The website: www.beacouncillor.org.uk provides useful information for people living in England thinking about becoming Councillors in their area. We've also provided some useful information about our own Councillors below.

General Information

Tendring has sixty Councillors from different political groups. The job of a Councillor is interesting, takes commitment, involvement in the community and is a stepping stone for a career in politics. Tendring District Council's next election is scheduled for May 2011.

Some of our Councillors have written "Day in the life" features to help you find out what their work involves.

A day in the life of Councillor Vivien Chapman

A day in the life of Councillor Michael Dew

Do I need any qualifications?

The only qualifications you need are an interest in your local community and their community issues.

Do I have the time?

This depends on your Councillor role. All members will be expected to attend full Council meetings which are approximately every 6-8 weeks. Please find a link to the decisions and calendar of meetings here. You may be required to attend further meetings if you are elected to a Committee.

How much will I be paid?

There is a member allowance system; this varies from Council to Council ours is available Members Allowances 2010 (pdf).

To view the pdf document above, you will need the free adobe acrobat reader software, available via the image below:

Are you Interested?

To be eligible you must be:

- A British Subject or a citizen of the Irish Republic or the EU and resident in the UK.

- At least 18 years of age on the day you are nominated.

- Either on the Electoral Register for the Council area in which you are seeking election, or have lived or worked in that Council area for at least the last 12 months.

Who to Contact?

For information please visit www.beacouncillor.org.uk/east or Electoral Commission website.

You may also like to contact your local parties - you do not need to join a political party to become a Councillor but many people do.