Model Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils and Code of Conduct for Community Councillors
Over the past 18 months the Community Council Working Group (CCWG) have developed a Model Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils and Code of Conduct for Community Councillors. These documents were produced as a direct result of the recommendations arising from the review of community councils undertaken in 2005/06.
These documents are now available for adoption by local authorities across Scotland and can be accessed by clicking on the document name below.
Model Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils
Model Constitution for Community Councils
Model Standing Orders
Code of Conduct for Community Councillors
Good Practice Guidance for Local Authorities and Community Councils
The documents have been jointly endorsed by the Scottish Government, COSLA, and the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC) all of whom were represented on the CCWG and had close involvement in the development of the documents.
Adoption of the Model Scheme throughout Scotland will establish consistency of operational arrangements in local authority Schemes for community councils. Adoption of the principles of the Code of Conduct for Community Councillors will help develop a culture of accountability for the actions and decisions of individual community councillors. These documents will enable community councils to engage effectively in an open and transparent manner within their community alongside other community organisations and enable positive engagement in line with the ongoing community empowerment agenda.
These documents are part of a wider package of measures the Scottish Government, along with key partners, are developing to raise the profile and effectiveness of community councils in Scotland. Other elements of this package are the launch of 2 pilot schemes being undertaken by Arran Community Council and Langside Battlefield and Camphill Community Council.
In addition to the above pilots the Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA and the ASCC are developing a further 4 pilot schemes focussing on community council elections and potential asset management. These pilots are currently being developed and more details will be available on the website in due course.
What are Community Councils?
Community councils are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland. They bridge the gap between local authorities and communities, and help to make public bodies aware of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent.
Their primary purpose is to ascertain and express the views of the community to the local authority and other public bodies. Many community councils also involve themselves in a wide range of other activities including fundraising, organising community events, undertaking environmental and educational projects and much more.
There are currently around 1200 community councils in Scotland, all composed of elected volunteers from the community.
Community Council legislation
Community councils were created by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The Act required local authorities to introduce community council schemes for their area outlining various arrangements including elections, meetings, boundaries, and finance. Local authorities have the freedom to tailor schemes to the particular circumstances of their area.
Local authorities and other bodies consult with community councils on issues affecting the community. These issues depend to a large extent on what is important to each community, however local authorities are required to consult community councils on planning applications and involve them in the Community Planning process.
National Association of Community Councils
Many community councils are members of the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC). The objectives of this organisation are to promote community councils, provide advice and to represent their interests at a national level. The ASCC is funded by the Scottish Executive and is composed of elected representatives from community councils. Further information and contact details can be found on the ASCC website