Become a Town Councillor

Applications to be a Town Councillor are open

Apply by 5pm on Monday 22 April 2024

Thame Town Council is calling on residents who are passionate about their community to stand as a Town Councillor. Please read the documents below and the information on this page:

 

Note: The information on this page is relevant for people interested in standing as a Town Councillor at Thame Town Council. If you are interested in standing as a District Councillor at South Oxfordshire District Council, check out their website as there is a different nomination form and guidance available.

What does a Councillor do?

Councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes. Becoming a councillor will allow you to make a real difference in your community by engaging with residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs; making decisions on which projects, functions and services the council should take forward and getting involved locally to ensure the services are meeting your community’s needs.

Council Responsibilities Graphic [JPEG]

How much time per week?

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) research found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours per week for council work.  Experienced councillors may be up to ten hours per week.  This often included attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking on behalf of the council to other bodies.

Thame Town Council has council / committee meetings most Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm.

Thame Town Council Schedule of Meetings

Who can be a Councillor?

You must be:

  • British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union
  • At least 18 years old
  • Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property in Thame (or within 3 miles) for at least 12 months before an election

Apart from meeting the qualifications for standing for election above, you must also not be disqualified. Further information can be found on the links below.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are eligible to be a Town Councillor.

Can you stand for election? [PDF]

More information on eligibility

Nomination Pack (Co-Option)

Thame North & South Wards 2023 [PDF]

 

Guidance on applying (Local Elections only)

Information for candidates

Guidance on standing in Local Elections

Standing as a party candidate [PDF]

Standing as an independent candidate [PDF]

Thame North & South Wards 2023 [PDF]

How can I find out more?

Useful Websites:

  • Electoral Commission – The independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK.
  • National Association of Local Councils (NALC) – A membership organisation and the only national body representing the interests of local (parish and town) councils.
  • Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils (OALC) – Provides advice and information for local councils in Oxfordshire, and training for councillors and clerks. OALC represent local council interests through partnerships with other local and regional agencies in the public, private and voluntary sectors. 
  • South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) – Made up of 36 Councillors (including three who are elected to represent Thame). SODC provide services such as council tax, planning, bin collections, housing, environmental health, and leisure centres.
  • Thame Town Council (TTC) – 16 Councillors who are elected to work with local residents and businesses to preserve the town’s unique heritage and dynamic future. By working together we hope to make Thame an even better place to live, work and enjoy.