COTON IN THE ELMS

The Role of a Councillor

They are elected to represent the interest of the local community as a whole and promote a harmonious local environment. The number of elected Councillors depends on the size of the area, in Coton In The Elms we are able to have 7 Councillors.

Local Councils are the first tier of governance and are the first point of contact for anyone concerned with a community issue. They are democratically elected local authorities and exist in England, Wales and Scotland. The term 'Local Council' is synonymous with ' Parish Council, 'Town Council' and 'Community Council'.

Local Councils are made up of locally  elected Councillors. They are legally obliged to hold at least four meetings a year.  Most meet on a monthly cycle to discuss council business and hear from local residents.  District and County Councillors regularly attend parish meetings and report at the Annual Parish meeting. Councillors are expected to attend meetings on a regular basis.​

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Councillors must abide by a Code of Conduct, a set of rules on how Councillors are expected to behave. They must also declare their financial interests in the parish, details of which are kept by the District Council.

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The Parish Council for Coton-in-the-Elms, whose role is to:

• Represent the views of parishioners to District and County Council level and at local forums, e.g. Linton Community Meeting

• Provide services for the community, e.g. ensure public assets such as the village green are well maintained

• Review and comment on local planning applications

• Liaise with DCC Highways on traffic concerns and signage

• Work with the DCC Flood Risk Management Team to minimise the risk of flooding in the village

• Help escalate unresolved issues to the attention of District and County Councillors as appropriate

• Collaborate with neighbouring Parish Councils on issues of common concern