Community councils were first established in law in 1974 and reinforced in 1994. They are the most local community-based tier of elected representation.
Their role is to ascertain in an active way the views of their communities in terms of local issues, needs and wishes and to convey those views to Falkirk Council. Community councils should always act in a non-political and non-sectarian manner.
They are consulted on planning and licensing applications affecting their area. They hold their meetings in public and call special meetings in order to ascertain the views of their community on major issues. They are also sent a wide range of consultative documents from the Council and other bodies. They are represented on the core group of Area Forums and are involved in the community planning process. They may also take an active role in community events and heritage preservation.
There are 17 active community councils in the Falkirk Area. Full details can be found on Falkirk Online|.
Community councils are elected (either opposed or unopposed) with the balance (approximately one third) coming from nominees from local organisations. This is to try and ensure as wide a cross-section of community representatives as possible.
Elections are held every four years. The next election is in September 2009.
The following documents are available to download:
For further information please contact the Community Council Liaison Officer, Municipal Buildings, Falkirk, FK1 5RS on 01324 506110 or email: cclo@falkirk.gov.uk|.