Councillors: white and average age 58

A census of councillors showed that the average age of a councillor is 58, with more than half over 60, and fewer than 8 per cent under 40. Just under 30 per cent are women, and 96 per cent are white. Elsewhere I read 12% of councillors are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit.

Photo: a picture of self (taken by self - hence strained expression) in Members Room at Ebley Mill

The Governments' White Paper, 'Strong and Prosperous Communities', proposed the establishment of a commission on barriers and incentives to becoming a councillor. It was recognised there was a need to encourage more people to put themselves forward for selection and election, and also that at present, councillors do not reflect the wider electorate in terms of age profile, gender, or ethnic background.

Today there is news of the Commission being established to look at ideas like:

• encouraging employers to promote more part time and flexible working, and provide time off for public duties
• reviewing the time commitments needed to be a councillor and times of meetings
• encouraging councils to look at better childcare support
• providing better information on becoming a councillor and encouraging schemes such as mentoring and shadowing
• more support for councillors to develop necessary skills.

The Commission is expected to report before the end of 2007. In the meantime Local District Council Labour leader Hilary Fowles has put forward a motion to look at meeting times in Stroud at the next Full Council. I have problems with the particular draft motion I saw so wasn't able to give it full support at this point - but nevertheless I fully support the need to look at this issue.

Daytime meetings can be very difficult for councillors who work full time - also the timings of meetings can be poor - DCC for example starts at 10am - why not 9am so people can get back to work quicker? Similarly meetings and training days are often planned for half-term - indeed next Council meeting is right in the middle of half term week. If we are not careful we will only get councillors who are retired or have enough private income/savings to not have to work - infact an excellent Green Parish councillor decided she could not afford to stand as a District councillor as she would be so much worse off financially if she devoted the time she felt the role needed.

District councillors get an allowance of around £3,500 per year plus some travel, broadband and telephone expenses. Special posts like Cabinet members can get lots more - and councils vary - Stroud is comparable to other Glos councils - although District councillors in Tewkesbury District get twice as much!

I'm hoping that at the very least Council will support research into options - a proper audit of current councillors positions is needed if we are to move forward. Apparently this has been promised in the past but not materialised - let's hope this White Paper adds impetus to the need to look at this issue.