Councillors

The City of Edinburgh Council has 58 Councillors or Elected Members. Every four years, residents vote for Councillors to represent their local area or ward. In Edinburgh, 3 or 4 Councillors represent each of the 17 multi-member wards.

While the Council's employees are responsible for the day to day management of services, Councillors decide how its budget is spent and agree policies for providing services. They attend meetings, support local organisations and campaigns. They also hold regular surgeries where they meet local residents to discuss concerns. Councillors represent the public interest as well as individuals living within their ward.

Councillors receive a salary for the work they do and abide by a code of conduct. They must declare any financial interests, gifts or hospitality that could influence the decisions they make. Information on Councillors' membership of organisations and a register of interests and expenses claimed in the course of carrying out their duties are published on this site.