Would YOU become a councillor?

Have you ever thought about standing as a councillor in Medway?  Many people are interested in serving their community, but sometimes aren’t sure how to go about it.

This page will give you some details about what it entails, and how you can make a difference to your community.

It is hard work, but rewarding, and you can make a difference to people’s lives.

Read on for details about standing as a Labour councillor, and what the national Labour Party, and local Labour Group stand for.

The councillor's role and responsibilities include:
· representing the ward they are elected in
· decision-making
· developing and reviewing council policy on a range of issues
· scrutinising the decisions taken by the councillors on the executive
· regulatory duties
· community leadership and engagement.
You will also have to attend Council meetings, Scrutiny meetings, and Labour Group meetings.

The most important skills you need will be the ones you’ve gained through your work, your family and your experiences.  You don’t need any special qualifications, but you will need:

· communication skills 
· problem solving and analytical skills
· team working
· organisational skills 
· ability to engage with your local community

Although you don’t get a salary, you will receive a ‘member’s allowance’ for your work.  You’ll also receive all the help and support you need from both the Labour Group, and the Council itself.
This website, although designed for people standing in London Councils, is very informative, and should answer most of your queries.  If you have any more questions, please contact Vince or Adam, using the details below.
www.beacouncillor.org.uk
vince.maple@medway.gov.uk and/or aprice_nthgill@hotmail.com

Just some of Labour’s Achievements Since 1997
· Introduction of the minimum wage
· By putting an extra 14 000 police on the streets, and introducing PCSOs and neighbourhood policing, crime has fallen by nearly 40%
· 85 000 more nurses, and 32 000 more doctors
· Introduced the Climate Change Bill, which commits the country to cutting emissions by 80%, by 2050.
· Free off-peak bus travel for the over 60s
 
Labour in Medway
  The three MPs have worked with the Government to secure the new university in Medway.
· Investment in healthcare services will see three new GPs centres and a new health centre for the area.
· There will be 22 Sure Start Centres in Medway, providing care and information for families- we currently have 14.
· The Government has invested over £100 million for the regeneration of Medway.
· Three new academies will be opening, bringing in between £20-25 million investment in each one.

Thank-you for your support