Community Councils
A community council is a group of local people who care about their community and want to make their area a better place to live. Community councils are governed by the Community Council Scheme which includes information on elections, membership, financial provisions and a code of conduct.
Review of Community Council Scheme
The current Scheme was adopted in 2006 and is now due for review. Following a period of consultation the following proposed amendments and draft Scheme have been produced.
Proposed amendments to the Scheme
Comments are invited on the draft proposals. Responses should be returned by 28 February 2009 to: Community Council Liaison Officer, City of Edinburgh Council, Waverley Court, Level C:4, East Market Street, EDINBURGH, EH8 8BG or community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk.
There are 41 community councils established in Edinburgh out of a possible 46 areas. Each community council has a representative on the Neighbourhood Partnership covering its area.
What do Community Councils do?
- they represent everyone living in their area
- they listen to community concerns
- they speak out on issues that local residents raise
- they consult with local people on initiatives that will impact on the community
- they influence local planning applications, transport, community safety, environmental and licensing matters
The Edinburgh Association of Community Councils (EACC) provides a forum for community councils in Edinburgh to get together and discuss matters of common interest. Membership is open to all community councils. The EACC Newsletter provides information about their meetings and membership.
Community Councils - a vital part of Neighbouhood Partnerships
Community councils are represented on each of the 12 neighbourhood partnerships which have been established across the city.
As members of neighbourhood partnerships, community council representatives act to ensure that their community can have a say in the way services are delivered in the local area. Community councils aim to represent their area by seeking and expressing the views of their whole community.
For more information about community councils, please contact:
Eileen Hewitt, Community Council Liaison Officer, Services for Communities, City of Edinburgh Council, Waverley Court, Level C:4, 4 East Market Street, EDINBURGH EH8 8BG, Tel: 0131 469 3838 community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
