Community Councils need more councillors who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve — including more people under 40, disabled individuals, and those from a wide range of backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, and life experiences.
Disabled candidates can also access funding through the Access to Elected Office Fund to help cover any additional costs related to their impairment that could otherwise create a barrier to standing for election.
Councillors can come from all walks of life — whether working full-time, part-time, unemployed, or studying.
To stand as a councillor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age, and
- Be a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of a European Union member state, or a qualifying foreign national.
In addition, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You are, and will remain, registered as a local government elector in the area you wish to represent from the date of your nomination onward.
- You have owned or rented land or property in the local authority area for the 12 months leading up to the day of your nomination and the day of the election.
- Your main place of work has been within the local authority area during the 12 months before your nomination and election dates.
- You have lived in the local authority area continuously for the 12 months prior to both your nomination and the election.
You are not eligible to become a councillor if you:
- Hold a politically restricted post;
- Are currently subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order;
- Have been disqualified under the Representation of the People Act 1983, which includes offences involving corrupt or illegal electoral practices;
- Have received a prison sentence (including a suspended sentence) of three months or more within the last five years;
- Have been disqualified under any laws relating to corrupt or illegal practices;
- Are subject to notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and the period for appealing or applying against the order or notification has expired.
The next Community Council elections in Wales will take place in 2027.
However, vacancies may arise before then if a member stops being a councillor for any reason.
If a vacancy becomes open, it will be published here and elsewhere within the community.
Community council elections in Wales – Guidance for candidates
