Want to be a Councillor?

Wolverhampton Labour Group asks Cllr Valerie Evans what being a Councillor involves.

Valerie how much time does being a Councillor take up?
A Councillor normally spends around 20 to 30 hours a week attending Council Committee Meetings and attending Community Meetings. The Community meetings are purely voluntary but give you an excellent insight into what local people’s concerns/ views are on issues that matter to them.

Meetings are usually held during the day, although some meetings are during the evening, day meetings are usually Committee or Scrutiny Panel meetings, evening meetings are usually Community Meetings in your local area/ward. These include Police Meetings, Tenants & Residents Meetings, L.A.N.A. Meetings, (Local Area Neighbourhood Arrangements) Neighbourhood Watch Meetings and Surgery’s usually take place of a weekend for constituents to raise issues/concerns.

Do you receive financial compensation?
I receive expenses which amount to a basic salary of just under £9,000 per year.

Taking on extra responsibilities such as Chair or Cabinet Member you are given an extra allowance but extra responsibility means - extra time spent at Council!

Can a Deaf or disabled person become a Councillor?
Yes, a deaf or a disabled person can become a Councillor, there are no disability barriers as to who can become a Councillor and this should be welcomed.

Do I need any qualifications?
No, you don’t need any qualification’s to become a Councillor, all you need is passion and determination for the area/ward you want to represent and a real sense of pride in the City of Wolverhampton and its Citizens.

Will I be trained?
Yes, you receive training from Officers and Democratic Support. If you’re part of an active Political Party, the chances are their will be elected Councillors ready to lend their support and experience.

What support will I get?
All new Councillors get support, we have Democratic Support to ask who to contact/how to contact and where to find relevant departments.

What are the legal qualifications?
You are over 21.
You have been nominated and accepted the nomination.
Have an agent.
You are on the electoral register for the City and your home is in the city (for at least the past 12 months)
Or,
You work in the area of Wolverhampton (for at least the past 12 months).
Or,
You own a property/ have been a tenant in the area of Wolverhampton (for at least the past 12 months).

Amongst other reasons, you could be disqualified as a candidate if:
You are bankrupt.
You have a criminal conviction which carried a prison sentence of 3 months or more.
You work for Wolverhampton City Council or hold a politically restricted post with another authority.

How can I become a Labour Councillor?

If you want to be a Labour Party candidate then you must be both a member of the Labour Party and nominated by the Labour Party.

Want to find out more?

To find out more general information about becoming a councillor go to beacouncillor.org.uk

For more information about becoming a Labour Councillor in Wolverhampton contact with the Labour Leaders office and we will arrange for someone to get in touch with you.

Telephone: 01902 5554968



Email: labourleadersoffice@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Leader of Wolverhampton Labour Group
Labour Leaders Office, Wolverhampton City Council, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RG.
Note: For urgent issues it is best to telephone.

Wolverhampton Labour Group
Secretary of Wolverhampton Labour Group, Labour Leaders Office, Wolverhampton City Council, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RG.