What is a Casual Vacancy?

What are they?

A casual vacancy is when a councillor seat becomes available on a Town or Parish Council. 

The three common ways a vacancy happens are when the councillor either:

• resigns

• dies

• does not attend a council meeting for six months

It is also possible for there to be a vacancy:

• when a councillor decides not to accept their appointment

• is no longer qualified

• is disqualified

What happens if there is a vacancy in my area?

A notice explaining the vacancy will be put up in the parish area and website, as well as on the council website and notice boards. The notice is advertised for 14 working days.

The notice will say who the vacancy is for and what area of the parish the seat covers.

If a seat becomes vacant within 6 months of the next Town and Parish elections then an election does not need to be held. The next set of Town and Parish elections are in May 2027.

Further information

More information can be found on our Parish And Town Councils Casual Vacancies And By Election FAQs.

Find out about the district's parish and town councils online, in our Town and Parish charter.