Craigleith/Blackhall

Community councils were first established in Scotland following the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Thereafter, the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act, 1994, which produced the current system of unitary local authorities, also made provision under Section 22 for the continuation of community councils. This legislation provides the legal framework for community councils.

2. Statutory Purposes

The statutory purposes of the community councils established under this Scheme are set out in Section 51 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as follows: -

''In addition to any other purpose which a community council may pursue, the general purpose of a community council shall be to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the local authorities for its area, and to public authorities, the views of the community which it represents, in relation to matters for which those authorities are responsible, and to take such action in the interests of that community as appears to it to be expedient and practicable''

3. The Role and Responsibilities of Community Councils

The general purpose of community councils is to act as a voice for their local area. This will involve them articulating the views and concerns of local people in their area on a wide range of issues of public concern and make representations to the City of Edinburgh Council, other public sector bodies and private agencies on matters within their sphere of interest.

Community councils have a statutory right to be consulted on planning applications. They are competent objectors to all licence applications lodged with the Council in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, which includes applications for House in Multiple Occupation licences.

Community councils are the key community representative bodies within the local community planning arrangements across the city of Edinburgh. Community councils have representation on each of the 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships and have responsibility for the decisions of the Neighbourhood Partnerships covering the community council area they represent.

Community councils should engage widely with their local communities to represent their views on the Neighbourhood Partnerships. It is essential that these views are demonstrated to be representative of the community and, accordingly, the community council will have in place recognised consultative mechanisms to validate their views; and devise strategies to secure greater involvement by all sectors of the community.

Community councils may carry out other activities that are in the general interests of the communities they represent, provided these activities fall within the objectives of their constitution.

Overall, community councils should engage with and establish positive working relationships with the City of Edinburgh Council and other agencies. In carrying out their activities community councils must at all times adhere to the law and the Community Councillors' Code of Conduct.

Community councils have a duty under statute to represent the views of their local community. It is vital therefore, that they reflect the broad spectrum of opinion and interests of all sections of the community. In order to fulfil their responsibilities as effective and representative, community councils shall: -

• Inform the community of the work and decisions of the community council by posting agendas and minutes of meetings in public places, such as libraries and notice boards; and subject to provisions contained within the Data Protection Act 1998, provide contact details of community council members.
• Agendas and whenever possible draft minutes of community councils' meetings should be circulated at least seven days before the date of the meeting to enable their circulation to the local authority, relevant elected members, council staff and other parties.
• Seek to broaden both representation and expertise by enlisting associate members onto the community council for specific projects/issues.
• Make particular efforts to encourage young people and other under-represented groups to attend/participate in community council meetings and activities to ensure equality of opportunity in the way the community council carries out its functions.
• Maintain proper financial records and present financial reports at community council meetings.
• Liaise closely with the City of Edinburgh Council on any change in membership (eg resignations, co-option) and circumstances.

A community council shall be non-party political in all its activities.

4. Community Council Areas

Edinburgh is divided up into 46 community council areas and community councils may be established to serve and represent these areas identified in Appendix 1 to this Scheme.