The Role of the Member

A Member is elected to represent the interests of everyone in their constituency.

You can find out who your County Councillor is.

Your Member should be able to explain the actions of the Council in terms of service priorities, measures and targets to you and ensure that your views are brought to bear on the Council's decisions.

A Member is expected to ensure that Council matters are conducted in an open and accountable manner.

Every authority is required to adopt a Code of Conduct that sets out rules governing the behaviour of its Councillors.  The Code of Conduct covers areas of individual behaviour such as Members not abusing their position or not misusing their authority's resources. In addition, there are rules governing disclosure of interest and withdrawal from meetings where Members have relevant interests. Members are also required to record on the public register their financial and other interests.

Staffordshire County Council has established a Local Member Initiative Scheme (LMIS) where each Member has £10,000 to spend in his constituency.  This is a scheme that is aimed at giving everyone living in communities across the County a say in how, together with the support of their local councillor, they can enhance their local community".

Members are paid a basic allowance of £8240 and can also receive a Special Responsiblity Allowance (SRA) for special responsibilities that must be defined within the Scheme.  Examples of positions that will receive a Special Responsibility Allowance are:- the Leader of the Council, Cabinet Members, Committee/Panel Chairman.  A full list of the level of allowances is contained within the Members Allowances Regulations.

The Member and Democratic Services Unit provides support for Members.

This includes responsibility for the organisation of major events including the annual Civic Church Service, the Chairman's Charity Reception, and other ad hoc events.

Members of the public requiring further information about Members are welcome to contact the Unit at any time.

Last Modified: 28/10/2008 15:02:44
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