[cma-l] 50 days to go to sign up to be a councillor

[CMA-L]

With only 50 days left to put yourself forward as a councillor in this
year's local elections Local Government Minister Grant Shapps has been
joined by councillors past and present to urge more people to consider
standing.

Mr Shapps said:

"With more powers being devolved from Whitehall to the Town Hall, now
is a better time than ever before to stand for election. Through the
Localism Bill, a key part of the Big Society, we are freeing councils
to make decisions that will benefit their whole community, and come up
with creative ways to improve their local area."

The Localism Bill, currently before Parliament, will devolve
unprecedented power to local communities. Its measures include a new
General Power of Competence for councils and their councillors giving
them the green light to be creative and act in the best interests of
their communities. Rules that have restricted councillors from
championing local issues will be scrapped and councils will be allowed
to return to the Committee system meaning all councillors will have
direct involvement in decision making.

People interested in putting themselves forward should consider
whether a local political party best represents their views and speak
to them about how to stand. Councils will also provide advice, and
further details and contacts can be found at the Government supported
website:

http://www.beacouncillor.org.uk/

Councils have varying dates from which people can apply to be a
councillor but all applications must be received by 4 April 2011.

Source: http://www.communities.gov.uk/newsstories/newsroom/1842073

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