Payment and training

Payment

You can receive a basic allowance as a councillor, some parish councils maintain a strictly unpaid status. Depending on your duties, you can be eligible for travel, subsistence or special responsibility allowances.

If you work, your employer must by law allow you to take a reasonable amount of time off, during working hours, to perform your councillor duties. The amount of time off will depend on your responsibilities
and the effect absences from work might have on your employer’s business. If you're thinking of becoming a councillor you should discuss these issues with your employer.

Training and support

County councillors have an induction programme which explains what we do and your development opportunities.  Experienced councillors support new councillors and officers are on hand to give advice.
Find out more from our candidate guide. 

District councils provide training for their councillors which includes discussing the role of a councillor and the workings of the council.

There is no statutory induction programme for parish councillors but there may be training available locally through organisations such as the Buckinghamshire Association of Local Councils (BALC).

‘You will meet and enjoy the company of committed councillors and officers, who are there to help you assist your constituents’ Mike Appleyard, Councillor for Thames.