Councillor Vacancies / Elections

Notice of Election
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Become a Town Councillor for Saltash Town Council

Considering standing for election to Saltash Town Council in the 2025 elections? 

Below are examples of questions you may wish to have answered, key dates you may wish to consider and information on how to find out more and apply to be a Town Councillor.

If your question isn't answered below or you want to know more, email enquiries@saltash.gov.uk or call the Saltash Guildhall on 01752 844846.

Do I need any qualifications, skills or experience?

A Town Councillor does not need any qualifications, skills or experience. You just need to be passionate about your town and community.

Do I need to be a member of a political party or have allegiance to a political party?

No, you do not need to be a member of a political party or have allegiance to a political party to be a Saltash Town Councillor.

When does Saltash Town Council meet and what is the commitment?

Saltash Town Council Committee meetings are held in the evenings and start at 6.30pm, except for the Full Town Council meetings which start at 7pm.

Town Councillors attendance is expected at all Committee meetings and they can volunteer to be a member of sub-committees or working groups.

Will I be paid to undertake the role and can I have a job alongside being a Town Councillor?

Town Councillors are classed as elected members and are not paid for their role. They are able to receive an annual allowance if they are an elected Town Councillor.
Yes you can have a job and many past Town Councillors worked, juggled family life and made a difference in the community in this role. Being a Town Councillor can give you great skills such as leadership, public speaking and communication skills. 

What does a Saltash Town Councillor do and why would I want to be a Town Councillor?

A Town Councillor represents the residents in their ward and acts as an ambassador for the community. It can be a rewarding experience and many stand to speak on behalf of their community, to shape the future of Saltash

As a Town Councillor you will need to

• Listen and be a voice for your community. By listening to residents Councillors can act as a voice for the community ensuring issues and aspirations are heard and taken into consideration.
• Represent the views of the community at district and county level feeding in the views of residents and ensuring the community is aware of issues that will affect them.
• Attend Saltash Town Council committee meetings and others as required.
• Attend ceremonial functions such as civic parades and Remembrance Day.

How can I become a Town Councillor?

To be eligible to be a Town Councillor you must;

• Be a British citizen, Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Irish Republic or a citizen of another European Union States
• Be 18 years of age, and
• Either be in the register of electors for that parish/town, or has during the whole of the preceding twelve months;
• Occupied land in the area as owner or tenant
• Had a principal place of work there
• Resided in or within 4.8 kilometres (3 miles) of it.

If you wish to obtain a nomination pack you can via The Guildhall, 12 Lower Fore Street, Saltash, PL12 9JX, contact via telephone 01752 844 846, via email enquiries@saltash.gov.uk or Cornwall Council Website

What support can I expect from Saltash Town Council?

The Town Clerk, staff and your fellow Town Councillors will be able to offer you support as you settle into your new role. You will be offered training in subjects such as finance, safeguarding and how to be a Chair meetings. 

You will be offered training and support throughout your time as a Town Councillor.

If you have any questions during your term of office the team or your fellow Town Councillors will be available to support you.

What is a Town Council?

A Town Council is a statutory body and local authority with a range of statutory powers. 

A Town Council is the most local tier of local government and the most closest to the residents.

Saltash is divided into three wards Tamar, Essa and Trematon. In total there are 16 Town Councillors divided into six for Tamar ward, six for Essa ward and four for Trematon ward.

You can find out more about what Saltash Town Council is responsible for and what Cornwall Council is responsible for here https://www.saltash.gov.uk/who-does-what.php

Key Dates for your diary

TIMETABLE	Date:
Publication of Notice of Election		Thursday 26 June
LAST DAY FOR DELIVERY OF NOMINATION PAPERS - NOT later than 4.00 pm on		Friday 4 July
Delivery of Notice of Withdrawal by Candidates - NOT later than 4.00 pm on		Friday 4 July
Despatch of Notice of Decision on Nominations and publication of statement of persons nominated - NOT later than 4.00 pm on		Monday 7 July
Last day to register as elector for inclusion on Poll Day register		Tuesday 15 July
Last day for new applications to vote by post and changes to and cancellation of existing postal votes and proxy appointments - NOT later than 5.00 p.m. on		Wednesday 16 July
Issue of Postal Votes around		Friday 18 July?
Publication of Notice of Poll - NOT later than		Wednesday 23 July
Last day for Voter Authority Certificates – NOT later than 5.00 p.m. on		Wednesday 23 July
Last day for the receipt of new proxy vote applications – NOT later than 5.00 p.m. on		Wednesday 23 July
Notice of Appointment of Polling and Counting Agents		Thursday 24 July
DAY OF ELECTION - polling hours 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.		Thursday 31 July
Last day for new applications to vote by proxy on grounds of unforeseen illness, incapacity, occupation, service or employment - NOT later than 5.00 p.m. on		Thursday 31 July
Return as to Election Expenses of each Candidate to be delivered to the Returning Officer - NOT later than		Thursday 28 August
Declaration as to Election Expenses to be delivered to the Returning Officer - NOT later than		Thursday 28 August

Useful Information:

NALC Becoming a Councillor
It Takes All Sorts
The Good Councillors Guide
The Good Councillors Guide to Finance
Can You Stand for Election

How to apply:

Six simple steps to becoming a Town Councillor:

• Check for elections in your area or by emailing the elections officer - Follow this link for further information www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
• Submit your nomination to the returning officer — learn more about the process here: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-parish-council-elections-england/nominations/completing-your-nomination-papers
• Wait for your nomination to be accepted.
• Your nomination is made public by the principal authority.
• Start your election campaign.
• Polling day — find your polling station here: wheredoivote.co.uk/