Councillor's Role

Councillors are elected to represent a particular ward for a four year term.  In three out of a four year cycle an election is held for a third of the council seats.  (An election for Hertfordshire County Councillors is held in the fourth year of the cycle). 

Councillors are elected by the community to represent the interests of local people to ensure the Council fulfils its duties and takes collective decisions which form the policy of the Council.  The Council reflects the views of the majority of members.  

They:

• meet in various committees to discuss and agree major policies that determine how the services are run
• ensure the Council is delivering good services
• decide on priorities for the Council
• make decisions in some committees
• agree how much will be spent by the Council each year
• agree how much you pay in Council Tax
• help individuals in their wards

Council officers advise councillors on their work.  These are professionally trained staff that are employed to carry out the functions and duties of the Council as decided by its elected members.

Councillors can help if you are dissatisfied with a council service by advising or directing you to someone who can help sort out your problem and can sometimes progress the case on your behalf.

Councillors have the opportunity to become involved in local issues and make a difference to the lives of their local community.  Councillors hold regular 'Meet Your Councillor' sessions which are held locally on a Saturday morning.  You can also ring your councillor at home.

Councillors receive an allowance, the details of which are in our Members Allowance page.

Councillors also represent the Council and Community on partnership and outside bodies, for more information see our Committee Information System.