Becoming a councillor

Time and allowances

Time 

Being a councillor requires commitment and hard work, but the role can be done flexibly around employment, studying, caring, and other voluntary commitments. Whilst the commitment can be challenging at times, the role is highly fulfilling, and it is worth it for what you can achieve for your community. 

The amount of time you spend on your duties as a councillor is largely up to you. It depends on the different roles and commitments each councillor takes up.

On average, councillors spend 22 hours per week on council business.

Although much of work takes place outside of formal meetings, you need to attend some council meetings to:   

• represent community views, needs and ideas  
• help create strategies, policies and plans  
• make decisions or review decisions taken

Allowances

Councillors are not paid a salary, but they are entitled to receive financial compensation called an ‘allowance’ and expenses.

This ensures they are not left out of pocket by covering costs such as travel to and from meetings and recognises the time devoted to council business on behalf of local people. 

Last updated 21 January 2025