Interested in becoming a councillor?

If the answer is yes, then why not consider becoming a councillor?

Candidates are needed for the Hartlepool Borough Council elections on 2nd May and anyone who is interested can find out more at an event to be held at Hartlepool Civic Centre at 10am on Saturday (16th March).

Contact the Council’s Elections Team on (01429) 523088 or email elections@hartlepool.gov.uk if you are interested in attending or want more information. You can also find out more at www.local.gov.uk/be-councillor or www.electoralcommission.org.uk

Support is available for disabled residents interested in representing their local community and a Local Government Association (LGA) guide can be found at www.local.gov.uk/about/news/lga-be-councillor-guide-launched-support-disabled-residents-stand-councillors

Councillors come from all walks of life and represent residents of the ward for which they are elected. They are also involved in decisions affecting the entire Borough of Hartlepool.

Duties include attending meetings of Hartlepool Borough Council every six-eight weeks and, where chosen, being a member of other committees. Employers must allow councillors to take a reasonable amount of time off to undertake their duties.

Councillors are not paid a salary but they do receive an allowance. Training, support and equipment is provided. You do not need to be a member of a political party as you can be independent.

To become a councillor, you must be at least 18-years-old and either registered to vote in Hartlepool or have lived, worked or owned a property in the borough for at least 12 months prior to the election.