Yes - most people are.
However there are a few rules -
You
have to be over 21,
on the electoral register for the council area for which you
wish to stand, or have worked in the area for the preceding
12 months, a citizen of the European Union, a local government
elector of the parish;
or a person who has, during the whole of the twelve months
before he or she was nominated as a candidate, occupied land
or other premises as owner or tenant in the parish or has
during the same period, resided in that area or within three
miles thereof, or has during the same period, had his or her
principal or only place of work in that area.
You
cannot stand for election if...
you are bankrupt or have, within five years before the day
of the election, been convicted in the United Kingdom of any
offence and have had a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended
or not) for a period of over three months without the option
of a fine you work for the council you want to become a councillor
for (but you can work for other local authorities, including
the principal authorities that represent the same area).
But I'm too young…
Some parish councils also run youth councils, which are comprised
of a number of young people representing their local schools
and colleges. They are granted their own political forum by
having a space and a time to meet and discuss matters that
affect them. These youth councils are in direct communication
with their parish councils so they can also be involved in
decision-making. Contact your parish council or speak to your
school to find out if either is involved in such a scheme
and you are interested in getting involved. If there is not
a scheme, or a parish youth forum, get together with friends
and put a proposal to your local community, parish or town
council.
I am
not a member of a political party and do not want to be...
Most community, parish and town councillors are not party
political - and many who are tied to one party as a councillor
for another sector, do not stand as a political candidate
for their parish council
