Roles and Responsibilities of Community Councils

Objectives To provide an overview of the key CC documents. Explore the role and remit of a CC and its members To provide an awareness of the legislative background to community councils

Legal Framework Established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 Duty on each local authority to prepare a Community Council Scheme (including boundaries) for their area

Purpose of a Community Council to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the local authorities the views of the community it represents, on matters for which those authorities are responsible and to take what it considers to be appropriate action in the interest of the community’.

Scheme for Community Councils Scheme sets out the purpose of a community council, provisions for membership, meetings, elections and finance Scheme also includes a Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct Service to community Members must declare private interests Beware of gifts and hospitality CCs are non party political Equality of opportunity Respect and general conduct

How do CCs Operate? Scheme, Constitution and Standing Orders- rules and regulations governing CCs, set of working procedures for community councils Meetings – CCs must hold a minimum of 6 ordinary meetings and 1 AGM Quorum – One third of the current voting membership or 3 voting members Funding - Community councils receive a grant from the City Council to cover administrative costs eg stationery, postage, advertising, newsletters.

CC Membership Members are elected for a period of 3 years. Elected Members - Must be on the electoral roll for the area of the community council Nominated Members - Must be voluntary members of a local interest group eg tenants association, environmental group Ex - Officio Members - Councillors, MPs, MEPs and MSPs Associate Members - Must have specific skills or knowledge which would be of assistance to the community council, cannot vote or hold office

Roles of Office-bearers Chair - Chief spokesperson for community council and chair of meetings Secretary – usually first point of contact, deals with correspondence and organisation of meetings Treasurer – deals with finances of organisations CC Member – bring ideas, contribute to discussion, assist office-bearers carry out their duties

CC Representation CCs have a statutory right to be consulted on local planning matters CCs have a representational role on a range of licensing matters Neighbourhood Partnerships – CCs represent the community’s view on each of the 12 NPs Member of the Edinburgh Association of Community Councils represents communities of place on the Edinburgh Partnership Board

CC Support Governance and Democratic Services in the Council provides information, advice and support Locality Teams Annual administrative grant (£750 approx) Induction pack including CC Guidance Notes Training has been provided on Planning, Licensing, Community Engagement Support package for CCs at libraries Edinburgh Association of Community Councils

Contact Details City of Edinburgh Council Tel: 469 3870 Email: Community.Councils@edinburgh.gov.uk