1. Update and Final Consultation on the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils.

2. The Scheme
Introduced by Section 51 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.
The Scheme sets out guidance for the mutual exchange of information between the Council and each Community Council and other administrative and practical matters.

3. Composition of the Scheme
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Statutory Purposes
Section 3: The Role and Responsibilities of Community Councils
Section 4: Community Council Areas within Council Areas
Section 5:Establishment of Community Councils under the Scheme
Section 6: Community Council Elections
Section 7: Membership of Community Councils
Section 8: Equalities & Diversity
Section 9: Disqualification of Membership
Section 10: Meetings
Section 11: Liaison with the Council
Section 12: Community Council Finances.
Section 13: Liability of Community Council Members
Section 14: Suspension of a Community Council
Section 15: Dissolution of a Community Council
Section 16: Voluntary Dissolution of a Community Council
Section and 16 – Suspension and Dissolution of a Community Council added at the advice of Legal Colleagues. We will look at this in more detail shortly.

4. Community Council Areas within Council Areas
The Council has produced a list of named Community Council areas and a map that define their boundaries. The list of community areas is attached as Schedule 1 to the Scheme.
Boundary Changes have been included as part of the review process.
In future Boundary Changes can be managed by Area Committee as per the new Council Scheme of Governance.

5. Final Consultation and Phase 3 timescale
Consultation with Community Councils commences 8th February 2017
Consultation ends March16th 2017
Full Council 27 April 2017

6. Section (14 & 15) Suspension and Dissolution. Schedule 1 - Composition
We are working towards a common election date. Section (6) Every three years.
We are working towards a method of encouraging younger people to participate. Section 7.3 (b).
Section (14 & 15) Suspension and Dissolution.
Schedule 1 - Composition
Elections on a common date should be easier to promote. Wider recognition.
Democratic – support from Area Offices if needed.
Two automatic places, we can work with School and also invite any young member who might want to be involved. More flexibility no longer a need to co-op younger people. CC can choose, in their constitution, if they want more than two. Young people (2) can not be used to prop up a failing CC as they can not be included in membership numbers or to create a quorate meeting.
It offers a better opportunity than the previous Scheme for CC to work and collaborate with the Council to ensure they get back on track. We value the work of CCs and recognise the need to support those that are struggling to maintain work. We have consulted on this with the working group realised we could de better and the need to have a manageable way to support CCs through rocky times.
We are proposing minimum 8 and maximum 20 quorum 5. This is about democracy – elections if more than 20 and accountability for community with 8 being the minimum. Up to the CC in their constitution if splits needed and we would be happy to advise if needed.
We are further updating the appendices in line with the new Scheme of Governance for the Council, CC Appeal process and we have added a helpful glossary

7. Future Reviews Government legislation
National publications that impact upon the role of Community Councils.
Update guidance on the role of Community Councils within the wider Community Planning approach.
Suggestion to have a more light touch review in two/three years.
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)

8. Community Councillors
Sincere thanks to all
Community Councillors
for their time and commitment during this review process.
A survey monkey has been sent to all Community Councils to contribute to this final phase.

9. aberdeenshire.gov.uk