Be a Councillor

Am I able to stand for election?

If you would like to stand as a Councillor in Test Valley, you need to be:

• at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit
• a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, a qualifying EU citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights
• registered, and will continue to be registered, as a local government elector in the borough of Test Valley; or have lived or had your principal place of work in the borough for 12 months before standing; or have been an owner or tenant of any land or premises in the borough for at least 12 months before standing.

You do not need any formal qualifications to stand as a councillor.

You cannot stand if:

  • you work for Test Valley Borough Council
  • you hold a 'politically restricted post' in another organisation
  • you are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order
  • you have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of three months or more within five years prior to the election
  • you have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices.

Can I be a Councillor if I have a disability?

Test Valley Borough Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and will provide the necessary support to councillors to meet particular needs or requirements. The Access to Elected Office for Disabled People Fund offers individual grants of between £250 and £20,000 to disabled people who are planning to stand for election.

Access to Elected Office Fund

Councillors are advised to let the Council know if they have any special needs or requirements.

Can I be a Councillor and have a job?

You can be a Councillor and have a job. Most employees are allowed reasonable time off to attend meetings or carry out duties. The time must be agreed with your employer beforehand and your employer can refuse your request if it is unreasonable.

A specific amount of time off is not laid down in law, and there is no law to say that your employer has to pay you for this time off. You should check this out with your employer prior to standing for election.

 

More information about the qualifications and disqualifications for standing for election can be found on the Electoral Commission's website.