Published on:
25
August 2021
Clackmannanshire residents are invited to comment on the guidance by which community councils operate to ensure the way community councils work continues to fit in with today’s attitudes to participation and representation.
Clackmannanshire Council has just initiated the second stage of public consultation on community council governance, the overarching framework for which is known as the ‘Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils’.
Community Councils represent the interests of their areas and the Council is in dialogue with all nine of Clackmannanshire’s community councils on possible changes to how they operate. The Council is also keen to hear directly from residents who are not community councillors, for example on matters such as methods of involving the wider community in discussions about changes proposed in the area or on procedures for registering dissatisfaction with the work of the community council.
Provost Tina Murphy said: “Community councils are a key grass roots mechanism for engaging people in the matters which have a direct effect on our communities. They are a recognised community voice and because of that, they are required to adhere to certain democratic standards. However, there is scope for them to review how they conduct business to ensure they represent communities well and still maintain legitimacy, transparency and accountability, and we’re reviewing that now.
“That’s why we’re inviting people to tell us what they think both about these standards and about the distinct guidelines for the key aspects of business such as electing community councillors and the arrangements for their meetings.”
The easiest way for residents to submit their thoughts is via the online questionnaire. Alternatively, meetings can be arranged digitally or in person by request to the Community Council Liaison Officer. Details are on the consultation page of the Council’s website.
This is the second stage of a consultation. The first stage asked for views on community council boundaries and membership numbers, and the results of that stage are on the consultation pages of the Council’s website.
The consultation opens on 25th August and will stay open until 27th October 2021. For more information, see here.