Becoming a Councillor
This section is intended to help people looking for information about becoming a Councillor.
Elections are held by thirds each year and are normally held on the first Thursday in May. You can be a candidate if:
- You are over 21
- You are on the electoral register for the Reigate and Banstead area and your home (for at least the past 12 months) is in the Reigate and Banstead area
Or
- You work in the Reigate and Banstead area (and have done for at least the past 12 months)
Or
- You own property in the Reigate and Banstead area (and have done for at least the past 12 months)
Amongst other reasons, you could be disqualified as a candidate if:
- You are bankrupt
- You have a criminal conviction which has a minimum penalty of three months in prison or more
- You work for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council or hold a politically restricted post with another local authority
Becoming a candidate
To become a candidate, you need to be nominated and you need to have declared that you accept the nomination.
The forms for this and guidance notes can be obtained from us a few weeks before polling day.
Information is available from the Electoral Services team.
Contact Electoral Services
Email: peter.dungate@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Call: The Electoral Services team on 01737 276028/6043
Fax: 01737 276070
Write to:
Electoral Services Team
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH.
Political persuasion
Most candidates are nominated through a political party. However, individuals are welcome to stand in their own right.
Before you can be accepted as a candidate you must get one person to agree to propose your nomination, another person to agree to second the proposal, and the support of eight other people.
All these people must be on the electoral register.
Your agent
Every candidate is required to appoint an election agent. You may choose instead to act as your own election agent.
Amongst other things, your agent sees that the campaign is conducted in accordance with the law, deals with expenses, and generally organises the campaign activities.
The count
Every candidate is entitled to attend the counting of the votes on polling day, known as the count, and also attend the opening of postal votes.
You can also appoint other people, known as polling agents to attend the polling stations and the count.
Each ward is counted separately. If you are elected, you will receive instructions on taking up your appointment after the poll, or on the following day.
Have I got the time to be a councillor?
It is possible to spend a lot of time on council work - and many people have jobs, families, and hobbies which also place demands on precious time.
It is important that you can accommodate the pattern of meetings into your normal domestic and work arrangements.
Remember you may also be asked to represent the Council on external organisations where the we have an interest in outside activities.
Do I know enough to stand for election?
Don't underestimate your own abilities. Everybody has something to offer. Your main qualifications are to care for the community and to be willing to learn.
What training might I receive?
A comprehensive training programme is on offer to all councillors. You may also attend conferences and seminars on the sorts of issues affecting local government.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
01737 276000
customer.services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Council tax
For information on current bands, payments, appeals and more see the Council Tax section.
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