Parish Councils are led by democratically elected councillors from the local community. Councillors decide on the services and projects the Council will deliver to benefit everyone in Syresham. As representatives of the first tier of local government and the closest to their communities, our councillors are ideally placed to engage with residents, understand the real local issues, and work together to overcome them.

The next scheduled elections for local councils in our area will be held in May 2025. For further details, please visit Local Elections 2025 - West Northamptonshire Council

A Great Opportunity Awaits…

If you are passionate about your local community, we need you! We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences to put themselves forward as a parish councillor on Syresham Parish Council. Councillors make a significant difference to the quality of life in our community and play a vital role in addressing local issues.

Do you - or someone you know - have what it takes to be a local councillor? Contact us and we will guide you through the process to stand for election on Syresham Parish Council.

Important: The deadline for candidates wishing to stand in the election to deliver their nomination papers to the Elections Authority; West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is Wednesday 2nd April 2025 at 4pm.

What's Involved?

You will need to be available to attend a monthly meeting and to review correspondence outside of these meetings. You might also be selected to represent the Council on specific topics that matter to you - such as finance, highways, or community safety - bringing your skills and expertise to improve our area. Although councillors are not paid, they serve out of a genuine commitment to our community and must abide by a local government code of conduct. Training for your role will be provided and funded by the Council.

How Long is the Role For?

Once elected, parish councillors serve for a maximum of four years. Should you wish to continue in the role, you can stand for re-election at the end of your term. However, if you find the role isn't right for you or your circumstances change, you are free to step down at any time.

What Do Parish Councils Do?

Parish councils are the lowest tier of local government, making decisions on a range of issues that affect our community. Common areas of focus include health and wellbeing, planning, and the upkeep of local facilities such as play areas and public open spaces.

What Do Councillors Do?

Councillors are the voice of Syresham. By investing their time and expertise, they help shape a vibrant and attractive community where people want to live, work, and visit. Acting impartially, councillors make decisions for the benefit of Syresham as a whole rather than for personal gain. You will:

• Make decisions that impact our community.
• Monitor local developments and issues.
• Get involved locally to represent the needs of all residents.

Our aim is to ensure every section of the community is considered when decisions are made and when financial resources are allocated.

How Do We Work?

Elected councillors meet regularly to determine the direction of the Council and the work it undertakes for the community. Each year, a sum of money known as a 'precept'- collected through council tax - is allocated to improve facilities and services in Syresham. The Council also employs staff to manage the Parish Council.

Do I Need Any Special Skills or Experience?

While there are several useful skills for a councillor, no formal qualifications or previous experience are necessary. Training is provided to help you grow in the role. Some useful skills include:

• IT literacy and effective communication
• A passion for community wellbeing
• Teamwork and the ability to work in partnership
• Flexibility, adaptability, and an open mind

Do I Have to Be a Member of a Political Party?

No - Syresham Parish Council is entirely apolitical. Our councillors act in the interests of the community rather than any political party.

Not Sure or Want to Find Out More?

If you're curious about the role, why not attend one of our Council Meetings? They are normally held on the last Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. You can find all meeting dates on our website at Council Meeting Dates or email us at parishclerk@syreshamparishcouncil.gov.uk to discuss further.

Things to Know Before You Stand as a Candidate

Who Can Be a Councillor?

We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the diverse community of Syresham. You do not need any special experience or qualifications. Your life experience, everyday skills, and commitment to our community are what count.

To be a councillor you need to be:

• A British citizen or a citizen of the Commonwealth. (EU citizens may also be eligible; please check the gov.uk website for the latest advice on voting and candidacy rights following Brexit.)
• At least 18 years old.
• Either an elector of the local council or, within the past 12 months, have either occupied land or premises in our area (as owner or tenant), worked in the area as your principal or only place of work, or lived within three miles of the Council boundary.

You cannot be a councillor if you:

• Work for the Council (though employment with another local authority is acceptable if you are not in a politically restricted post).
• Are subject to a bankruptcy restrictions or interim order.
• Have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) in the five years before election day.
• Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.
• Are subject to any relevant notification requirements or orders in respect of a sexual offence.

For the full eligibility criteria, please refer to: Qualifications and disqualifications for standing for election | Electoral Commission.

Nominations to Become a Parish Councillor

If you are interested in joining Syresham Parish Council, you will need to complete nomination papers which can be downloaded from the Electoral Commission website.

To be officially nominated as a candidate at a parish council election in England, you must submit a completed set of nomination papers to the designated office by 4pm, 19 working days before the poll - this is Wednesday, 2nd April 2025. This deadline is fixed by law and cannot be changed.

The notice of election, published by the local Returning Officer, will specify when and where nomination papers can be submitted. This notice is expected to be published on Friday, 14th March 2025. Forms may be downloaded and filled out in advance but DO NOT DATE THE FORM BEFORE IT CAN BE SUBMITTED WHICH IS 10AM ON MONDAY 17TH MARCH. **

You must submit three nomination papers:

• The nomination form
• A home address form
• Your consent to nomination

Guidance on completing the nomination documents is available here: The nomination form | Electoral Commission.

Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. For further information, please visit our website or contact your local Electoral Services team.

Candidate Spending

Candidate spending covers activities promoting your candidacy or criticising other candidates during the regulated period. As a candidate, you are responsible for complying with the relevant laws, even if you appoint an agent to help with expenses. More detailed guidance is available here: Guidance for Candidates at Parish Council Elections in England.