FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions, please email us at independent.group@lga.gov.uk.
How many Independent councillors are there?
There are currently over 2000 Independent and minority councillors in England and Wales. Independent councillors have been serving their communities and continuing the tradition of open and accountable local government for well over 100 years.
What does it mean to be Independent?
Being an Independent candidate does not mean the individual has no political views nor does it mean they do not support a political party in general terms. Almost everyone has some political views, and tends towards supporting a particular political party on national issues. Independent councillors generally believe that national concerns very often do not translate well to the local scene. Being an Independent means a councilor is not controlled by a party whip – they are free to vote on issues as they see fit and according to their conscience.
Independent Politics
Often Independent Councillors do not follow traditional party political practice. For example, Independent Councillors do not take the whip. This does not mean that Independent members cannot come together in groups and reach a consensus on issues. Indeed there are many such groups throughout local authorities. However, they try to reach decisions and influence local authority decision making, with reference to what is best for the local communities they seek to serve. The local focus, rather than a national party one, remains the key.
What are your views?
Members have a wide range of views from across the political spectrum. More and more, we are seeing members of all political parties becoming Independent in order to throw off the shackles of the party whip and escape from decision-making behind closed doors.
How much work is really involved in being a councillor? I want to know before I agree to stand.
Most new councillors will have to attend at least three or four meetings a week. Formal council meetings are usually held in the town hall. The frequency of these depends on your own authority.
As well as the formal meetings, you’ll be expected to attend meetings which are held in your own ward, such as tenants' and residents' committee meetings, police monitoring meetings, meetings of local parks groups and other community activities and events. These are really important because if you don't know what your community and your electorate want from you by getting involved, you’ll be out of touch.
Another important commitment will be your surgery. How regularly these are held depends on you, but many councillors will hold surgeries on a monthly basis. Others hold 'mobile surgeries' which literally means knocking on doors in a particular street or road and asking constituents how things are going and whether you can help.
The commitment you give to the role is entirely yours to decide. But there is a bare minimum. Most local authorities will expect a councillor to attend a formal meeting at least once in a defined period of time to retain their role as an elected member.
Do I have to pay to join the Independent Group?
No. If you are an elected councillor who is not a member of the Conservative, Labour or Liberal Democrat parties and your authority is in membership with the LGA, you can receive support from the Independent Group. The Independent Group provides support to all such councillors providing they work within a framework of equal opportunities and access.
My local authority have not given me a place on any of our council committees. Can I do anything to change this?
The Independent Group believes that all elected councillors should be allocated places on council committees. For a fuller explanation of our position please contact the Independent Group Office.
I am thinking of standing as a local councillor. Where can I get more information?
Contact the Electoral Commission for details about the rules and regulations in respect of local government elections - www.electoralcommission.org.uk or telephone 0207 271 0500. You can also contact the Electoral Services department of your local authority. The Independent Group can provide you with general advice including a booklet on Choices in Becoming a Local Councillor. Please click on the link to view Independent - People like you are Councillors (PDF, 20 pages, 2024KB)
Can the Independent Group provide me with funding or legal advice?
No. The Independent Group supports its membership as a whole. We cannot provide legal advice on matters of individual concern.
How can I get more involved with the Independent Group?
You can do so in several ways: by attending and contributing to regional meetings, by providing articles for the Group's newsletter, AIM, and by providing articles for our website. You can also seek election as a Group Office Holder, or apply for a group appointment. Please go to the "Elections and Appointments process " page for further information.
Where can I get more help?
The LGA Independent Group Office is always available to your for support and assistance on matters affecting you in your role as local councillor. We do our best to find out what you need to know and reply to your enquiry as swiftly and accurately as possible.
The Independent Group cannot, however, provide you with specific help in running election campaigns or finances towards this. We do have a range of generally applicable information available, that tells you the things that you need to know and must conform with, in respect of elections.
In addition, the LGA Independent Group Office helps to facilitate the regional meetings. There are roughly two per year in each region. These provide an ideal opportunity to meet with fellow Independent Councillors and learn about regional issues as well as finding out about the work of the LGA and to receive news on the big national issues.
Contact the Independent Group for more information on regional meetings.