Council News

https://www.nalc.gov.uk/our-work/elections

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2nd MAY 2019

The four-yearly, all-out, elections for South Somerset District Council and Chard Town Council and Parish Councils in the District will be held on Thursday 2 May 2019. Polling stations will be open from 7.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. on that day. If they wish to serve for a further term of office, all councillors currently in office must stand for re-election.
If the same number as, or a lesser number than, nominations are received than there are vacancies for the Council or ward, candidates validly nominated will be elected unopposed. If there are more nominations than there are vacancies, an election will be held.
Key dates in the election timetable are:

• Friday 22 March 2019 – Publication of the notices of election. Nominations may be submitted from this date (but not before). Nominations must be delivered by hand.

• Wednesday 3 April 2019, 4.00 p.m. – Close of nominations. No nominations may be accepted after this date.

• Friday 12 April 2019 – Last date for applying to be included in the register of electors (if not already included) to enable you to vote at the elections on 2 May.

• Monday 15 April 2019, 5.00 p.m. – Last date for the receipt of applications to vote by post at the elections

• Wednesday 24 April 2019, 5.00 p.m. – Last date for the receipt of applications to vote by proxy at the elections (other than emergency proxies – for further information about emergency proxies please contact Electoral Services)

If you wish to stand for election for the District Council, please refer to the Electoral Commission’s guidance at:

https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/local-elections-in-england

Or, if you wish to stand for election at a Parish or Town Council, the Electoral Commission’s guidance is available at:

https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parish-and-community-council-elections-in-england-and-wales

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS
Chard Town Council is asking for local residents to nominate people in their community who have made an outstanding contribution to Chard in some way.

We want to hear about Chard residents who have unselfishly contributed to their community. These awards are our opportunity to both recognise and thank them for their contribution to Chard

The Outstanding Service Awards are all about recognising people within the town for the good work they have done helping others – it could be one single act, or it could be over a number of years. Chard Town Council wants to know more about the unsung heroes that have demonstrated outstanding voluntary service and commitment to others.

Chard’s Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Monday 20th May 2019 in The Guildhall from 7.00pm. Members of the public are invited to join us and are welcome to ask questions.

During the meeting, residents of Chard who have contributed to the town in some outstanding way will be awarded with an ‘Outstanding Service Award’ by the Town Mayor.

If you know of someone who deserves recognition for services to the community please send your nomination in writing to The Community Liaison Officer at the Chard Town Council Offices in the Guildhall, giving the person’s details and a short paragraph as to why you feel they deserve this nomination.

All nominations must be received no later than end of day on Monday 8th April 2019.

Note to Editors:
Chard Town Council was established in 1974 following the changes in local government; it is comprised of fifteen councillors representing the town’s five wards. It has three standing committees as well as a number of working groups.

You can contact Councillors in a number of ways:
• By telephone or email
• By making an appointment to see a Councillor
• With a home visit: Councillors will make home visits to elderly and disabled members of the public who are unable to travel to the surgeries or the Guildhall
• By visiting one of the surgeries

Contact:
Liz Johnson-Idan – Community Liaison Officer
Guildhall
Fore Street
Chard
TA20 1PP

Tel: 01460 260055 Email: community@chard.gov.uk

Chard Town Council
THE GUILDHALL, FORE STREET, CHARD, SOMERSET TA20 1PP
01460 239567 chardtowncouncil@chard.gov.uk www.chard.gov.uk
Mayor: Cllr Garry Shortland

4th February 2019

MAKE A CHANGE, BECOME A LOCAL COUNCILLOR
Chard Town Council is calling on residents, passionate about their community to stand in the local elections in 2019 and also have 3 Councillor vacancies currently being advertised for co-option

What do councillors 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 services and projects the council should take forward; and getting involved locally to ensure the services are meeting your community’s needs.

How long does it take?
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Local Councillor Census Survey found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work. This often includes attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking on behalf of the council to other bodies.

Can I stand?
There are only a few rules to stand for election. You must be:
• A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union
• 18 years of age or older
• Live in an area that is served by a local council

How can I get involved?
Contact the Town Clerk at The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard, TA20 1PP, www.chard.gov.uk chardtowncouncil@chard.gov.uk 01460 239567 to find out more or visit www.nalc.gov.uk/elections

COUNCILLOR VACANCY – NOTICE OF CO-OPTION/APPLICATION

NALC – MAKE A CHANGE BECOME A LOCAL COUNCILLOR