NEW COMMUNTY COUNCIL SCHEME GETS GO-AHEAD

The Community Council structure in Argyll and Bute is to be strengthened following the agreement of a new policy document.

The new Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in Argyll and Bute was approved by the Council's Executive following a comprehensive review.

The Scheme sets out, in detail, the basis on which the local Community Council system will now operate.

Councillors also agreed that Community Council elections will take place on Thursday, October 29, unless a UK Parliamentary election is called before then.

The wide-ranging review aimed to ensure that Community Councils can make an effective contribution to community engagement and community planning developments which the Coucnil is promoting, giving Community Councils and communities a bigger say in how the Council and other public sector partners develop and shape services.

The review was progressed in two stages over a seven-month period and involved all Community Councils. The first stage was an “as is” look at how Community Councils operated, and the second invited all interested parties to comment on a “to be” vision for the future.

The Association of Argyll and Bute Community Councils was involved at every step of the review, with meetings being held to discuss progress and invite comments.

Council Leader Dick Walsh welcomed the adoption of the new Scheme, saying it was beneficial to the entire area to have as robust a Community Council structure as possible.

“The 56 distinct areas represented by our Community Councils provide a unique opportunity to get right to the heart of our local communities, and ensure that we plan in partnership for the future,” Councillor Walsh added.

“Community Councils have a vital role in the democratic process. The new Scheme will, I hope, strengthen their role as well as improve community representation and participation.”

He also urged members of the public to consider putting themselves forward for the October 29 elections, and Community Councils and existing Community Councillors to promote interest in standing for election.

“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.

“Argyll and Bute Council is committed to working closely with Community Councils to ensure that they can do this as effectively as possible.”

The new document incorporates model Standing Orders, a model Constitution, a list of Community Councils and a Best Practice Agreement, which includes a Code of Conduct for Community Councillors.

With the new structure in place, Community Councils are likely to have a role contributing to Argyll and Bute’s proposed Area Community Planning Groups. They will be able to make representations to public and private agencies more effectively on matters which they consider to be of local interest.

Councillor Walsh said: “Community Planning is about local organisations working together to improve services for their communities.

“Most importantly, it is about ensuring that local people are able to influence the decisions of the agencies which provide their services. That’s where Community Councils have a potentially major role to play.

“The Council places the Community Planning process very highly on its agenda. We want to see co-operation and partnership working have a positive impact on everyone’s lives and achieve sustainable, thriving communities. I very much look forward to our Community Councils playing a full part in this process.”