Becoming a councillor

Councillors and councils

Councillors

Our council is made up of councillors who are elected by the public.

They work with local people and partners, such as community groups, businesses and other organisations, to agree and deliver on local priorities. The decisions are implemented by permanent members of staff (council officers) who deliver services on a daily basis.  

The role of a councillor is to serve and represent everyone in the ward that they are elected to (and not just those who voted for them). Some are also appointed to additional roles in the council, such as being a cabinet member.

Council

We are responsible for a range of vital services for people and businesses including:

• school education and adult learning 
• social care 
• housing and regeneration 
• emergency response (e.g. flooding)  
• parks, playgrounds and open spaces  
• community cohesion   
• leisure centres and activities for all ages  
• climate and environment  
• health and wellbeing  
• supporting vulnerable people  
• refuse, recycling and street cleaning  
• economic growth, business support and advice  
• arts, libraries, museums and heritage sites  
• transport, roads and street lighting  
• community safety and crime reduction  
• planning and building regulation.

Our services are mainly funded by payments from central government and council tax.

Last updated 21 January 2025