REVIEW OF EDINBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL SCHEME

REVIEW OF EDINBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL SCHEME
The 1973 Local Government (Scotland) Act required all local authorities to prepare a Scheme for Community Councils. The Scheme provides a framework governing their creation and operation.
The next community council elections are due to be held in October 2009 and there is an opportunity prior to these elections to review the current Scheme to ensure that it is ‘fit for purpose’.
Community councils have a key role in representing the community’s view on the 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships. With these new responsibilities there is an increasing demand for community councils to demonstrate that they are accountable and transparent bodies. It will also be important to revise areas of the Scheme where there is insufficient clarity or guidance as part of this process.
The Review will require an extensive consultation process in line with statutory requirements. Throughout this period, community councils will be kept informed of issues that emerge from the engagement process.
Consultation is also underway on a national model scheme and code of conduct. Findings from the National Review will help to inform the Edinburgh Review of the Scheme.

Attached is the questionnaire, the Edinburgh Community Council Scheme and the draft Code of Conduct from the National Review. The community council could complete the enclosed questionnaire by 31 August 2008.



REVIEW OF COMMUNITY COUNCIL SCHEME QUESTIONNAIRE


Copies of the questionnaire are available from the secretary at SLacey1@aol.com
or by clicking on link below
Review of Community Councils
These should be returned by 31 AUGUST 2008 to
Eileen Hewitt
Community Council Liaison & Development Officer
Services for Communities
Waverley Court
Level C:4
4 East Market Street
EDINBURGH EH8 8BG
Tel: 0131 469 3838