Become a Councillor
Do you want to do more for our community?
As a Parish Councillor, you could help to look after and improve, many of the facilities in our parish.
What’s Involved?
You can spend a lot of time on council work – but most people have jobs, families and hobbies that also demand a lot of time. However, as with most things, the more you put in, the more you (and our community) will get out.
Germoe Parish Council meets 11 times a year, on the first Thursday of the month. There is no meeting in August. You should also attend the Annual Parish Meeting which is normally held on the first Thursday in May immediately before the Annual Parish Council Meeting.
At the Annual Parish Council Meeting you will be invited to take on responsibility (on an overview basis) for one or more of the following: Planning, Finance, Footpaths and Bridleways, one of the six notice-boards within the Parish, liaison with the Helston and the Lizard Peninsula Community Network Panel, liaison with Germoe School and liaison with the press.
Much of what the Council does is common sense, but Cornwall Council runs helpful evening introductory sessions for new councillors.
The The Good Councillors Guide booklet (from the National Association of Local Councils) has more information about the duties of a Parish Councillor.
How do I apply for co-option to the Parish Council?
Co-option is a less formal process than election.
The Parish Council may fill vacant seats on the Council by co-option
1. When seats on the Council remain unfilled after the four-yearly election (because fewer than seven valid nominations were submitted), or
2. After a “casual vacancy” is created, for example by resignation of a councillor, and if, after the vacancy has been officially advertised, a by-election process has not been formally requested by 10 electors.
When the Parish Council has a vacancy which is it seeking to fill by co-option, if you want to put your name forward, or if you would like more information about what’s involved, contact the Clerk germoeparishclerk@hotmail.com
You will be asked to write a letter introducing yourself and including:
1. A statement of the length of time you have lived in or been associated with the Parish
2. A resumé of the work you have done (both paid and voluntary)
3. A statement of the skills and qualifications you have
4. A statement explaining why you would like to be a Councillor
5. What you believe you could bring to the appointment
Who can apply?
You must be:
1. A British subject or Irish citizen,
2. 18 years of age or over, and
3. either on the list of electors for the Parish or, during the whole of the preceding twelve months,
(i) have occupied land in the parish as owner or tenant, or
(ii) had a principal place of work here, or
(iii) resided in or within three miles of it.
Other information
Our Parish Council is strictly non-party-political.
Canvassing: Some candidates in our Parish Council elections may choose to distribute flyers about themselves before the elections. This is not required, but you may think it helpful to make yourself known to the electors. Bear in mind that those voting by post may cast their votes well in advance of the actual polling day. There are rules governing the costs of canvassing and leaflets, The rules are not unduly onerous, but any flyer or leaflet does need to say who published it and who printed it.
More information and forms: for more information about the process or how the Council works, contact our Clerk, D Rutherford germoeparishclerk@hotmail.com in election years he may be able to provide you with a copy of the nomination forms.
Germoe Councillors – Current Vacancy
Any of the current councillors would be happy to talk to you.
The Electoral Commission – information for candidates, voters and others
CALC: Information about Town and Parish Councils