The council has 51 councillors (also known as members) who are elected from 25 wards in the district.
Following Annual Council on 22 May 2025, the council consists of 23 Labour & Co-operative, 20 Liberal Democrat, 7 Conservative and 1 Independent councillor.
Councillors are elected to represent a ward for a four year term. Find out more about elections and voting here.
Duties of a councillor
Councillors are elected by the community to represent the interests of local people. They are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the community about local services and budgets, such as Council Tax, and ensure the Council fulfils its duties and takes collective decisions which form the policy of the Council.
Each councillor represents a specific area and serves for a period of four years. The work of a Councillor may include holding surgeries to help local people, supporting local organisations, campaigning on local issues, and developing links with all parts of the community.
Councillors are not paid a salary or wages, but they are entitled to allowances and expenses to cover some of the costs of carrying out their public duties. All Councillors abide by a code of conduct, part of which requires them to declare any financial interests, gifts, or hospitality that could influence any decisions they make.
The work of councillors includes:
- meeting in various committees to discuss and agree major policies that determine how the services are run
- ensuring the Council is delivering good services
- deciding on priorities for the Council
- making decisions in some committees
- agreeing how much will be spent by the Council each year
- agreeing how much you pay in Council Tax
- helping individuals in their wards
How councillors can help you
Councillors can help if you are dissatisfied with a Council service by advising or directing you to someone who can help sort out your problem and can sometimes progress the case on your behalf. They also have the opportunity to become involved in local issues and make a difference to the lives of their local community.
Induction and training
A Councillors’ Learning and Development Protocol is in place and is supported by Member Champions.
Councillors are strongly encouraged to undertake training. An Induction Programme is provided for all new Councillors and other training is available throughout their term of office.
There are also other learning resources and guidance available to Councillors including through the Local Government Association. The LGA Councillors Guide is an online resource, designed as a quick reference guide to provide Councillors with the essential information.
Parental leave
North Herts Council wants to make it as accessible as possible for a variety of people to become Councillors, which is why it adopted a Parental Leave Policy. Read the full policy to find out more.
Councillor benefits
As a Councillor you can access the Council’s confidential Employee Assistance Programme and receive 50% deduction off all North Herts Council leisure facilities.