Community Council nominations open on Monday
Nominations for Edinburgh’s community councils open on Monday (5 September) and the city council is calling on people passionate about their area to play an active role and be part of something great!
Community councils give local residents the opportunity to influence what happens in their area – members get involved in a wide range of activities, comment on planning and licensing applications, take part in community campaigns and work with others to improve the local area.
Community councils are made up of local residents and community groups such as youth forums, parent councils and student bodies. Each one is represented on the Neighbourhood Partnership for the area, where they work with local elected members, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Lothian and the voluntary sector to identify and deliver local priorities.
Meetings are held usually once a month and members get involved in a wide range of issues. Recent activities include successfully lobbying to increase the frequency of a bus service, setting up a book festival and delivering an annual health fair.
Cllr Maureen Child, Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee Convener, said: “Democracy is a powerful force at all levels. By joining your local community council you can make a real difference to your neighbourhood, meet new people, learn new skills and take action on issues raised by local residents.
“We are looking for people of all ages and from all walks of life to get involved. Ideas, energy and enthusiasm are welcomed and the Council will provide support to get the best from being a community council member. I’d like to encourage anyone who’s interested in local democracy to get involved – be part of something great!”
People aged 16 years or older and are registered to vote can join. The nomination period for the community council elections runs from Monday 5 September to Monday 26 September 2016. Elections, where required, will take place on Thursday 27 October 2016. You can apply as an individual or as a local interest group, such as a Parent Council, Friends of Parks or sports club.
All of our local community councils would welcome fresh, new faces and new ideas: remember, it’s YOUR community, be part of it and help shape it’s future! You CAN make a difference!
See below for all the Community Council information you need:
– Election timetable
– Map of all CC areas
– List of all Returning Officers
– Introduction to community councils (guidance note)
– Scheme for community councils
An Introduction to Community Councils
Nomination forms will be available from 5 September 2016 on the City of Edinburgh Council’s website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/
You can find information on each individual community council, including maps, on the Neighbourhood Partnership website: www.edinburghnp.org.uk/
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