Watch your councillors in action

Following the May 2023 elections, there are many new councillors learning what councillors do. 15 Green Party councillors were elected this year, making a total of 24 Green district councillors in Oxfordshire, plus many more parish councillors.

Council meetings are open to the public. So go along to some of them to see what councillors do (or don't do). Read on to find out when the next meetings are and watch a recent meeting.

Each council has a calendar of meetings. They list the forthcoming council meetings and also specialist committee meetings, giving dates, times and places. Some also stream their meetings online. About a week before each meeting they will upload the documents the councillors will be discussing and voting on.

Here are some of the council meeting calendars:

• County:
  • Oxfordshire County Council (cabinet on 23 May)
• Districts:
  • Cherwell District Council (full council re-convened to elect administration on 23 May)
  • Oxford City Council (planning on 23 May)
  • South Oxfordshire District Council (Future Oxfordshire partnership on 13 June)
  • Vale of White Horse District Council (Future Oxfordshire partnership on 13 June)
  • West Oxfordshire District Council (full council on 24 May)
• Towns and parishes:
  • Abingdon Town Council (town council on 24 May)
  • Bicester Town Council (annual town council on 22 May)
  • Blackbird Leys Parish Council (annual meeting on 30 May)
  • Charlbury Town Council (town council on 24 May)
  • Chinnor Parish Council (full council on 19 June)
  • Kidlington Parish Council (council on 29 June)
  • Old Marston Parish Council (parishoners meeting on 22 May)
  • Sandford in the Vale Parish Council (parish council meeting on 7 June)
  • Thame Town Council (full council on 13 June)
  • Uffington Parish Council (AGM on 23 May)
  • Witney Town Council (full council on 26 June)

Councillors are the representatives of residents in their wards. They attend meetings, ask questions and vote on motions that decide council policy. They can also help residents with casework. Groups of 2 or more councillors can also propose motions.

Go to one of their meetings, then think about how you could help. Many parish and town councils have vacancies, could you be a parish councillor? And our district and county councillors have a lot of work to do. Could you help a Green councillor by summarising documents or providing your expertise on a policy issue? Tick Yes I can help a Green councillor on our Volunteer page. 

Most council meetings are streamed on teams. But you can watch this Oxford City Council meeting on YouTube: