I just happened to stumble across the “National Census of Local Authority Councillors 2013” today and what I found made for very interesting reading.
- 67% of Councillors are male
- Councillors have an average age of 60.2 with Councillors aged over 70 increasing
- Just 19.2% of Councillors are in full-time employment
- 96% are of white ethnic origin
How can this be truly representative of our community and why don’t more residents come forward and stand as candidates?
Isn’t it about time we had a broader cross-section of the community representing residents views?
I have been a Councillor for nearly 2 years and intend on standing again in May. I see myself as bucking the trend, being a young 41 years old, but I would still love to see more women and younger people stand as candidates.
So if you want to know more feel free to get in touch with me
Hi James
I agree we need a wider age range of people standing as Councillors. Though it’s easy to understand why we have so many Councillors who are 60 plus in age. If you are still working and bringing up a family, somethings need to be prioritised, and for most of us, family and their well-being is the priority. To be a full time Councillor and do the job properly is extremely time consuming, requiring personal sacrifices, that’s why those Councillors who are 60 plus and are nearing retirement or retired are able to give the dedication needed, which their younger counterparts will never be able to give.