• Have you ever wanted to get something done for your community?
• Have you ever thought that the council could spend money better?
• Have you ever wanted to improve public services?

If the answer is yes, then have you ever thought about becoming a city councillor?

The Local Government Association which is the national body representing local government, has lots of information which will help you understand what is involved.

Read our page about how to become a candidate to find out what you need to do if you decide to put yourself forward for nomination as a councillor.

Workload

Councillors are very active in their community, attend residents' meetings in their wards, and deal with residents about matters that concern them.

As well as attending the five council meetings held each year, councillors could be asked to serve on one or more committee or working party, as well as their local area committee.

Most committees meet four times a year, but some, such as planning and licensing, meet more often and so the workload of their members is greater. Area committees usually meet once every eight weeks.

Information on when committees meet can be found on our democracy website.

Councillors need to spend time reading reports and become familiar with the issues they deal with so that they can make informed decisions.

Councillors must not let their attendance at committee meetings slip for more than six months, otherwise they will cease to be a councillor.

Extra responsibilities

Some councillors take on extra responsibilities such as being a member of the executive, chairing a committee, or acting as a party spokesperson, all of which can contribute to a heavier workload.

If they are a member of a political group, councillors also need to attend political group meetings in order to discuss reports and agree action before committee meetings. Many councillors represent the council at other organisations' meetings.

Help

You will receive an induction programme following election, with ongoing training and development to help you perform your role.

Remuneration

Councillors are not paid a salary. However, they do get allowances to cover some of the costs of being a councillor. All councillors currently receive £5,210 per annum, some receive more by undertaking additional duties.

Benefits in kind

Councillors at Cambridge City Council are entitled to certain benefits in kind in the course of their duties as a city councillor. This is in addition both to their allowances payments, and to the reimbursements of expenses which they claim.

Car park passes

In order to facilitate the attendance of the members of the council at various meetings, car park passes are made available, on request. These passes grant entry to the members of the council at the three principal, city-centre car parks: Grand Arcade, Queen Anne Terrace, and Park Street.

Training, travel and accommodation expenses

The council meets the costs of attendance at conferences, and other approved training events, both within the city and further afield. Travel and accommodation expenses are also met as required.

Attendance at civic events

Councillors receive invitations to support the mayor at civic events; such as receptions, the Proclamation of Reach and Midsummer Fairs. Hospitality in the form of wine, soft drink, and buffet snacks is usually available. These occasions occur around eight times a year.

Free beverages

Councillors have free use of a hot and cold beverage machine located on the first floor of the Guildhall.

Mayoral car

The mayoral car is available for each successive mayor to transport him or her to official engagements, when either the chain or the badge of office is being worn. The fuel is paid for by the council.

Loyalty discounts

Councillors can receive a CamCard (an employee benefit scheme) and reduced charges for some leisure facilities at Parkside pools.