SOMERSET NEWS: People wanted to stand in next year’s county council election

PASSIONATE people looking to make a difference are being urged to stand for election to Somerset County Council.

There are 55 seats available to be filled in the local elections on May 4, 2017, each a chance to have a big impact in the local community and get involved in the huge range of services provided by the Council.

The authority is inviting potential candidates to get in touch and is hosting two welcome events for would-be councillors on the evenings of January 9, 2017, and January 30, 2017.

Held at County Hall in Taunton, they will be a chance to find out more about the role of a County Councillor and what is involved in standing to become one.

Pat Flaherty, the council’s chief executive and the returning officer for the elections, said: “We welcome applications from people from different kinds of backgrounds.

“You don’t have to belong to a political party or have previous experience. We want people who can bring their life experiences into the council and bring the voice of the local community into its policy making and decision processes.”

In return for their work with local communities and attending meetings and events, councillors will be given allowances, be provided with IT equipment and offered training to help them in their role. 

To register for your place at the county council’s welcome events please contact the community governance team at democraticservices@somerset.gov.uk or on 01823-357628.

More information can also be found on the council’s website at www.somerset.gov.uk/elections or for full information on qualifications and disqualifications on standing see The Electoral Commission website -http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/141784/Part-1-Can-you-stand-for-election-LGEW.pdf .

The deadline for nomination papers for the County Council election is on April 4, 2017.

PHOTO: Next year's Somerset County Council election takes place on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

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