Argyll and Bute Council is reviewing its scheme for the establishment of community councils and has launched a consultation to seek the views of the public.

There are 56 community councils in Argyll and Bute covering the whole council geographical area, representing urban, rural and island communities.

Councillor Robin Currie, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Communities, said:

“Community Councils play an extremely important role in local democracy by bridging the gap between the local authority and its communities. The community councils help to ensure the council and other public agencies are aware of the opinions and needs of the communities it represents.

“The feedback of the local people of Argyll and Bute is extremely important in letting the council know if proposals for community councils continue to be fit for purpose.”

“Community councils offer local people the opportunity to make a difference in the place where they live, from organising local galas or events, conducting local opinion surveys, campaigning on local issues, developing projects to improve their local area and commenting on planning or licensing applications.

“We really look forward to hearing from our communities and finding out what matters to them as the newly formed community councils will represent their collective views for the next four years and it is important that we have the framework in place to provide for this.”

To have your say go to the consultation page on the council website - https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/consultations/review-scheme-establishment-community-councils-2017

Consultation documents are available in all Argyll and Bute Council libraries and on the council website – https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/community-councils

The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 requires each local authority to have in place a Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in its area. The Act also states that councilsshould review their scheme by giving public notice of their proposals and inviting community councils and the public to make representation to the council regarding the proposals.