Community Councils

Community Councils

Community Councils are local official representative bodies that look to channel the voice of the local community.

The elected representatives of communities are chosen every 1 to 4 years (depending on each Community Council's constitution).
Community Councils in Scotland are unique. They are statutory bodies, with rights and powers granted under the Local Govt Act 1973, The Race Relations Act 2000, The Local Govt Act 2003 and laws & regulations of the European Parliament. They are not a tier of local government, nor are they simple voluntary or community bodies.
Community councils are independent from political parties and are non-sectarian
Scottish Community Councils are unable to raise funds through local taxes, and so are dependent on fundraising, voluntary work or local authority funding
There are currently around 1,200 Community Councils operating in Scotland.

Community Councils discuss a variety of topics and issues, these often include:

Local planning applications
Local infrastructure e.g. pathways, play areas, woodland
Local events

How to get involved?

Becoming a Community Councillor and standing as a local representative
Attending Community Council meetings
Provide voluntary support to Community Council projects and campaigns

Find out more about Community Councils by going to the Association of Scottish Community Council’s website www.ascc.org.uk.
Midlothian Council also has contact details of all the Community Councils in Midlothian on their website www.midlothian.gov.uk