In a world where politics can feel distant and disconnected, becoming a Parish Councillor offers something refreshingly different. Real influence, real visibility, and making a real difference, right where you live.
A Parish Council is the first tier of local government. If you’ve ever complained about missing litterbins, worried about local planning applications, or wished your community had better facilities, here’s the truth:
You can make change happen. As a Parish Council you deal with issues that affect people every day. The Cherry Orchard games area, Broomfield Community Park, allotment provision, local events to name but a few.
You become the voice of the community. Often Parish Councillors are the first point of contact for residents, this could be a complaint about dog fouling to asking for new play equipment in the park. You will have the ability to help residents and get direct feedback.
What’s even better is that no political experience is required. In fact, we want a diverse representation of experience, which helps the Parish Council have a better understanding of local issues. All you need is a desire to improve your community. Training is available.
Worried you haven’t got the time? It is not a full-time job. Parish Councils meet for full council once a month, there are also the odd additional Committee meeting, plus events but it is very manageable, especially for those that are still in full time work. Most meetings happen in the evenings and events at weekends.
Help protect what makes your area special to the community. As a Parish Councillor you can help shape neighbourhood plans, strengthen community cohesion and protect green spaces such as the Cherry Orchard and Curtis Wood Park.
Democracy Works Best When Good People Step Forward
The biggest barrier to developing better performing Parish Councils is a shortage of people willing to get involved. If capable, community-minded residents don’t stand for election, seats can go uncontested or remain vacant meaning that voice remains unheard. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to care enough to try.
I don’t want to be a Parish Councillor but how do I get my voice heard?
If you don’t want to be a Parish Councillor as an elector, you can make a difference by identifying potential Councillors and then nominating them for election. Especially if they represent your interests in the Parish.
Voting on election day for a Councillor that you know will represent you as a resident in the Parish is important. Democracy is important, and your voice needs to be heard.
Encouraging others to vote, will mean it makes the Parish council more representative of the community it serves, increases accountability and shows that the Parish is wanting to be involved in the decision process.
How do I become a Parish Councillor?
Firstly, you need to check you are eligible. You must be over 18 years old, and: be registered as a local government elector in the parish; or have lived, worked or owned a property in the Parish (or within three miles of it) for the last 12 months.
You then can find out when elections are next being held.
To check:
- Visit Canterbury City Council’s website. www.canterbury.gov.uk
- Contact the Electoral Services department at Canterbury City Council.
- Or speak to your Parish Clerk.
The next elections are due to take place in Herne and Broomfield in May 2027, for information contact the Parish Clerk.
There are three ways you can become a Parish Councillor. You can either:
- Stand for election – you can be nominated to be a Councillor.
- Fill a vacant seat after an election.
- Fill a casual vacancy. – this is usually when a Councillor resigns mid-term. These vacancies are advertised on our website and through social media as well as with Canterbury City Council and on our Parish noticeboards.
If you’ve ever thought, “Someone should do something about that,” this might be your opportunity to be that someone.