What is a Community Council?
Community Councils are voluntary organisations, established by local government legislation and made up of people who have an interest in the wellbeing of their community. They are volunteers, although democratically elected, and their main purpose is to represent the views of their local community to the local authority and other public bodies. In particular, Community Councils have the right to be consulted on planning and licensing applications within their area.
What do Community Councils do?
Community Councils may carry out a number of activities which are in the general interest of the communities they represent. This includes safeguarding and improving the amenities and environment in their area. Community Councils can also act as a campaigning body in raising awareness of specific local issues.
Examples of activities which Community Councils may become involved with include:
- Holding public meetings or carrying out surveys to find out the view of the community in relation to specific issues;
- Producing a newsletter or developing a website advising of activities going on in the area; and
- Arranging community events such as gala days, environmental clean-ups and improving facilities for young people in the community.
Further information
Further information about Community Councils can be found on the Fife Council website at Community Council FAQs | Fife Council
Links to Help and support for community councils
https://www.communitycouncils.scot/
This website answers the ‘What is a community Council?’ question and directs you to all the available sources of support.
Help and support for planning matters
This website offers a free, impartial and confidential planning advice service, provided by specialist volunteers, all of whom are chartered planners.
Fife Council’s community councils’ pages
Fife Council is a source of help and advice to community councils and there are FAQs and contact details here
