Ward councillors

What is the role of a ward councillor?

Role of a councillor

The role of a councillor is to:

• effectively represent the interests of their constituents and ward, taking into consideration the needs and wellbeing of all residents;
• provide community leadership.

Key duties and responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities of a councillor are to:

• communicate with and represent constituents and local organisations in a fair and impartial way and undertake inquiries on their behalf. This includes prioritising people with greatest need and those who may be vulnerable.
• provide a link between the council and community by engaging and liaising with key stake holders including residents , local businesses, town and parish councils, community organisations, police and health authorities, to bring their views into the council’s decision-making process.
• represent the council (subject to appointment) on other bodies.
• contribute actively to the scrutiny of the council’s policies, strategies, budget, and service delivery and to ensure that principles of equality, fairness and value for money are integral to all actions and policies of the council. 
• develop and maintain a working knowledge of the council’s services, management arrangements, powers, duties and constraints.
• develop and maintain a working knowledge of other organisations and services which impact upon the East Riding.  
• develop good working relationships with council officers.
• participate actively and effectively as a Member of any Committee, panel or group to which the Councillor is appointed.
• adhere to the highest standard of conduct and ethics, in keeping with the best interests of the council at all times.
• participate in opportunities for training and development provided for Councillors by the council.  

What is a ward?

A ward is part of the overall area governed by the council. Wards are usually named after neighbourhoods, parishes, landmarks, geographical features, and in some cases historical figures connected to an area.

How can I contact or find out who my ward councillor is?

The document below shows the wards, names and contact details for all East Riding of Yorkshire Council councillors. 

Wards and Ward Councillors (pdf 2mb)

Alternatively, use our councillor finder to search by councillor name, postcode, or parish/ward to find out which councillor represents your area and view their contact details.

Find my local ward councillor 

How many wards are there within the East Riding of Yorkshire?

The council area is divided into 26 wards, each of which is represented by one or more councillors (also known as members ie members of the council) elected for a term of four years. Unlike some other areas, in the East Riding we elect all 67 of our councillors at the same time. 

View a map of the East Riding showing the ward and parish boundaries:

Wards and parish boundaries (pdf 589kb)

Which ward councillors sit on the cabinet or are committee chairmen?

Information on which ward councillors sit on the cabinet or are committee chairmen can be viewed on the committee structure page.

The role of the cabinet and committees

The cabinet and committees make day to day decisions on a strategic level and oversee the work of the council.

Where can I view a councillor's register of interests?

You can view a councillor's register of interests by searching for them on the ward registers of interest directory. 

How can I contact the political group offices?

Below are the contact details for the different political groups at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Email and telephone

Conservative group office

Email:  conservative.group@eastriding.gov.uk

Tel. (01482) 393223

Independent, Liberal Democrat and Yorkshire group offices

Email:  independent.group@eastriding.gov.uk 

Email: liberal.democrat.group@eastriding.gov.uk 

Email: yorkshire.group@eastriding.gov.uk

Tel. (01482) 393230/32 

In writing to:

*Political group name/councillor name*
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
County Hall
Cross Street
Beverley
HU17 9BA.

How do I make a complaint about a councillor?

You can make a complaint about a councillor online using an online form or in writing. Details of how you can do both can be viewed on the standards committee page.

Where can I view declarations of gifts and hospitality made by councillors?

The relevant period's gifts and hospitality Member declarations  can be downloaded from the table below.

Please note: that due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic there have been no gifts or hospitality offered or received for the reporting period January to December 2020 for any Members. 

Where can I view a list of outside bodies and internal bodies/working groups that councillors are appointed to?

Outside bodies

The Council appoints representatives to a range of outside bodies, including national, regional and sub-regional organisations and specific local ones. Outside bodies are external organisations and partnerships which have requested the Council to appoint representatives to them. A list of the appointments can be downloaded below:

List of appointments to Outside Bodies (pdf 107kb)

Working Groups/Internal Bodies

The Council appoints councillors to a range of internal bodies and working groups. These can include working groups or bodies which are required by statue or ones which the Council has established to undertake a specific role or oversee a particular project. A list of the appointments can be downloaded below:

List of appointments to Working Groups/Internal Bodies (pdf 69kb)