Could you be a Town Councillor?

If you are passionate about Royal Wootton Bassett, then becoming a Town Councillor is a great way to have a direct impact on your community – residents, business and visitors. Sounds interesting, then read on!

On Thursday 1^st May 2025, elections will take place for 16 seats on Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council. Councillors are elected to represent one of the three wards in the town: North, South & West and East Ward and are elected to serve a period of four years.

Role of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council forms the first tier of local government, closest to its community. During a meeting of the Full Council on 6^th February 2025, the Town Council agreed to move to a non-political council with the aim that at election time potential candidates agree to stand in their own name and solely represent the views of the community they serve. For the full press release visit the news item Town Council moves to a Non-Political Council.

The role of the Town Council is to ensure Royal Wootton Bassett is a thriving and healthy town, committed to preserving its historic importance and sustainable future in which to be an attractive place to work, live and visit. This is all achieved by working collaboratively as a team of Councillors and Officers along with a range of external partners, community groups and charities.

The Town Council is committed to delivering services and facilities to meet local needs, some of our services and facilities we provide include:

• Allotments
• CCTV
• Cemetery
• Christmas Lights
• Community rooms at the Memorial Hall and The Manor House
• Ground maintenance around the town
• Jubilee Lake
• High Street furniture and the War memorial
• Merchant House
• Planning consultee
• 7 Play parks
• Public conveniences at Boroughfields and Jubilee Lake
• Speed Indicator Devices
• Town events
• Trustee of Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall
• Trustee of Wootton Bassett Town Hall Trust & Charity
• Wednesday market
• Youth provision.

The Role of a Town Councillor

Town councillors make a huge difference to the quality of life of local people and how local issues are dealt with. They take up issues on behalf of residents and work with local people such as community groups, businesses and other organisations/ bodies.

Councillors serve and represent the community in many ways: Talking to their residents, responding to queries and issues from local people, preparing for and attending council meetings to participate in discussions and decisions and attend civic events throughout the year.

Councillors are there to ensure all residents have a voice. This includes listening to and representing the needs of various groups, making sure no one is left behind. You can shape policies and decisions that directly affect the lives of your neighbours, improve local services, and enhance the overall quality of life in your community.

It’s an opportunity to give back to the place that’s given you so much, whether it’s through improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, or addressing residents’ concerns. As a councillor, you can work to build stronger community bonds, help foster inclusivity, and create a more cohesive environment for people to live in.

How to become a candidate

To check your eligibility please check on the criteria listed at The Electoral Commission: Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England

Nomination Process

To become nominated as a candidate you will need to submit a completed set of nomination papers to one of the three Wiltshire Council hubs: Bourne Hill, Monkton Park and County Hall. Nominations open Wednesday 12^th March 2025 at 10am and the deadline for submission of nomination papers on Wednesday 2^nd April 2025 4pm.

Candidates considering standing for election are encouraged to read the guidance from the Electoral Commission which details what you need to do.

Guidance for candidates for election to a Parish or Town Council can be found at The Electoral Commission: Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England

Nomination papers for election to a Parish or Town Council can be found at The Electoral Commission: Guidance for Candidates at Parish Council elections in England.

Wiltshire Council are encouraging candidates to book appointments in advance for an informal check of nomination papers before submission.

Further information

There is lots more information available on Wiltshire Council’s local elections page www.wiltshire.gov.uk/local-elections

The Local Government Association’s be a councillor campaign is also helpful www.local.gov.uk/be-councillor

If you would like to have an informal chat with the Chief Officer to find out more about the role then please contact the office on 01793 850222. Alternatively speak to one of our current Town Councillors who can explain the work required, and how rewarding the role is.