Your councils are made up of between 24 and 48 councillors from different political parties.

Information about citizenship ceremonies in Dorset.

In every community there are unsung heroes who work tirelessly for others for little or no reward.

Each council has its own constitution which sets out how decisions should be made and the procedures that are to be followed to ensure these are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. Some of these processes are required by law, others are for the individual council to choose. These constitutions are regularly reviewed and updated.

Results of previous elections, details of forthcoming elections, information on how to register to vote and how to become a councillor.

Details of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serving Dorset. Includes the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Dorset.

In borough councils, the councillors choose a Mayor to act as presiding officer and to perform civic ceremonial duties.

County, district and borough councils in Dorset work in partnership with each other and with a number of local, regional and national agencies and organisations.

The government has introduced a new legal requirement for all councils to put in place and publish arrangements for petitions and electronic petitions.