Councillors
There are 38 members of Broxbourne Council. Each of them
has been elected to represent residents who live in one of the 13
geographical areas (or 'wards') that make up the Borough. In all
but one of the wards they share this responsibility equally with
two other councillors. Rosedale ward because of its size only
has two councillors. If you want to check which ward you live
in, telephone the member services section at Bishops’ College,
Cheshunt, 01992 785555.
View a list of Councillors by ward and by
name.
Term of Office
Councillors are elected to represent a ward for a four year
term. In three years out of the four year cycle an election
is held for a third of council seats. (An election for
Hertfordshire County Councillors is held in the fourth year of the
cycle.)
Role of a Councillor
Councillors are elected by the community to represent the
interests of local people and to ensure the council fulfils its
duties and takes collective decisions which form the policy of the
Council. The Council reflects the view of the majority of
members.
Councillors:
- meet in various committees to discuss and agree major policies
that determine how the services are run
- ensure the Council is delivering good services
- decide on priorities for the council
- make decisions in committees
- agree how much will be spent by the Council each year
- agree how much you will pay in Council Tax
- help individuals in their wards
Council officers advise councillors on the work to be carried
out by the Council. These are professionally trained staff
who are employed to carry out the functions and duties of the
Council as decided by its elected members.
Councillors can help if you are dissatisfied with a council
service by advising or directing you to someone who can help sort
out your problem and can sometimes progress the case on your
behalf.
Councillors have the opportunity to become involved in local
issues and make a difference to the lives of their local community.
You can write to them at their home addresses or via the Council
Offices or alternatively you can contact them by phone/e-mail.
The Council is invited to appoint representatives on a range of
local organisations and groups in the Borough. Most of the
appointees are serving or former borough councillors.
A full list of council
representatives is available.
Councillors' allowances
Councillors receive an allowance, the details of which are in
Part 6 of the Council's
Constitution. The total sum paid to each
member of the Council is available in April each year showing
the amount paid under the Council's scheme during the previous
financial year. Each year an Independent Remuneration Panel meets to
consider the level of councillors' allowances and make
recommendations to the Council. The panel is provided with
background information to assist it with its
deliberations.
To find out how to become a councillor view the guide provided
by the
Electoral Commission.
The Improvement and Development Agency have published a number
of documents which provide useful background reading for anyone
contemplating a role as a local councillor. Visit
Representing the Future or Make a Difference.
Political Structure
Broxbourne Council retains the committee system of governance
with the political balance on each of the Council's seven
committees reflecting the overall political balance of the
Council. Following the elections on 1 May 2008 the
Conservative group has 35 Councillors and the Labour group
has three Councillors.
Committee
Structure