Become a Councillor – You Can Make a Difference
On 1st May 2025, elections will take place for parish councils and Shropshire Council.
How to Apply
Shropshire Council oversee the elections. There is a lot of information on their website
Nominations open on 10th March 2025 and you must submit your application by 2nd April 2025 at 4pm.
You can see the full election timetable here:
Nomination papers are available to download from The Electoral Commission website or you can request a copy by emailing elections@shropshire.gov.uk
Where to submit your parish council election nomination papers (submit by hand so the papers can be checked)
The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQ
Oswestry Library, Arthur Street, Oswestry, SY11 1JN (specified dates/times only)
Bridgnorth Library, Listley Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AW (specified dates/times only)
Wem Library, High Street, Wem, SY4 5AA (specified dates/times only)
Helena Lane Day Care Centre, 20 Hamlet Road, Ludlow, SY8 2NP (specified dates/times only)
Please do not submit any paperwork to the parish council – Shropshire Council Elections oversee the process – for queries contact elections@shropshire.gov.uk
So what do parish councillors do?
Parish councillors:
Parish councillors work towards improving the well-being of their community. Parish councils provide services at the most local level and parish councillors are well placed to know exactly what is best for their local communities.
In a period of possible change, for Great Hanwood parish we need councillors to represent the community on issues such as the Local Plan and speeding.
If you want to become a councillor, you must meet the qualifications as set out on the Electoral Commission website
How Much Time Does It Take?
Being a councillor requires commitment. You should attend all the Full Council meetings, and any committees and working groups you represent the council on. In Hanwood, the council meets about 10 times a year and we have some working groups, on issues such as speeding.
You will be expected to read meeting agendas and associated documents to guide you with important decisions that will make your parish a better place in which to live and work. Being a councillor can be rewarding and now is an opportunity for you to become part of the decision making process at the most local level, at a critical time for the parish of Hanwood
Information for voters
Polling day is on 1st May 2025, 7am to 10pm. It is essential to ensure you are both registered to vote and that you have a suitable form of ID. if you don’t have an accepted form of ID, you can apply for it – guidelines here
There are deadlines by which you must register to vote and apply for Voter ID (if needed). Some of the key dates are below, for a list see the timetable on Shropshire Council’s website
Register to vote: 11th April 2025, 5pm
Receipt of proxy vote applications: 14th April 2025, 5pm
Receipt of proxy vote applications: 23rd April 2025, 5pm
Last day for Voter Authority (Voter ID) certificate applications: 23rd April 2025, 5pm
Emergency proxy vote applications: 1st May 2025, 5pm
Please do not submit any paperwork to the parish council – Shropshire Council Elections oversee the process – elections@shropshire.gov.uk