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, what area of the parish the seat covers and how to call an election for the seat to be filled.
An election will only be called if 10 or more people request an election. To request and election you must be registered to vote and live in the relevant parish area (or parish ward).
If there are not enough requests for an election, then the parish council can co-opt (choose) who fills the seat.
Please note: if the 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.
How do I make a request?
In Wakefield a request must come to Electoral Services. Requests don't have to come in the same document.
We can accept requests by email to elections@wakefield.gov.uk.
If you want to write a request by post our office address is
Electoral Services Office
Town Hall
Wakefield
WF1 2HQ
Every request must include the full name and address of the elector making the request. We need this so that we can check their registration. All requests are open to inspection by the public.
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.