The Borough Council comprises 39 Members, otherwise called councillors. In accordance with a scheme drawn up by the Local Government Commission and approved by the Secretary of State, Spelthorne Borough is divided into 13 Wards and up to three councillors per ward will be elected by the voters of each ward. Only registered voters of Spelthorne or those living or working within the Borough are eligible to hold the office of borough councillor.
The regular election of councillors is held on the first Thursday in May every four years; the next election is in 2007. The term of office of councillor starts on the fourth day after they are elected and finishes on the fourth day after the date of the next regular election in 2007.
The roles and functions of all councillors are set out in the Council's Constitution.
Key roles for all councillors are as follows:-
To take part constructively and effectively in the good governance of the Borough;
To contribute actively to the formation, development and review of the Council's policies, priorities, plans, strategies, budget and service delivery;
To promote and contribute to the delivery of the Council's four key priorities of making Spelthorne safer, engaging younger people in Spelthorne, making Spelthorne a better place and improving customer satisfaction with Spelthorne's services.
To ensure the Council in all its activities is aware of and takes into account the differing needs and views of all sections of the community in Spelthorne;
To take an active part in supporting the interests of the community and improving the quality of life in the Borough;
To represent the interests of their ward effectively;
To raise awareness within the community of the Council and its activities, particularly in their wards;
To take part effectively and actively when a member of any committee, sub committee, working group of task group.
Councillors have rights of access to such documents, information, and and buildings of the Council as are necessary for the proper discharge of their functions and in accordance with the law.
Councillors are not permitted to make public any information which is confidential or exempt without the consent of the Council or to divulge information given in confidence to anyone other than a councillor or officer entitled to know it. For these purposes, the exact definition of "confidential" and "exempt" information is as defined in the Access to Information Rules set out in Part 4 of the Council's Constitution.
Councillors, when signing the declaration of acceptance of office as a councillor before the Chief Executive, undertake that they will at all times observe the Members'; Code of Conduct and the Protocol on Member/Officer Relations set out in Part 5 of the Council's Constitution.
Councillors are entitled to receive allowances in accordance with the Members' Allowances Scheme set out in Part 6 of the Council's Constitution.
