Published: 21 October 2026
Could You Be a Town or Parish Councillor?
Local Councils Need People Who Care
Have you ever wanted to make a difference in your community? Do you care about local
issues and want to help shape the future of the place where you live?
Town and parish councils play an important role in local communities, representing residents, supporting local services and facilities, and helping to deliver projects that improve towns and villages.
In May 2027, elections will take place for town and parish councils across Cumbria. This isyour opportunity to get involved and make a positive contribution to your community.
You do not need any special qualifications or previous experience to become a councillor. Councils benefit from people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experiences.
Whether you are employed, retired, self employed, studying, volunteering or raising a family, your perspective and knowledge could make a valuable contribution.
As a councillor, you can:
∙ Represent the views of local residents
∙ Help make decisions about local priorities and services
∙ Support community projects and initiatives
∙ Influence the future of your town, village or parish
∙ Work with others to improve your local area
Being a councillor is a rewarding way to give something back to your community while
helping ensure local people have a voice in decisions that affect them.
The Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC) is running its Be a Councillor 2027
campaign to encourage more people to consider standing for election and to help ensure local councils reflect the communities they serve.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a councillor, contact CALC at
Be a Councillor. Get Involved. Make a Difference. Make a Change.