Why should I become a councillor?

There are many reasons why people decide to become a local councillor. Councillors say that some of the reasons include:

• wanting to make a difference and be involved in shaping the future of the local community
• being concerned about the area in which they live and wanting to ensure that their local community gets the services needed
• wanting to represent the views of local people and ensure that local community interests are taken into account
• wanting to pursue their political beliefs
• to contribute business or professional skills
• concerns about one particular issue, for example care for older people, the lack of facilities in an area, or traffic congestion.

For some, it is an extension of what they are already doing. It might be that you are active in a political party, trade union, a charity, voluntary group or school governing body, and you see becoming a councillor as a next step.