Review of the Community Council Scheme of Establishment Formartine Community Council Forum Wednesday 3 September, 2014

Who we are? Short-life Working Group Ian Rogan Area Project Officer (Banff & Buchan) Maureen Stephen Area Committee Officer (Buchan) Caroline Smith Community Planning Officer (Banff & Buchan) Claire Robertson Area Committee Officer (Formartine) Sandy Munro Senior Solicitor (Governance)

Why do we need a review? Government legislation A number of national publications have been published since the last review which have an impact upon the role of Community Councils. In recent times a number of Community Councils have requested a review of their boundaries. There is a need to clarify and provide guidance on the role of Community Councils within the wider Community Planning approach. Aberdeenshire Council has a duty to review the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils from time to time (Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973) and current scheme was last reviewed in 2006 and adopted in March 2007. Scottish Government Community Council Short-life Working Group Report & Recommendations (September 2012) Scottish Government Survey of Local Authority Community Councils (October 2012) Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill Model Scheme for the Establishment Of Community Councils (2009)

The Review Process The review process is based upon the Scottish Government Good Practice Guidance Document. 3 phases Begins on 1 September, 2014 Ends on 29 May, 2015

Phase 1. 8 weeks from 1 September, 2014 – 24 October, 2014 Focus upon Boundaries and Composition Seek opinion and agreement from Area Committees on any proposed CC Boundary Changes during November. Council to consider suggestions from the first consultation period and agree a draft amended scheme for consultation 22 January, 2015

Phase 2. 8 weeks from 26 January, 2015 – 20 March, 2015 Focus upon whole scheme and associated documentation. Council to consider suggestions to the draft amended scheme and agree a final draft amended scheme for consultation. (30 April, 2015)

Phase 3. (if necessary) 4 weeks 4 – 29 May, 2015 Focus on Final Draft Amended Scheme Council to consider suggestions to the final draft amended scheme; alter if required; and formally approve the amended scheme. June, 2015. Give public notice of the Council’s amended scheme; and invitation to electors to apply for establishment (where there is no community council currently in existence). 6 July, 2015 3 August, 2015 - New Scheme Comes into Effect

Phase 1. Areas & Composition Focus upon Areas Questions you might like to consider are: Is your Community Council Boundary still fit for purpose? e.g. are there recent residential and/or commercial developments which straddle boundaries? Are there any plans for future residential and/or commercial developments which may overlap boundaries? Have there been significant demographic variations since the boundaries were last reviewed which could impact upon the work of the Community Council?

Phase 1. Areas & Composition Focus Upon Composition Questions you might like to consider are: Are the proposals under Section 5. Membership of Community Councils sufficiently clear? Are the number of members proposed under schedule 1. appropriate for the work your Community Council undertakes. Is the eligibility criteria under Section 7.1 sufficiently transparent?

Phase 1. Areas & Composition When considering your response, at this stage, we would particularly welcome comments on the following sections: 4. Community Council Areas within Local Authority Areas 5. Membership of Community Councils 7.1 Eligibility 7.7 Co-option to Community Councils 8. Additional Membership

Review of the Community Council Scheme of Establishment Thank you Any Questions?