Members overview
What is a member?
A member is elected to represent the interests of everyone in their constituency for a four-year period. The last elections were held in 2021.
Your member should be able to explain the actions of the council in terms of service priorities, measures and targets to you and ensure that your views are brought to bear on the council's decisions.
A member is expected to ensure that council matters are conducted in an open and accountable manner.
Members are paid a basic allowance of £10,826.57 and can also receive a special responsibility allowance (SRA) for special responsibilities that must be defined within the scheme.
Examples of positions that will receive a special responsibility allowance are:
- The leader of the council
- Cabinet members
- Committee/panel chairman
A full list of the level of allowances is contained within the members allowances regulations.
Who is my local member?
Find out who your county councillor is.
Code of conduct
Every authority is required to adopt a code of conduct that sets out rules governing the behaviour of its members. The code of conduct covers areas of individual behaviour such as members not abusing their position or not misusing their authority's resources. The Members' Code of Conduct can be found in Section 3 of our Constitution.
In addition, there are rules governing disclosure of interest and withdrawal from meetings where members have relevant interests. Members are also required to record on the public register their financial and other interests.