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It's Democracy Week!

Bury is using national Democracy Week (15-21 Oct) to generate wider interest in local government and encourage more people to stand for election.

The council has been asked by the Local Government Association to join the "Be a Councillor" project.

Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: "This is about encouraging local people to become councillors, and also to encourage sitting councillors to carry on doing their good work for the community.

"Democracy Week may last only seven days, but we want to put in place something that has lasting impact; one which gives Bury residents a choice of high quality candidates from which to elect the highest quality councillors who best reflect the whole of Bury."

Cllr Connolly highlighted the work done with young people, through schools, colleges and the Youth Cabinet, to encourage involvement in the democratic process - and on 26 October, the Town Hall will host a Youth Democracy Day.

"This work will continue, but we are determined that "Be a Councillor" will reach all sections of the community," he added. "We plan to stage 'Democracy Open Days' across the borough, taking the project out to our Township Forums to reach people directly."

Cllr Connolly also cited Bury's Member Engagement Strategy, which aims to provide councillors with support and training.

You can find out more about local council meetings and events in Bury on our Council and Democracy web pages.

Find our more about being a local councillor

Councillors are elected to the local council to represent their local community, so they must either live or work in the area. Becoming a councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be in a position to make a difference to the quality of other people's daily lives and prospects.

Being an effective councillor requires both commitment and hard work. Councillors have to balance the needs and interests of residents the political party they represent (if any) and the council. These will all make legitimate demands on a councillor's time, on top of the demands and needs of their personal and professional lives. Before you consider becoming a councillor you may want to discuss it with your family and friends to make sure they understand what you are taking on. You will need their support as you'll have to spend some of your spare time on council business

A quick guide to being a councilor from the Local Government Association

Be a Councillor Local Government Association website has lots of resources to allow you to find out more about local democracy:

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