Chigwell Parish Council By‑Election Costs

Published: 30 January 2026

Chigwell Parish Council has confirmed that the costs associated with the recent parish by‑election have been met in full and within the current financial year.

The by‑election became necessary following the resignation of a serving councillor, which created a casual vacancy. While parish council vacancies are normally filled by co‑option at no cost to residents, electoral law allows local electors to request a by‑election. In this case, the required number of electors exercised that right, meaning the Parish Council was legally required to hold an election and to fund the associated costs.

Unlike district elections — where costs are shared between parish, district and county councils — the full cost of a parish by‑election is borne solely by the Parish Council. As the election was unforeseen when the 2025/26 budget was set in January 2025, the final cost exceeded the original budget provision.

The invoice received from Epping Forest District Council reflects the statutory cost of running the election, including polling stations, staffing, postal votes and the count. Councillors also made decisions throughout the process that avoided additional expenditure, preventing the overall cost from being significantly higher.

The Council has addressed the remaining shortfall through an approved virement within the current financial year. This has not resulted in the cancellation of any planned events or reduction in services.

Parish Clerk Jason Selvarajah said:
“Chigwell Parish Council recognises that residents take a close interest in how public money is spent and remains committed to transparency and responsible financial management. Where elections are lawfully required, the Council will continue to ensure they are conducted properly and paid for in accordance with the law."