Salford City Council has 60 councillors who together represent the people of Salford. The city is divided into 20 wards, and three councillors represent each ward.
Elections are held in three out of every four years with one third of the 60 councillors retiring at each election. This gives the people of Salford the opportunity to vote for a candidate of their choice.
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.
Councillors are elected to represent the people of Salford. As a member of the council, he or she has to consider not just the interests of the local community but also what is in the best interests of Salford as a whole.
Not only do councillors represent you at council meetings; many are also appointed to represent Salford's interests in organisations ranging from local voluntary groups to the body responsible for planning at a regional level. The council also has representatives on many public bodies such as the Fire and Civil Defence Authority and Transport For Greater Manchester.
Councillors welcome the opportunity to hear the views of local people. All councillors have advice bureaux which enable you to make your views known, or you can contact them by email. Many arrange regular opportunities for local residents to meet them and discuss any areas of concern. Follow the links on this page 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 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 committees.
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 councillor or an employee of the council, you should write - in confidence - to Catherine Parkinson, Monitoring Officer, Salford City Council, Unity House, Chorley Road, Swinton, M27 5AW or telephone our anti-fraud hotline on 0808 100 1235.
If you would like more information about the role and functions of a councillor, please email decisionmakingandscrutiny@salford.gov.uk.