Have you thought about becoming a Parish Councillor and representing your community?

On May 7^th 2026 Fowlmere Parish Council is up for election.

This is a process that takes place every four years and gives you the opportunity to vote for the people who will represent you.

It is also the opportunity for you to put yourself forward to be that representative.

Fowlmere Parish Council is comprised of 9 councillors, and you could be one of them! In 2022 we had an impressive 15 candidates and were one of just 6 Parish Councils in South Cambridgeshire to have a ballot.

Parish Councils are about making small but worthwhile improvements to our villages, and it is important that the council is made up from a diverse mix of individuals, young and old, that not only reflect and represent the community they live in but have a wide range of skills to go with it.

We could very easily be called a Village Council or a Community Council. We can’t change the world but we do strive to make Fowlmere a better place to live, work and play. These improvements often start with an idea, for example; cleaning the village benches, speedwatch and traffic calming initiatives, installation of the defibrillator, street sign refurbishment, bulb planting, installing the skate park and outdoor gym equipment…… or your idea…!!!

While you don’t need any special qualifications to be a councillor, having or being able to develop the following skills, knowledge and attributes will help you in the role:

✓ Communication skills; these include listening and interpersonal skills, public speaking skills, the ability to consider alternative points of view and to negotiate, mediate and resolve conflict.

✓ Problem solving and analytical skills; this includes being able to get to the bottom of an issue and to think of different ways to resolve it, including considering the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

✓ Team working; being able to work with others in meetings and on committees and being able to complete any tasks that you agree to do on time.

✓ Organisational skills; being able to plan and manage your time, keep appointments and meet deadlines.

✓ Ability to engage with your local community; you may have to make yourself available through meetings, the media, the internet, public forums, debates and on the telephone.

Do I qualify?

To become a Parish Councillor you need to be:

1. At least 18 years old on polling day. (If it’s your actual 18th Birthday that’s okay!)
2. And one of the following four must apply:  Be a British citizen or, An eligible Commonwealth citizen or, A citizen of the Republic of Ireland or, A qualifying EU citizen with retained rights.
3. Finally one of these four additional qualifications must apply:

• You are, and will continue to be, registered as a local government elector for the parish in which you wish to stand from the day of your nomination onwards.
• You have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the parish area during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election.
• Your main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of your nomination and the day of election has been in the parish area.
• You have lived in the parish area or within three miles of it during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election.

The important dates to note are:

30th March nominations open

9th April nominations close at 4pm

All nomination papers must be delivered by hand to the Elections department at South Cambridgeshire District Council. Nominations cannot be accepted by post.

7th May is Polling Day from 7am -10pm

Information and nomination papers can be downloaded from South Cambridgeshire District Council

The Electoral Commission has published a full guidance document for Candidates at Parish Council Elections which can be viewed here.

How big a commitment is being a Parish Councillor?

The Parish Council meets 6 times a year (every two months) for a Full Council Meeting. This is where decisions are formally made in public to ensure full transparency. These meetings also give us an opportunity to engage with our District and County Councillors in person and allows members of the public to ask questions in person.

In between meetings Councillors work with the Clerk and contractors to deliver the projects that have been agreed on as well as develop new ideas and projects.

There are also committees that councillors can join if they are interested in the subject area. We currently have a Finance committee, a Planning Committee, a HR Committee and a Committee to Deliver the Purchase of the Old URC Chapel which will evolve into a management committee. Additionally there are appointed Tree Officers and the Parish Council appoints one Trustee to the Village Hall Management Committee.

How much time each Councillor gives varies but the more that you can put in, the greater sense of achievement you will get out of the role.

If you are interested you may find it helpful to talk to a current Councillor or The Clerk. Email addresses can be found on our contact page.