Little Marlow Parish Council Councillor Vacancy

What is a Parish councillor?

Parish Councils are the first tier of local Government. Parish Councillors are elected to represent the interests of their local residents and to look after their well-being.

They are generally elected by the local residents every four years, but a vacancy for a Councillor on Little Marlow Parish Council has arisen now due to the recent resignation of Councillor Geoff Fitchew from the Parish Council.

What do Parish Councillors do?

Parish Councillors have three main components to their work.

1. Decision making - Through attending meetings and committees with other elected members, councillors decide how the Council should deliver its services, what its policies should be, how the budget should be spent, how the Council’s assets and facilities should be used and maintained and how to respond to local planning applications.

2. Monitoring - Councillors make sure that their decisions lead to efficient and effective services by keeping an eye on how well things are working and on how funds have been spent.

3. Getting involved locally - As local representatives, councillors have responsibilities towards their constituents and local organisations. These responsibilities and duties may include:

• Representing the Council at meetings of local organisations

• Representing the Council at meetings of bodies affecting the wider community

• Taking up issues on behalf of their residents. Keeping an ear to the ground and taking a close interest in what is happening in the local community.

How much time does it take up?

On average Councillors spend two-three hours a week on Council work depending on whether there are any Council or outside meetings that week, what, if any, specific responsibilities they take on and what is going on in the local community and more widely. Obviously there are some councillors who spend more time than this - and some less, but in the main, being a parish councillor is an enjoyable way of serving your community, and helping to make it a better place to live and work.

As a councillor representing your community you will help keep it a great place to live and work. You will be supported in your role and will be expected to undertake training. You should be comfortable working electronically. You should have a positive outlook and a can-do attitude and be willing to work as part of a team. If after reading this notice you are interested in applying please contact the clerk to the council using the above details.

The closing date for applications is 29th March 2022