvements (for example seating, signage, flower planters), and in the provision of land for allotments at Castle Meadow.
Improve quality of life for residents – it has awarded grants to community groups, projects or facilities which are most recently focussing on assisting in the Cost of Living crisis, and various cultural events, as well as organising the Christmas festival evenings, community events such as the Community Arts Day, the Christmas lights switch on, pursuing climate emergency projects and encouraging green travel initiatives.
Give communities a democratic voice – it can draw attention to issues of concern with the authorities or at district and county level, and is a consultee on planning applications.

Totnes Town Council also has a civic role (performed by the Mayor)

As a local councillor you can become a voice for your community and make real change. Local councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood. Local councillor responsibilities fall into three main categories:

Decision-making
Monitoring
Getting involved locally

Local councillors attend to local needs of residents, local groups and businesses, make decisions on local services, collaborate with district and borough councils to adhere to local needs, and progress vital projects to invest in the future of the community.

As a Councillor you are obliged to attend Full Council which is held on the first Monday of every month at 6.30pm, and ideally sit on a Committee (meetings are held on a Monday evening). There are also a number of working groups that you can get involved in depending on your interests which are held during the day.

To stand for election to a local council you must be:

A UK or Commonwealth citizen; or be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or be a citizen of another Member State of the European Union
At least 18 years old
An elector of the local council; or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the area the local council serves (as owner or tenant); or work in the area local council serves (as your principal or only place of work); or live within three miles of the local council boundary
And not disqualified from being able to stand for election

Town Councils work best when the Council works as a team and the National Association of Local Councils encourages party politics to be put to one side even though you may represent a political group. Individuals are also expected to conduct their Councillor role according to the seven principles of public life know as the ‘Nolan Principles’ which are: selflessness; integrity; objectivity; accountability; openness, honesty; and leadership.

For more information have a read of ‘The Good Councillor Guide’ or contact the Clerk at clerk@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk or 01803 862147.

Co-option to Vacancies

2024 By-Election

What Do Local Councils Do?

Becoming a Local Councillor

Can I Stand For Election?

Councillor Stories