Seeking applications for co-opted councillors

Therefore Bishop Auckland Town Council are calling on people from all backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about their local area to put themselves forward for co-option.  They are urging enthusiastic and engaged members of the community who want to make a long-lasting change, have innovative ideas or and are passionate about their community to apply to be a Co-opted Councillor for the opportunity to make a real difference in Bishop Auckland. An integral part of a councillor's role is engaging with local people, groups, and businesses to determine their needs, making decisions on the services and projects the council should take forward, and getting involved to ensure services meet the community's needs.

A Co-opted* Councillor has the same role as an Elected Town Councillor.  The Key roles, as set out in the Standing Orders of Bishop Auckland Town Council defines that all Councillors will:

• collectively be the ultimate policy-makers and carry out a number of strategic and corporate management functions.
• represent their communities and bring their views into the Council’s decision making process
• become the advocate of and for their communities.
• contribute to the good governance of the area and actively encourage community participation and citizen involvement in decision making.
• deal with individual casework and act as an advocate for constituents in resolving particular concerns or grievances.
• balance different interests identified within the ward and represent the ward as a whole.
• respond to constituents’ enquiries and representations, fairly and impartially.
• be involved in decision-making at Town Council, Committee and Panel meetings.
• be available within the terms of the Constitution to represent the Council on other bodies
• promote and maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics.

Any candidate who wishes to apply for the vacancies will be asked to confirm that they are eligible for co-option. To be eligible they must be:

• Be at least 18 years of age (that is, the day of nomination or election).
• Be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland.

In addition they must meet at least one of the following:

• Be a registered elector of the Parish or have lived, worked, or owned property in the Parish for at least 12 months.
• On the relevant day and thereafter they continue to be on the electoral register for the Parish.
• During the whole of the twelve months before that day they have owned or tenanted land or premises in the Parish.
• During the whole of the twelve months before that day their principal or only place of work has been in the Parish.
• During the whole of the twelve months before that day they have resided in the parish or within three miles of it.
• Not be disqualified from being a councillor under any legal grounds, including undischarged bankruptcy, conviction of certain criminal offenses, or being employed by the parish council.

How to apply: 

Those who are interested in being co-opted are asked to apply in writing with a brief personal statement outlining their qualifications, experience, and reasons for wishing to join the Town Council, plus details of any relevant background or experience that demonstrates suitability for the role.

Applications must be made to Sarah Harris, Town Clerk Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 7JF or via email on council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk