Representing your ward and the council

Once elected, you will become the voice for everyone in your ward; individuals, groups, businesses and even those who did not vote for you. The aspects of a councillor’s role that residents consider most important are ward-related activities such as holding regular surgeries and helping local people with complaints or problems. When asked by Mori researchers what they wanted their councillors to do, 75% of people said they wanted them to deal with the problems of people who live in their wards and 68% wanted them to consult with the public and represent their views (reported LGIU 2002). You need to speak to the community and be clear about the needs and feelings of constituents. You will not be able to help everyone in the way they would want but you need to be honest and open about your decision making and make sure residents’ views are heard – you are their voice in the council. You will also need to be able to convey the policies and standpoint of the council to the community, making sure that they understand why, for example decisions have been taken. Being a councillor is a privileged and rewarding role but it requires commitment, patience and resilience and can be demanding and stressful.

The Councillors Commission, an independent commission reviewing the role of local councillors in England, is looking at the incentives and barriers to serving on councils (publication due November 2007) and may have some recommendations relating to the community representative role of councillors.

To help with your new role and develop your profile you should:

• Hold surgeries – regularly and often. Make sure they are promoted in advance and are held in accessible locations at convenient times
• Send newsletters, and always respond to phone calls, e-mails and letters
• Network – get to know your area, the community groups, agencies etc and be visible
• Local media – think how you can best get your messages across, but your party (if you are a member of a political group) may have guidelines on who talks to the media so check first

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