A casual vacancy may occur where a councillor resigns or dies or where he/she has failed to comply with regulations. The council is required to post notice of the casual vacancy and to hold a by-election unless the vacancy occurs within six months of the end of the term of office. Parish councils can co-opt a replacement councillor.

Local councillors have to abide by a code of conduct part of which requires them to declare any interests, gifts or hospitality which they have or receive which could influence any decisions they may make as councillors. The local authority are required to publish these declarations.

The local authority provides general information on local councillors, including details of who they are, which area they represent and what they do within the council.

Councillor advice surgeries are available to the public who want to obtain information and advice, make a complaint or enquire about local authority services.

Direct election of a mayor for a local authority area. Mayors are elected by public vote every four years in council areas, typically the larger cities in the UK, where a referendum has voted in favour of having an elected mayor.

Local organisations may invite the Mayor or other civic dignitaries to attend an event they are organising. The council will review and respond to invitations and organise and publish the Mayors' and/or others diaries.

Information about elected local representatives and MEPs, their roles, how they are elected and where to find out who are your current representatives.

Councillors help facilitate the provision of local services and facilities and take decisions that form the policy of the local authority. Parish and town local authorities undertake many duties such as street lighting, managing cemeteries and allotments.