Saltash Town Council - Cllr Vacancies / Elections
Become a Councillor for Saltash Town Council
Considering standing for election to Saltash Town Council in the 2025 elections?
Below are examples of questions you may wish to have answewred, key dates you may wish to consider and information on how to find out more and apply to be a Town Councillor.
If your question isn't answered below or you want to know more, email enquiries@saltash.gov.uk or call the Saltash Guildhall on 01752 844846.
Do I need any qualifications, skills or experience?
A Town Councillor does not need any qualifications, skills or experience. You just need to be passionate about your town and community.
Do I need to be a member of a political party or have allegiance to a political party?
No, you do not need to be a member of a political party or have allegiance to a political party to be a Saltash Town Councillor.
When does Saltash Town Council meet and what is the commitment?
Saltash Town Council Committee meetings are held in the evenings and start at 6.30pm, except for the Full Town Council meeting which starts at 7pm.
Town Councillors attendance is expected at all Committee meetings and they can volunteer to be a member of sub-committees or working groups.
Will I be paid to undertake the role and can I have a job alongside being a Town Councillor?
Town Councillors are classed as volunteers and are not paid for their role. They can receive an annual allowance if they are an elected Town Councillor.
Yes you can have a job and many past Town Councillors worked, juggled family life and made a difference in the community in this role. Being a Town Councillor can give you great skills such as leadership, public speaking and communication skills.
What does a Saltash Town Councillor do and why would I want to be a Town Councillor?
A Town Councillor represents the residents in their ward and acts as an ambassador for the community. It can be a rewarding experience and many stand to speak on behalf of their community and to shape the future of Saltash
As a Town Councillor you will need to
- Listen and be a voice for your community. By listening to residents Councillors can act as a voice for the community ensuring issues and aspirations are heard and taken into consideration.
- Represent the views of the community at district and county level feeding in the views of residents and ensuring the community is aware of issues that will affect them.
- Attending Saltash Town Council committee meetings and others as required.
- Attend ceremonial functions such as civic parades and Remembrance Day.
How can I become a Town Councillor?
There are certain criteria to be a Town Councillor
- He or she is a British citizen, Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Irish Republic or a citizen of another European Union States
- Has attained 18 years of age, and
- Is either in the register of electors for that parish/town, or has during the whole of the preceding twelve months:
- Occupied land in the area as owner or tenant
- Had a principal place of work there
- Resided in or within 4.8 kilometres (3 miles) of it.
Further guidance on how to stand to be a Saltash Town Councillor can be found on the Cornwall Council website https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/elections/elections-and-referendums/2025-cornwall-council-and-parish-and-town-council-elections-1-may-2025/#seatspc
or contact the Guildhall via telephone on 01752 844846 or via email a enquiries@saltash.gov.uk
What support can I expect from Saltash Town Council?
The Town Clerk, staff and your fellow Town Councillors will be able to offer you support as you settle into your new role. You will be offered training in subjects such as finance, safeguarding and how to be a Chair meetings.
You will be offered training and support throughout your time as a Town Councillor.
If you have any questions the Town Clerk will be available to support you.
What is a Town Council?
A Town Council is a statutory body and local authority with a range of statutory powers.
A Town Council is the most local tier of local government and the most closest to the residents.
Saltash is divided into three wards Tamar, Essa and Trematon. In total there are 16 Town Councillors divided into six for Tamar ward, six for Essa ward and four for Trematon ward.
You can find out more about what Saltash Town Council is responsible for and what Cornwall Council is responsible for here https://www.saltash.gov.uk/who-does-what.php
Key Dates for your diary
Date | Event/Action |
| Friday 14th March 2025 | Publish of notice of election and candidate packs available |
Pre-Election Period (formerly "purdah") begins | |
| Wednesday 2nd April, 4pm | Deadline for submission of candidate nomination papers |
Deadline for withdrawals of nomination | |
| Thursday 3rd April, 4pm | Publish of statement of persons nominated no later than 4pm |
| Wednesday 23rd April | Publish of notice of contested elections |
Notice of Uncontested Election issued if applicable | |
Thursday 1st May | POLLING DAY |
| Tuesday 6th May | New councillors take office Notice of the annual meeting is given |
Monday 12th May to Tuesday 20th May (inclusive) | Declaration of Acceptance of Office to be signed before Annual Council Meeting |
Useful Website Documents:
NALC Becoming a Councillor
It Takes All Sorts
The Good Councillors Guide
The Good Councillors Guide to Finance
Can You Stand for Election