Community Council elections - Opportunity for people to represent their local community
4th February 2020
In Caithness - Cairhness West.
Nominations are invited from people seeking election to 16 Community Councils across the Highlands that remained unformed after the elections held in December last year.
Community Councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area. They express views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues such as new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have legal duties: by law, the Highland Council must consult with Community Councils on planning and licensing applications in their area.
In some areas, Community Councils receive Community Benefit money from windfarm projects which they can reinvest in the community. Others are involved in setting up Community Development Companies which can lead on larger scale projects to improve the area.
Community Councils also work to make positive changes in their local communities. Some Community Councils have worked to improve patient transport, dental services and care services as well as looking at ways to improve their environment for the good of the community and visitors to the area.
The 16 Community Councils looking for people to come forward are Caithness West; Caol; Cradlehall and Westhill; Dalwhinnie; Glendale; Glenfinnan; Inshes and Milton of Leys; Mallaig; Portree and Braes; Rogart Community; Shieldaig; Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry; Strathnairn; Tanniach and District; Uig; Waternish.
The maximum membership of each of the Highland Community Council's is determined by the population it serves and varies from 7 to 13 members.
Those wishing to stand as a Candidate must reside within the Community Council boundary and must be a registered voter.
A ballot will be held in instances where the number of nominations exceeds the maximum membership and postal ballot papers will be issued
The deadline for receiving all nominations is 12noon on Wednesday, 26 February 2019.
Nomination forms and copies of the scheme for the establishment of Community Councils can be:
. downloaded from the ‘Community Councils' section of Highland Council website at www.highland.gov.uk/elections
· obtained on request, by e-mail to elections@highland.gov.uk,
· obtained in person from any Council Service Point; or
. by phoning the Council's Service Centre on 01349 886657.
Full details and application forms can be found at
https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/799/elections_and_voting/643/community_council_elections
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