What is a Parish Councillor?

Parish Councillors are just like our community, diverse, with a wide variety of life experiences and perspectives.  Whether you are stay at home parent or have a profession, your experiences are invaluable to protect democracy and make a difference in our community.  There are no formal qualifications required with sector specific training being readily available to ensure you can participate effectively and contribute constructively to the democratic process.

Acting as part of the ‘body corporate’, guided by Standing Orders and Financial Regulations, a Parish Councillor participates in the formation and scrutiny of Parish Council policies, budgets and service delivery.  They take an active role to bring about improvements through local projects and promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of the parish.

A Councillor does not need to have any political affiliation.  They simply need to be proposed and seconded by electors within the ward they wish to represent, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Why should I stand as Parish Councillor?

Becoming a Parish Councillor is a unique opportunity to influence the community in which you live and work.  You can make a difference.  You can create local solutions and protect local services.  You can be part of a team and make a lasting change.

Your ability to problem solve, to communicate, to listen and engage makes you the ideal candidate.

Join Chandler’s Ford Parish Council, be part of something and make a difference.

What is the Parish Council?

Chandler’s Ford Parish Council is the first tier of local Government responsible for our immediate community, with specific duties and responsibilities defined by law.  Above us sits Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

Chandler’s Ford Parish Council represents the community and maintains key spaces, services and facilities that matter to you.  By addressing local issues, the Parish Council empowers you to have a direct influence on your community.

As the first tier of local government the Council collaborates and challenges Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.  Working to represent the diverse needs of Chandler’s Ford, Velmore and Hiltingbury at district and county levels.

Who are the Parish Council?

Chandler’s Ford Parish Council consists of 18 Parish Councillors elected by you, the residents of our Parish, every four years.  All Parish Councillors are volunteers, taking no salary for the work that they do.

Divided into five wards, Councillors represent Velmore, Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury.

Ward	Number of Councillors
Chandler’s Ford East	4
Chandler’s Ford West	4
Hiltingbury East	4
Hiltingbury West	4
Eastleigh South (Velmore)	2

To represent our community prospective Councillors must meet the certain eligibility criteria.  The individual must be at least 18 years old and either a citizen of the UK, a Commonwealth country, the Republic of Ireland, or an EU Member State.  They must also meet one of the following –

• Be an elector within the ward in which they wish to stand.
• Be an owner occupier or owner tenant, within the ward, for the period of 12 months previous.
• Have worked in the Parish as principle or only place of work for the period of 12 months previous.
• Lived in or within 3 miles of the Parish boundary for the period of 12 months previous.

A number of our Councillors ‘wear two hats’.  With eight Borough Councillors and one County Councillor amongst us, our Parish Council is well placed to represent the community within all levels of local government.

What does the Parish Council do?

With the power to raise money through precept the Parish Council receives a share of the Council Tax through Eastleigh Borough Council, as billing authority.

That precept is used to maintain spaces and facilities that are important to you.  Such as allotments, tennis courts, football pitches, eight children’s playgrounds, wildflower meadows as well as certain footpaths, bins and benches.  The Parish Council owns and manages the recreation grounds at Fryern, Hiltingbury and Pennine Way.  All which come with the added responsibility of tree management, grass cutting and drainage.

The Council meet regularly, with five Full Council meetings a year and a range of committees, each have delegated responsibility for certain functions: HR Committee, Asset Management, Policy and Finance and Planning and Licensing.  Check out our current meeting schedule by either click on the highlighted wording or visit the page entitled Council Meetings under the Your Council menu option.

The Parish Council Office is based at Fryern Pavilion which boasts three rooms available for hire by clubs, organisations or even private parties.

The Parish Council is more than just buildings and playgrounds.  We champion local issues and work to secure services to meet the needs of our community.  In 2023 the Parish Council collaborated with key stakeholders to secure the number 44 bus service between Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh.  We have been working closely with Eastleigh Borough Council to ensure youth provision is directed to those areas that need it and we continue to support local organisations and clubs through grant funding, guidance and encouragement, to strengthen our community.

Are you still interested in becoming a Parish Councillor?  If so contact the Clerk via clerk@chandlersford-pc.gov.uk or view our Co-Option Policy for more details and application form.

We look forward to working with you.