Whats the time commitment of a London borough councillor?

champagnesocialist Thu Jan 31, 2008 at 11:30:35 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

I am thinking of putting my name forward to become a councillor and thinking through the practicalities. Could anyone advise me what the likely workload is going to be?




The seat would be in a multimember ward in an inner London borough usually controlled by labour.

Realistically would I be able to do it and hold down a full time job? Would my family get to see me?

On average how many nights a week would I have meetings?

 
Any advice would be very helpful!

Thanks 



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Whats the time commitment of a London borough councillor? | 5 comments (5 topical)

Re: Time commitment ? (#1)

by Peter Kenyon on Thu Jan 31, 2008 at 12:14:17 PM GMT

Dear champagnesocialist

Yes, even with an unsympathetic employer you can be a councillor and hold down a full-time job.

In time commitment, think of it as a minimum 1/3 FTE on top of the day job.

Peter Kenyon
Hackney councillor - !994 - 2002

http://petergkenyon.typepad.com/peterkenyon/


Re: Whats the time commitment (#2)

by repub on Thu Jan 31, 2008 at 01:55:54 PM GMT

Different councils operate differently.

Lambeth Council committees seem only to meet in the evenings, whilst Islington (in my experience) seems to have a number which meet in work hours.

But that's anecdotal...


Re: Whats the time commitment (#3)

by Graham on Thu Jan 31, 2008 at 02:59:28 PM GMT

It depends what level of committement you want to give.  If you were a backbench councillor, then you might just be looking at a few evening meetings a month, casework and some extra campaigning.  An average councillor, I'd guess, is looking at about three evening meetings a week.

If you were to be elected as a cabinet or executive member or you get involved in lots of committees, then that committment might be more like a full time job. But nowadays most big jobs in London local authorities have so called Special Responsibility Allowances attached to them on top of your basic allowance of around £10k.  That means you could cut down your working week, dedicate that time to the Council and keep some spare time for your family.


Westminster councillor's view (#4)

by David Boothroyd on Thu Jan 31, 2008 at 05:23:23 PM GMT

On an average week I would have meetings on at least three days, with additional homework (casework, reading up on committee briefings) and also you will not be able to get out of doing campaigning. It is possible to be a councillor and still have a full time job, and London is probably easier than other places because almost all councils meet in the evening, but it will cut into your spare time.


Re: Whats the time commitment of a London (#5)

by SW on Sat Feb 02, 2008 at 04:33:34 PM GMT

There are a few lazy ones who pop into the Town Hall for essential meetings and hardly do any casework but for most it's a huge time commitment. If you are diligent or take on additional responsibilities, say goodbye to your weekday evenings and weekends. Meetings with officers before work were a particular killer. If you have a career you enjoy or care about, be prepared to neglect it. If you have family or partner, make sure they understand what you are taking on. I feel that I lost 4 years of my life. Top tip: use your allowance immediately to reduce your work hours in order to stay sane.


Whats the time commitment of a London borough councillor? | 5 comments (5 topical)