Become a Councillor

Are you passionate about Bedale?

Bedale Town Councillors are elected for a four-year period and 2022 is an election year. (Actually the Council elected this year will serve for five years to synchronise with the new unitary North Yorkshire Council, with four-year periods from 2027 onwards.)

Nominations will be open in March, with the election (if needed) taking place on Thursday 5th May.

Further information and nomination packs are available from Hambleton District Council, or read Hambleton District Councils simple guide to becoming a parish/town councillor.

The Role of a Councillor

Bedale Town Council exists to serve the Bedale community. Every month it makes decisions and spends taxpayers’ money for the benefit of the local community, to maintain and improve the town's facilities and to support the services that it provides for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Town Councillors give their time on a voluntary basis. They undertake training for the role, prepare for and attend meetings each month, and often do the behind-the-scenes work for Council events, including the Bonfire and Fireworks display, the Christmas Lights Event and other special events, including of course the hosting of the 2019 Tour de Yorkshire stage finish. 

This website provides information about the town of Bedale, the roles and responsibilities of the Town Council, and about the wider Bedale community. Perhaps while viewing its pages you might be inspired to become more involved yourself?

How to get involved in the council and what happens in Bedale

1. Discover more about the issues the Council discusses, and the decisions it makes.
   This information can be found in the monthly meetings’ agendas and minutes which can be found on our Recent Minutes, Agenda, and Upcoming Meeting Dates page, or for older minutes, our Minutes Archive.

2. Attend Council meetings.
   These are open to the public, and parishioners are able to contribute to debate at the Chair's discretion. Meetings are usually on the second Monday of each month, and the diary can be found on our Recent Minutes, Agenda, and Upcoming Meeting Dates.

3. Contact the Council to share your opinions on local issues, suggest topics the council should be discussing or projects we should be getting involved with or running.
   The first point of contact is the Town Clerk who can be contacted via our contact form or on 01677 427949 in office hours (Tues / Thurs 9.30-12.30)