Life as a District Councillor and how to become one

The majority of people become councillors as a result of joining a political party. However, a small number stand for election as Independents. The nomination process commences between five and seven weeks prior to the election, and, in Breckland will begin on 26 March 2027 for the May 2027 election.

Are there any restrictions?

You must be:

• 18 years of age on the day of your nomination and
• a British citizen, Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland and not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom or have leave to remain in the United Kingdom and
• registered as a local government elector for the Breckland District.
  or
• have occupied, as owner or tenant, land or premises in the district during the preceding twelve months
  or
• have had your principal or only place of work during the preceding twelve months in the Breckland District
  or
• have resided in the Breckland District during the whole of the preceding twelve months.

You cannot:

• be a paid officer of Breckland Council
• be holding a politically restricted post (as defined under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989)
• be subject to a bankruptcy restriction order
• have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 3 months or more (including a suspended sentence), without the option of a fine, during the five years prior to election day
• have been convicted of corrupt or illegal practices by an election court
• stand as a councillor if you have been disqualified under Section 80 of the Local Government Act 1972, Section 78A of the Local Government Act 2000 or Section 34 of the Localism Act 2011

Are any qualification needed?

Diverse groups tend to make better-informed decisions, so it is important that councils not only represent the communities they serve, but also have a wide range of skills and experience.

There are no specific formal qualifications required to become a councillor. However, having or being able to develop the following skills, knowledge and attributes will help you in your role:

• Communication Skills These include listening and interpersonal skills, public speaking skills, the ability to accept alternative points of view as well as the ability to negotiate, mediate and resolve conflict
• Ability to Engage with your Local Community The ability to relate to and deal with the public in a professional and timely manner, having regard to all aspects of equality and diversity
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills This includes being able to get to the root of an issue and thinking of different ways to resolve it
• Ability to Work Professionally and Effectively with Council Officers and Outside Organisations The ability to maintain a good working relationship with officers and outside organisations is essential in order to be a productive and effective councillor
• Community Leadership Councillors have a key role to play in helping their residents shape the place they live in
• Organisational Skills These include being able to plan and manage your time, keep appointments and meet deadlines

You might also have specific skills and knowledge acquired from professional experience or from working with other groups, such as:

• An understanding of the needs of specific groups such as children or senior citizens
• An understanding of financial management and reporting processes
• Legal and regulatory systems or procedures

As well as the skills outlined above, familiarity with e-mail and the internet is important as most correspondence is exchanged electronically. If you think that you do not have all the skills and competences required, you will be helped to acquire them through training courses (including on-line courses). A Councillor Job Profile will be available separately.