1. Roles and Responsibilities of Community Councils

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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’.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Contact Details
City of Edinburgh Council Tel: