Nominations for Edinburgh’s community councils are now open until Monday 26 September 2016.
The Council is calling on people passionate about their area to play an active role and through local engagement help to build consensus on key issues.
Community councils give local residents the opportunity to influence what happens in their area – members get involved in a wide range of activities, comment on planning and licensing applications, take part in community campaigns and work with others to improve the local area.
Community councils are made up of local residents and community groups such as youth forums, parent councils and student bodies. Each one is represented on the Neighbourhood Partnership for the area, where they work with local elected members, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Lothian and the voluntary sector to identify and deliver local priorities.
Meetings are held usually once a month and members get involved in a wide range of issues. Recent activities which the city’s community councils have been involved in include successfully lobbying to increase the frequency of a bus service, setting up a book festival and delivering an annual health fair.
Maureen Child, Councillor for Portobello/Craigmillar and Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee, said: “Democracy is a powerful force at all levels. By joining your local community council you can make a real difference to your neighbourhood, meet new people, learn new skills and take action on issues raised by local residents.”
“We are looking for people of all ages and from all walks of life to get involved. Ideas, energy and enthusiasm are welcomed and the Council will provide support to get the best from being a community council member. I’d like to encourage anyone who’s interested in local democracy to get involved – be part of something great.”
People aged 16 years or older and are registered to vote can join. The nomination period for the community council elections runs from Monday 5 September to Monday 26 September 2016. Elections, where required, will take place on Thursday 27 October 2016. You can apply as an individual or as a local interest group, such as a Parent Council, Friends of Parks or sports club.
More information can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council’s website.
You can find the individual application form here or the application for a local interest group here.
You can find information on each individual community council, including maps, on the Neighbourhood Partnership website, telephone 0131 469 3838 or email community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
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