PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS - 6th MAY 2021

Parish Councillors serve a four-year term. But due to the pandemic elections were postponed by a year. A new Parish Council will be elected on May 6th this year. Volunteers are invited to consider serving their community on this important body.

What Does the Parish Council Do? Parish Councils are the lowest tier of local government and have an extensive range of potential powers. Their aim is to use their powers to benefit their local community. Our Council maintains the village green and supports local amenities such as the Village Hall. The Council is a statutory consultee for all planning applications and its comments are generally influential regarding planning decisions. Other main functions include ensuring that KCC Highways addresses issues regarding roads, ditches and gullies. What do Parish Councillors Do? Parish Councillors main role is to attend council meetings and take decisions on behalf of the community. They also ensure that the council’s budget is spent appropriately. Each Councillor has a portfolio and represents the parish community at meetings with bodies such as Maidstone Council, the Police and KCC.

How much time will it take? As little or as much as you want. There is plenty to do, but the minimum requirement is to prepare for, and attend, Parish Council meetings and these are normally 6 a year plus approximately a dozen committee meeting. Meetings take place in the evenings in the Village Hall .

What do I do if I am interested? Parish Nomination papers and candidates’ guidance are available on the Electoral Commission website or from the Clerk. You will need to complete a nomination form and submit it to Maidstone Borough Council who manage the election process. The nomination period runs from Monday 22 March through to Thursday 8 April at 4pm. Elections may not be contested if there are five or less nominees for the five positions on the council. If you are interested in standing, have any questions, or would like more information, contact the Clerk, at boughtonmalherbepc@gmail.com or on 07972630555 to find out exactly what is involved.