Could you help shape the future of Felixstowe?

Have you ever thought about becoming a Town Councillor? Do you care about Felixstowe and want to play a part in making it an even better place to live, work and visit?

Becoming a Town Councillor is an opportunity to make a real difference to your local community. You don’t need to be a politician, have previous experience of local government or hold any particular qualifications. What matters is an interest in Felixstowe, a willingness to listen to local people and a commitment to representing the community.

Felixstowe Town Council is made up of 16 elected Councillors who work together to represent local interests, make decisions about Council services and activities, and help shape the town’s future.

Could you be one of them?

What does a Town Councillor do?

Town Councillors are elected to represent the interests of their local community and help make decisions on matters affecting the town.

At Felixstowe Town Council, this can include:

  • Representing residents: Listening to local people, understanding their concerns and ensuring their views are considered.
  • Making decisions: Taking part in Council and committee meetings, helping set priorities and deciding how Council resources are used.
  • Supporting local initiatives: Helping develop projects and activities that benefit the town and its residents.
  • Working with others: Building relationships with community organisations, local businesses, East Suffolk Council, Suffolk County Council and other partners.
  • Looking ahead: Helping identify opportunities and challenges and shaping plans for Felixstowe’s future.

Councillors bring different perspectives to discussions and decisions. They won’t always agree, but constructive debate and working together are important parts of local democracy.

What could you bring to the role?

You don’t need to be an expert in planning, finance, law or local government. You simply need an interest in your community and a willingness to get involved.

People from all backgrounds and walks of life can make excellent Councillors. Your everyday experience, skills and knowledge could be just what the Council needs.

Useful qualities include:

  • An interest in the local community and the issues affecting it.
  • Good communication and listening skills.
  • A willingness to consider different viewpoints.
  • The ability to work constructively with others.
  • An open mind and a willingness to learn.
  • A commitment to acting in the public interest.

Whether you work in business, education, healthcare, retail or the voluntary sector, are retired, studying or have caring responsibilities, your perspective could make a valuable contribution.

We would particularly welcome interest from people whose backgrounds and experiences are not currently well represented in local government.

How much time does it involve?

Being a Town Councillor is a voluntary public service and does require a commitment of time.

Councillors are expected to attend Council and committee meetings, read reports and papers in advance, and engage with local issues and residents. There may also be opportunities to attend community events, support local projects and represent the Council at external meetings.

The time commitment will vary depending on the committees and responsibilities a Councillor takes on and how actively they choose to get involved.

Many Councillors balance the role alongside employment, family life and other commitments. Council meetings are generally scheduled in advance, helping Councillors plan around their other responsibilities.

There is no basic allowance or salary for Town Councillors at Felixstowe Town Council, although reasonable travel and subsistence expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with the Council’s policy. The Town Mayor receives a separate allowance in recognition of the additional responsibilities of that civic role.

Do I need any experience or training?

No previous experience of being a Councillor is necessary.

New Councillors are supported in understanding how the Council operates, their responsibilities and the decisions they will be involved in making.

Training and development opportunities are available to help Councillors build their knowledge and confidence. You will also have the opportunity to learn from fellow Councillors and Council officers.

Being a Councillor can be a valuable opportunity to develop new skills, gain experience in decision-making, improve your understanding of local government and build relationships across the community.

Who can stand for election?

To stand as a Town Councillor, you must meet certain legal eligibility requirements.

Generally, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old on the day of your nomination.
  • Be a British citizen, an eligible qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible citizen of another qualifying country.
  • Meet at least one of the statutory qualification criteria relating to the area, such as being registered to vote, having lived or worked there, or occupying land or premises there.

There are also certain legal disqualifications which may prevent someone from standing.

The eligibility rules are set out in legislation and should be checked carefully before submitting a nomination. Further guidance is available from the Electoral Commission.

For full details, visit: Electoral Commission – Standing for election.

How do I become a Town Councillor?

Town Councillors are elected by local residents. Elections normally take place every four years, although vacancies can also arise between scheduled elections.

To stand for election, you must submit the required nomination papers within the published nomination period. These are submitted to the Returning Officer at East Suffolk Council.

The election process broadly involves:

  1. Find out more: Learn about the role, the Council and the issues affecting Felixstowe.
  2. Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the legal requirements to stand.
  3. Obtain nomination papers: These are available from the Returning Officer at East Suffolk Council.
  4. Submit your nomination: Complete and return the required paperwork before the published deadline.
  5. Stand for election: If there are more candidates than available seats, an election will take place and residents will vote for their preferred candidates.

If the number of validly nominated candidates does not exceed the number of available seats, those candidates will be elected without a poll.

Election arrangements, nomination deadlines and relevant guidance will be publicised ahead of each election.

What if I have questions or would like to find out more?

You don’t have to make a decision about standing for election straight away. A good starting point is simply to find out more about what the role involves.

You could:

  • Attend a meeting of Felixstowe Town Council to see how the Council works.
  • Read recent Council and committee minutes to understand the issues being considered.
  • Speak to an existing Town Councillor about their experience.
  • Contact the Town Council office for further information.

We would be happy to help answer general questions about the role and explain how the Council operates.

Contact Felixstowe Town Council

Email: townclerk@felixstowe.gov.uk

Website: www.felixstowe.gov.uk

Your town. Your community. Your voice.

Felixstowe is shaped by the people who care about it. Becoming a Town Councillor is one way to turn that interest into positive action.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing to listen, contribute and help make a difference.

Why not consider standing for Felixstowe Town Council at the next election?

Find out more