a Borough Councillor: Realities, Rewards, and Challenges

  The role of a borough councillor is far more than just a title – it's a demanding mix of leadership, advocacy, problem-solving, and real commitment. You're part leader, part campaigner, part friendly go-between for residents dealing with confusing or slow-moving officialdom, and often just an ordinary person rising to do an extraordinary job for your community.

With years of experience serving at Parish, Borough, and County levels – particularly focusing on planning and economic development matters – I've seen first-hand how valuable accumulated knowledge and persistence is in tackling complex local issues, from shaping sustainable growth to supporting the local economy.

A dedicated councillor can easily put in three or more hours every single day. That covers ward work, responding to residents' emails and phone calls, wading through lengthy committee reports, and keeping in touch with fellow councillors and officers. Then there are the meetings – formal ones, informal briefings, and those that drag on late into the evening. On top of all that, you have to be constantly alert to local and national party matters. When the increasingly rare opportunity comes to make truly local decisions – free from central government instructions – the responsibility is huge. Planning applications are a prime example: one decision can benefit some residents while disappointing others, yet it can shape streets, neighbourhoods, and lives for years ahead. These aren't straightforward calls; they demand careful thought, fairness, and a clear view of the bigger picture.

The financial reward is modest, meaning most councillors balance the role alongside full- or part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and all the other demands on their time. It's a genuine test of organisation, energy, and personal sacrifice.

Unfortunately, a small number seem content to coast, rarely visible and contributing little. But the vast majority are motivated by a deep belief in worthwhile public service. For me, the real reward comes in those quiet, satisfying moments: untangling a difficult resident issue, helping protect a valued community asset, or simply knowing you've done your best to stand up for the people who put their trust in you.

An experienced councillor soon learns to avoid becoming trapped in endless meetings and buried under bureaucracy. Building strong, respectful relationships with council officers is crucial – but so is holding your ground when necessary. Weak leadership allows officers to take control; strong representation keeps things accountable and drives real progress.

For a Reform UK councillor, the role carries even greater purpose. We bring our own convictions and values, staying resolute through every challenge, while holding the local establishment firmly to account. In line with Reform's national priorities, we champion traditional British values, promote personal responsibility, and push back against wasteful bureaucracy and overreach. It's about delivering practical, common-sense outcomes that puts residents first – not ideology or procedure for its own sake.

In the end, being a councillor isn't glamorous. It's hard graft, often thankless, and full of tough choices. But for anyone who truly cares about their community, the chance to make a real, tangible difference – to serve with integrity and help improve lives – makes every hour worthwhile

TERRY CLOAD