Highland Community Council Review

6th March 2010

Highland Councillors meeting, on 4th March 2010, approved a draft Community Council Scheme for Highland for consultation between April and June this year.

The Council began a major review of Community Councils last September, commencing with a three month consultation on boundaries. The review is scheduled to conclude in December 2010.

Today's meeting of the full Council approved a number of proposed amendments to boundaries of Community Councils in Highland, along with a draft scheme, which includes a proposed constitution, standing orders and code of conduct for Community Councillors. These documents, along with the proposed boundary amendments, will be the subject of a further phase of public consultation between April and June this year.

Community Councils and the wider public will be asked what they think about the proposed new documentation and there will be further opportunity for comments to be received on boundary matters.

The three month consultation will use a variety of ward forums, area meetings of Community Councils and a discussion forum on the Council's website to gauge the views of Community Councils and the wider public.

Convener Sandy Park said: "Community Councils play a vital role in communities across Highland and in the democratic process. I would encourage the public to have their say on the forthcoming consultation and urge Community Councils to respond and discuss the content with their communities."

The outcome of the second phase of consultation will result in a further report to Councillors in September, which will be followed by a third and final phase of public consultation on any amendments.