Role of a City Councillor

Wolverhampton City Council has 60 Councillors who together represent the people of Wolverhampton. The City is divided into 20 wards, and three councillors represent each ward.

Details of all 60 elected Councillors are held elsewhere in this website.

Elections are held in three out of every four years with one third of the 60 councillors retiring at each election.

Many people turn to their councillor for advice and help on various issues relating to the services provided by the council.  He or she will be happy to do all they can to help you bring any problems of this nature to a satisfactory conclusion.

Representing Your Interests

Councillors are elected to represent the people of Wolverhampton.  As a member of the City Council, he or she has to consider not just the interests of the local community but also what is in the best interests of Wolverhampton as a whole.

Not only do councillors represent you at Council meetings, many are also appointed to represent Wolverhampton’s interests in organisations ranging from local voluntary groups to the body responsible for planning and transportation at a regional level.  The City Council also has representatives on many public bodies such as the West Midlands Police Authority, the Fire and Civil Defence Authority and the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority.

Putting Your View to Your Local Councillor

Councillors welcome the opportunity to hear the views of local people.  All City councillors have advice surgeries which enable you to make your views known, or you can contact them by telephone or email.  Many arrange regular opportunities for local residents to meet them and discuss any areas of concern.  Follow the navigation links to the left to find out more about contacting your councillor.

Many people turn to their local councillor for help and advice on issues or problems that are not necessarily the responsibility of the City Council.  However, councillors will always do what they can to put you in touch with the right person or organisation to help you sort out your problem.

Your councillor can help you to put your interests, views and concerns to the right people at the right time, whether that is to an officer of the Council or to one of the Council’s committee.

Integrity of City Councillors

Councillors and staff are expected and required to act with integrity and in a way that can give no grounds for suspicion of partiality, self-interest or corruption.  Councillors should always give the highest possible standard of service to members of the public.

There are codes of conduct which councillors and officers of the council must follow.  These codes cover important issues such as declarations of interest and involvements, and about not using information for personal gain.

If you believe you have evidence of improper or corrupt behaviour by a City Councillor or an employee of the City Council, you should write – in confidence – to Chief Executive, Wolverhampton City Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1RG.

Need More Information?

If you would like more information about the role and functions of a City Councillor, please contact Paul Tedstone on 01902 555043 or email at  paul.tedstone@wolverhampton.gov.uk