Community councils were established to:
'ascertain, coordinate and express the views to the Local Authorities for its area, and to other public authorities,
the views of the community which it represents, in relation to matters for which those authorities are responsible'
(Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973)
Our system of government may have changed markedly since then, but community councils remain the recognised, non-political voice
of active citizens in Scotland - indeed, the Scottish Executive is currently consulting on ways to improve the effectiveness
of community councils.
Community councils are groups of people who give time to, and have a genuine interest in, the wellbeing of their neighbourhood.
They usually meet once a month, and their chief role is representative: to consult with the local community and to make
known to the local authority and other public bodies the views of local people on all matters affecting them. The local
authority, in turn, has a duty to consult community councils on how local services are delivered and other issues affecting
their neighbourhoods. CCs have a statutory right to be consulted on any planning applications affecting their area and
are also kept notified about local licensing applications.
Edinburgh currently has 39 community councils, each playing an important role in allowing local residents to speak out
on local issues and conveying their views to a wide range of local and national agencies. With CCs seen as the key community
participant in Edinburgh's community planning arrangements, new CCs were set up in neighbouring Muirhouse/Salvesen,
West Pilton/West Granton and Royston Wardieburn last year and we look forward to working with them on issues of common
concern.
