Community Council Review

NEXT STEP FOR COMMUNITY COUNCIL REVIEW

The wide-ranging review of Community Councils in Argyll and Bute entered its second stage this week. Consultation papers have now been issued to all Community Councils, and comments are also being sought from Councillors, Council staff, community planning partners and interested members of the public. The consultation follows the first phase of the review process, which investigated how Community Councils currently operate.  Launching the consultation, Argyll and Bute Council Leader Dick Walsh said it was beneficial to the entire area to have as robust a Community Council structure as possible. “The 56 distinct geographical areas represented by the Community Council boundaries provide a unique opportunity to get right to the heart of our local communities and ensure that we plan in partnership for the future,” he said. “Community Councils have a vital role in the local democratic process. This review aims to explore how best to strengthen their role, as well as seeking views on how to improve participation and community representation.”  Councillor Walsh added that he saw a bright future for Community Councils across the Council area, and urged all interested parties to contribute to the establishment of a better, more effective structure by commenting on any aspect of the consultation papers which interest them. He also encouraged people to consider putting themselves forward for election to their local Community Council. “Being a Community Councillor is a very important role and one which can be extremely rewarding,” Councillor Walsh said. “Most people get involved to help improve their local area, whether by way of direct activities or by influencing decisions made by the Council and other public bodies. We need to work closely with Community Councils to ensure that they can do this as effectively as possible.” The new consultation documents, along with other background papers, can be viewed and downloaded from: http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/communitycouncilreview These include a Summary report (detailing key proposals, amendments and discussion points), a draft Scheme of Establishment (incorporating model Standing Orders, model Constitution, draft list of Community Council areas and Boundary Maps) and a draft Best Practice Agreement (including Code of Conduct). A number of key proposals, amendments and discussion points are grouped within Section 2 of the Summary Report. The Council is particularly keen to receive responses on this section, although it welcomes feedback on any part of the documentation, or on the general substance of it. To aid officers in the collation of responses it would be helpful, where appropriate, to detail the document, section, page number etc which relate to each specific comment. Comments should be submitted to ccreview@argyll-bute.gov.uk no later than 26 June 2009. Hard copy submissions should be sent to Ken MacDonald, Corporate Services, Lorn House, Albany Street, Oban PA34 4AR. Any queries on the consultation should be directed to Kenneth.macdonald@argyll-bute.gov.uk or by phoning 01631 567930.  The final proposals will be taken to Council in August.