Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Bath and North East Somerset Councillor

1. When are the Council Elections held?

Council elections in Bath and North East Somerset are held every 4 years on the first Thursday in May. The next election is on Thursday 5 May 2011.

2. What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Councillor?

To stand for election as a councillor you must on the day you are nominated be:

Aged 18 or over. There is no upper age limit (for the 2011 Election this means being born on or before 7 April 1993)
AND
Be a British citizen or a citizen of another Commonwealth Country, the Irish Republic or another European Union member state.

You must also meet at least one of the following 4 criteria:

Be registered to vote in Bath and North East Somerset.
Have owned or rented property in Bath and North East Somerset for at least 12 months.
Have worked in Bath and North East Somerset for at least 12 months.
Have lived in Bath and North East Somerset for at least 12 months.

You cannot stand for election as a councillor if you:

Are or have been declared bankrupt or sentenced to 3 months or more in prison during the previous 5 years.
Are or have been disqualified under specific Acts of Parliament.
Are employed by Bath & North East Somerset Council or in a "politically restricted" post in any other council.

3. Would I Need a CRB Check?

A CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check is not required by law for a person to be elected as a councillor. However, if a councillor is appointed to a post involving substantial access to children or vulnerable adults then a CRB check is carried out to comply with advice on good practice from the national local government associations.

4. How Can I be Nominated to Stand for Election as a Councillor?

The Council publishes the Notice of Election to mark the start of the election process during March. In 2011 the date proposed for this is Thursday 31 March 2011.

After the Notice has been published you need to obtain the pack of nomination papers and complete and return them to the Returning Officer, Electoral Services, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW by noon on Wednesday 7 April 2011.

You need your nomination papers signed by at least 10 registered electors of the Council Ward in which you wish to stand for election. You must give your consent in writing to be nominated. If you stand as a candidate for a political party you must submit a certificate from their nominating officer authorising this. You may act as your own election agent or nominate someone else to do so to ensure that you comply with electoral procedures.

The Electoral Commission is a national body established by Parliament to oversee elections. It is politically neutral. It publishes guidance for election candidates and agents which is essential reading (see contact details at end).

5. Does it Cost Anything to Stand for Election and Does a Candidate need to Belong to a Political Party?

No in both cases.

6. What is the Term of Office for a Councillor?

Councillors are elected to serve for 4 years so if you are elected in May 2011 you would serve until May 2015.