Councillors role and duties

Being a local councillor is a position of trust that can be a rewarding and enriching experience. It is no easy task being a councillor. Society needs to have people, whether at a national or local level who are able, willing and prepared to take decisions on its behalf about matters which affect the lives of citizens and who are prepared to be accountable for these. Democratic election gives local councillors, like Members of Parliament, a special status in public life which brings with it opportunities to contribute to the well being of society, and in doing so, responsibilities to act fairly and within the law.

The purpose of this guide is to give advice to:

• electors and councillors about what a councillor is responsible for
• potential councillors about what is involved in being a councillor and the skills, experiences and personal qualities that are needed to fulfil that role

View a guide to the roles and duties of Aberdeenshire councillors (PDF 465KB).