Not sure who your local councillor is? It’s worth finding out…
We have 52 at Wrexham Council, and each is elected to serve a specific area or community – known as a ‘ward.’
You can find out who your local councillor is by looking on our website.
Now here’s something you might not know. We only have 47 wards in the county borough.
So if you live in Cefn, Coedpoeth, Gwersyllt East/South, Llay or Ponciau, you have two councillors.
The number of wards is decided by an independent panel called the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.
And things could change. The commission is reviewing how wards are organised across Wales.
Watch this space.
How are local councillors elected?
So…how do councillors get to become councillors? Fair question.
Local councillors are people who know and care about your local area. They usually have to live or work nearby before they can qualify as a candidate in local elections.
And it’s you – our local residents – who have the power to choose who’s elected for your area. So make sure you vote!
To take part in elections, you need to be over 18 and be a registered voter. If you’re not registered, you can do it online.
It’s quick and easy.
How often are they elected?
Your current county borough councillors were elected in 2017. Typically, councillors are voted in every four or five years.
When the next election takes place, your councillor might choose to stand again, or they might not.
What do councillors do?
Councillors are there to listen to you, and represent your community – acting as a link with the council, and making sure local views and concerns are heard.
They also play a part in the decisions the council makes – and will usually sit on at least one committee (check out our previous article for more info).
As well as the big issues, they also help solve problems that might be on a smaller scale, but still affect local people’s lives.
Because each ward is home to thousands of people, your councillors have to weigh-up views that might clash, and try to deliver the fairest result for everyone.
It can be a really tough job.
There’s lots involved. As well as weighing-in on issues like housing, social care, transport and taxes, they get involved in all kinds of projects for the benefit of their communities…and for Wrexham as a whole.
They have to commit a huge amount of time and energy.
How do I get in touch with my councillor?
You can contact your local councillor with questions and concerns about your local area.
You can find their contact details on our website.
You can phone, email or even send a letter if you feel like going old school.
Remember, your councillor speaks on your behalf – so it’s crucial you speak out when you need their help or have something important you want to say.
Getting in contact with your local councillor gives you the chance to see real impact in your community.
