Phase 2 for the statutory consultation of the Scheme for Community Councils and their Boundaries has been extended until 3 May 2024.
Phase 2 of the statutory consultation and review of the Scheme for Community Councils and their Boundaries is underway and we welcome your views on how Edinburgh’s scheme can be improved to best represent and support your community. To encourage participation and feedback, the timescale to provide views has been extended up till 3 May 2024.
What are Community Councils?
Community Councils are voluntary organisations set up by statute and by the Local Authority to act on behalf of their areas. They are involved in a range of activities which promote and protect the well-being and identity of their communities; and help bring local people together to make things happen. They advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities. Community councils also have a statutory right to be consulted on planning applications and are statutory consultees in terms of licensing.
Edinburgh currently has 46 community council areas. All local authorities must provide a Scheme for Community Councils, which is a document that outlines their governance arrangements and also includes details on boundaries for Community Council areas too.
Why is there a public consultation of the Scheme for Community Councils and their Boundaries?
The last review and public consultation of the scheme was carried out in 2019.
As the city’s population increases the Council needs to review the scheme to make sure that our Community Councils are the right size to fairly represent our new and growing neighbourhoods.
At a Special Meeting on 8 February 2024, Council agreed to initiate Phase 2 of the statutory consultation and the review of the Scheme for Community Councils and their Boundaries. Phase 2 closes on 3 May 2024.
How many phases of the public consultation are there?
There are three phases to the public consultation process.
Phase 1 sought initial thoughts and views on the existing Scheme for Community Councils and their Boundaries and completed on 8 December 2023.
Phase 2 is seeking views on the proposed changes to the scheme and boundaries. The proposals are detailed on the consultation hub and are based on the initial feedback received during Phase 1 and the decision made by Council at a Special Meeting on 8 February 2024. Phase 2 closes on 3 May 2024.
Phase 3 will give the opportunity to make any last comments before the final scheme is adopted.
Please note that consultation timescales are indicative and subject to change and a Public Notice of the period of the statutory consultation has been posted.
How can you and your communities provide feedback during the public consultation?
Complete the online survey via the Consultation Hub. The survey will close on 3 May 2024.
Come along to one of the drop-in sessions where you can provide feedback on the proposals directly to an Officer.
Find out the location and times of the drop in sessions.
Or you can also submit feedback directly by
- Email community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
- Write Governance Team, 2.1 Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BG
- Call 0131 529 4494
If you have an accessibility need and would like help to provide feedback please email the Governance Team at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 4494.
Where can I find out more information and who can I share this with?
You can find out more information by visiting the Council’s public website.
This is a public consultation and we would encourage you to widely share this information with all interested parties in your communities.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback then please do not hesitate to contact community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
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