People who live or work in Bradley Stoke are being encouraged to stand for election as a councillor and help represent their local area.
The next local elections in South Gloucestershire will be held on Thursday 4th May 2023 and nomination papers for candidates for election to South Gloucestershire Council as well as parish and town councils are now available.
The submission of nominations will commence from Monday 27th March 2023 and the deadline is 4pm on Tuesday 4th April 2023.
The elections will see 61 district councillors covering 28 district wards and 492 councillors for 50 parish and town councils chosen by an electorate of more than 211,000.
For district (South Gloucestershire) council purposes, Bradley Stoke is divided in two district wards: Bradley Stoke North and Bradley Stoke South, each returning two council members. A small area in the south of the town is included in the Stoke Gifford district ward, which elects three council members.
For town council purposes, Bradley Stoke will be divided into five parish wards for the upcoming elections (up from three at the May 2019 elections). These will be named Primrose Bridge, Woodlands, Webbs Wood, Willowbrook and Stoke Brook. The total number of town councillors in Bradley Stoke remains the same, at 15.
Being a councillor is a varied and highly fulfilling role where you help make decisions on the issues that matter to local communities. It’s a great way to make a real difference, whether that’s by supporting individual residents with particular issues or helping to shape your local community by driving new ideas. Councillors represent local people’s views on a wide range of matters such as planning applications, transport, education, social care, waste and recycling services, the climate and nature emergency, and keeping streets and open spaces clean and tidy.
People from all backgrounds and experiences who can reflect the communities they serve are needed. You do not have to be a member of a political party to stand for election – you can also be an independent councillor.
Training will be provided to elected councillors.
South Gloucestershire councillors are paid an annual allowance of £12,196, with additional payments for those taking on senior roles. In contrast, the role of a Bradley Stoke town councillor attracts no financial compensation.
There are a number of eligibility criteria that need to be met by anyone wishing to stand as a candidate for South Gloucestershire Council or one of the area’s parish and town councils. You can find the full set of qualifications and disqualifications, along with details and guidance on standing for election, on the Electoral Commission website – including links to the various forms that need to be filled in and submitted.
For more information, visit the ‘Stand for Election‘ page on the South Gloucestershire website, call: 01454 863030, email electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk or write to: Electoral Registration, PO Box 1953, Badminton Road, Bristol, BS37 0DB.
Related links:
- Elections in Bradley Stoke (The Journal)
- Be a Councillor (Local Government Association)
- Make a Change – Become a Councillor (National Association of Local Councils)
