Could you be a Funtington Parish Councillor?
Funtington Parish Council has vacancies for parish councillors, to be filled by co-option. If you care about where you live and would like a say in its future, we would love to hear from you. Funtington Parish covers the villages of Funtington, East Ashling, West Ashling, and West Stoke.
Published: 12 October 2026
What does the Parish Council do?
The Parish Council is the level of local government closest to the community. It comments on planning applications in the parish, looks after local amenities such as the West Ashling playground and The Dell, supports traffic and road safety measures, and gives grants to local groups and organisations. It also passes residents’ views on to Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority.
What is involved?
The Council meets once a month, usually on a Wednesday evening at 6.30pm in St Mary’s Church Room, Funtington or West Ashling Village Hall. Meetings normally last 1–2 hours. Beyond the meetings, how much time you give is up to you. Some councillors join working groups on planning or finance, while others take on particular local projects. Councillors are not paid. Free training is available, and no previous experience is needed. Enthusiasm and commitment matter far more.
Who can apply?
You must be 18 or over and a British, qualifying Commonwealth or eligible EU citizen. You must also meet at least one of these conditions:
- you are registered to vote in the parish
- you have lived in the parish, or within 3 miles of it, for the last 12 months
- you have worked in the parish for the last 12 months
- you have owned or rented land or property in the parish for the last 12 months
A good time to get involved
The next parish council elections take place on 6 May 2027. Joining now by co-option lets you find out what being a councillor is like and get to know how the Council works before deciding whether to stand in May.
How to apply
For more information or an application form, please contact the Clerk, Rachel Foister, at clerk@funtington-pc.gov.uk or on 07821 201388.