The May local elections across England once again highlighted a long-standing issue in British politics: the underrepresentation of women in local government. While efforts have been made to increase the number of women elected to local councils, the challenge of retaining them in office remains significant. This issue is especially important because local councillors play a crucial role in shaping policies that directly affect people's daily lives, from housing and transport to social care. In the UK, women make up only about a third of local councillors, despite making up nearly half the population. Research suggests that one key factor influencing this gap is the lack of family-friendly policies in local government. Becoming a councillor typically involves 20 to 25 hours of work per week, but most are unpaid, receiving an annual allowance of around £7,000. This can make it difficult for people with low incomes, caregiving responsibilities, or inflexible jobs to take on the role. A recent survey of 534 councillors in England found that family-friendly policies can significantly increase women’s willingness to seek re-election. Women in the survey who were presented with a more supportive environment reported a higher likelihood of running again, while men showed no significant change. This suggests that the issue goes beyond just childcare, as caring responsibilities can extend throughout a person's life, including looking after elderly relatives, children, or those with health needs. Women in the UK spend about an hour more each day on such tasks compared to men. Councillors shared personal experiences of how these pressures affect their roles. One parent described the struggle of balancing family life with council duties, noting the lack of clarity around expenses and the stigma against claiming them. Another recounted the difficulties of being pregnant and raising young children while serving as a councillor, highlighting the absence of maternity leave or support. Many also emphasized the importance of remote work, which could help more people, especially those with caregiving responsibilities, participate in local government. The findings suggest that practical, affordable changes—such as allowing remote participation in meetings, clarifying expense claims, and encouraging a culture that supports those with caregiving roles—could help retain more women in local politics. These reforms have been recommended by the Local Government Association and are seen as essential for making local government more representative of the communities it serves. Making political office more compatible with family and caring responsibilities is a vital step toward ensuring that local government truly reflects the people it represents.