What do Labour councillors actually do?

There are many misconceptions about what councillors do, with a fear that it is all about long, boring meetings, and that as politicians, councillors must be "in it for themselves" not there to serve the community.

Councillors are elected for a term of four years to represent part of a council area, called a ward in district, borough and metropolitan councils and a division in county councils. There are around 20,000 local councillors in England. Most of them carry out their role part-time and may have other responsibilities such as part- or full-time employment or family responsibilities, although many are retired or self-employed people. They receive a small allowance to enable them to take time off work and commit time to the role of being a councillor.

Councillors have important roles making decisions about local services and priorities for the area, challenging service providers to improve the services that they provide and representing the views of local people and trying to help solve problems. Most councillors are elected for the main political parties and form into political groups on the council to debate priorities and promote different approaches to tackling local issues.