Unlike MPs and MSPs, councillors do not have teams of dedicated staff to help them with casework and their other roles and responsibilities.

Administrative support varies across the 32 councils, with some councillors receiving very little administrative or secretarial support.

Councillors do have access to advice from council officers to help them make decisions that are legally and financially competent. Councillors will get access to briefings to help them make decisions, as well as training on aspects of their roles and responsibilities (i.e. how planning decisions are made).

Councillors will also often help each other, sometimes on a cross-party basis but most often within political groupings. This can be ad hoc advice or even some informal mentoring/buddying.

You will get help to carry out your roles and responsibilities effectively, but you should be prepared to do your own casework and preparation for committees.