Make a Difference in Your Community ~ Become a Councillor
What do councillors do?
Local councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood. Councillors attend to local needs of residents, local groups and businesses, make decisions on local services, collaborate with district and county councils to adhere to local needs, and progress vital projects to invest in the future of the community.
What do councils do?
Councils lead on community services such as children's play areas, footpaths and verges, public seating and litter bins, but also larger projects such as leisure services, youth services and climate change initiatives. These activities are funded by a local tax, called a precept which is determined by the council.
How long does it take?
NALC's Local Councillor Census Survey found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work. Council work often includes attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking to local groups and bodies on behalf of the council.
Am I qualified to be a Councillor?
To be a Town Councillor you have to be:
- a British subject, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union; and
- on the “relevant date” (i.e. the day on which you are nominated or if there is a poll the day of the election) 18 years of age or over;
- on the “relevant day” you must either:
* be included on the electoral register for Helston;
* or have during the whole of the 12 months preceding that day occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in Helston;
* or have during that same period had your principal or only place of work in Helston;
* or during that 12 month period resided in Helston or within 3 miles of it.
You cannot stand for election if you:
- are subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order
- have, within five years before the day of the election, been convicted in the United Kingdom of any offence and have had a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of over three months without the option of a fine.
- work for the council you want to become a councillor for (but you can work for other Local Authorities, including the Principal Authorities that represent the same area).
How do I stand as a Councillor?
To stand as a Town Councillor you need to complete a Candidate Nomination Paper and must be nominated by two people who are included on the Electoral Register from the specific Ward you wish to stand for.
During an election candidate information packs (containing the required forms and guidance on the election process) will be available from the Cornwall Council Electoral Services. If you wish to be a candidate during an election, please contact Cornwall Council to request an information pack as soon as possible at the following address:
Electoral Services
Cornwall Council
35 County Hall
Treyew Road
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 3AY
Tel: 0300 123 1115
E-mail: voter-registration@cornwall.gov.uk
Helston has two wards with a total of 14 Councillors to serve on Helston Town Council. These are made up as follows:
Helston North Ward 8 Members
(Coloured blue on the map below)
Helston South Ward 6 Members
(Coloured pink on the map below)
You can also look up your address on Cornwall Council's Interactive map to find out which ward you are in.
Further Information
If you are interested in becoming a Councillor you may find the following information of interest.
