Westmorland and Furness Council is calling on all community heroes to step up and become a parish, or town councillor in the 2 May 2024 elections.

What do councillors do?

Local councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood.

Councillors attend to the local needs of residents, local groups and businesses, make decisions on local services, collaborate with Westmorland and Furness Council to adhere to local needs, and progress vital projects to invest in the future of their communities.

What do councils do?

Councils lead on community services such as allotments, footpaths, public seating and litter bins, but also larger projects such as the running of local transport, leisure services, youth services and climate change initiatives.

These activities are funded by a local tax, called a precept, which is determined by the council.

How much time does it take?

The National Association of Local Councils Local Councillor Census Survey found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work.

Council work often includes attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking to local groups and bodies on behalf of the council.

Can I stand for election?

You must be:

• A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth
• 18 years of age or older
• Live in an area that is served by a local council

Which councils have elections in 2024?

Scheduled elections are due to take place for the following councils in the Westmorland and Furness area:

• Blawith & Subberthwaite Parish Council
• Broughton East Parish Council
• Burton-in-Kendal Parish Council
• Cartmel Fell Parish Council
• Claife Parish Council
  • Lower Ward
  • Upper Ward
• Colton Parish Council
  • Central Ward
  • East Ward
  • West Ward
• Coniston Parish Council
• Crook Parish Council
• Crosthwaite & Lyth Parish Council
• Haverthwaite Parish Council
• Hawkshead Parish Council
  • Fieldhead Ward
  • Hawkshead Ward
• Helsington Parish Council
• Heversham Parish Council
• Holme Parish Council
• Levens Parish Council
• Lindale and Newton-in-Cartmel Parish Council
  • High Newton Ward
  • Lindale Ward
• Lowick Parish Council
• Milnthorpe Parish Council
• Preston Richard Parish Council
• Satterthwaite Parish Council
• Sedgwick Parish Council
• Stainton Parish Council
• Staveley-in-Cartmel Parish Council
• Staveley-with-Ings Parish Council
  • Hughill Ward
  • Nether Staveley
  • Over Steveley
• Torver Parish Council
• Ulverston Town Council
  • Central Ward
  • East Ward
  • North Ward
  • South Ward
  • Town Ward
  • West Ward
• Witherslack, Meathop & Ulpha Parish Council
  • Meathop & Ulpha Ward
  • Witherslack Ward

How can I get involved?

Anyone interested in standing, can contact the elections team by email at elections3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk, or alternatively contact your relevant Parish Clerk.

Nomination papers may be obtained from the offices of the Returning Officer, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, LA9 4DQ and must be returned before 4pm on Friday 5 April 2024.

More details, including the number of seats available on each council are available on the Westmorland and Furness Council website.