A parish council is the tier of local authority closest to its community as it elects representatives from within that community. Parish councils are democracy on your doorstep. Anyone can stand as a candidate provided they meet the qualification requirements or you can find out more by contacting the local borough electoral services department.

You should be:

• Aged over 18.
• A British, Commonwealth citizen, or Euro-national citizen (who is a registered elector)
• Resident for 12 months prior to the day of election – either in the parish or within 3 miles of the boundary.
• Occupied land or premises for 12 months as owner or tenant – either in the parish or within 3 miles of the boundary
• Had a principal place of work – either in the parish or within 3 miles of the boundary.

You cannot become a councillor if:

• You hold a paid office with the council.
• If you are subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim order creates disqualification which dates from the judgement or execution and generally ends one year after the relevant order is made.
• If you have within five years before the election or since election been convicted in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man of any offence and been sentenced to not less than three months imprisonment (whether suspended or not) without the option of a fine.
• Imprisonment probably includes any type of custodial sentence.
• This disqualification begins when the ordinary period for making an appeal is finally dismissed or abandoned or fails for want of prosecution.

You can get further information from the Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association.