For more than a year, work has been ongoing to review the document that sets out the guidelines and regulations used to establish and manage Community Councils in the region. It is known as the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in Dumfries and Galloway. On 24 March 2016, the Council agreed to review the Scheme. A report to Dumfries and Galloway Council next week (12 December) will provide Councillors with an update following the review (known as Phase 2) consultation on the Scheme and present a number of proposed amendments to the Scheme for their approval.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is obliged to review the Scheme on a regular basis. As part of Phase 2, Community Councils across the region have commented on various aspects of the Scheme of Establishment including boundary changes, the Constitution and various areas related to governance which were outlined in the document.
There has been wide ranging consultation on the documents as part of Phase 2 using a variety of methods including four engagement events, telephone interviews, individual meetings and an online feedback form. Positive feedback was received for most of those who participated. Feedback has been taken on board and considered by officers and by Dumfries and Galloway Council. It is believed that the amended Scheme that is being presented to Councillors will help Community Councillors to manage their business in a more straightforward way.
One key aspect that Councillors will consider relates to the number of permitted Community Councillors on any community council. Councillors will also be asked to give the go-ahead to consult on whether there should be a prohibition on local Elected Members serving as Community Councillors.
As a result of the report on the Phase 2 consultation, Councillors will be asked to approve a Phase 3 engagement process which will provide community councils to have sufficient opportunity to participate and engage following the substantial amendments that are being proposed in the report next week.
Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Elaine Murray, said “Whilst the Council has a statutory obligation to frame a Scheme under which Community Councils are established, we need to ensure that our Scheme also provides for good governance of our Community Councils. Feedback has highlighted there are a number of areas where there is clear evidence for change including producing the Scheme in a simpler format, removing duplication and ensuring that it does not burden Community Council with excessive bureaucracy. It has been essential that the impact of the proposed amendments has been carefully considered so that the amended Scheme allows our Community Councils to operate in an effective manner”.
Vice Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Rob Davidson, said “The report provided to Councillors next week is the result of a very large engagement exercise. We are grateful for the responses we received, which have helped to shape the amendments to the Scheme that should result in clearer documentation as well as being tailored to suit our local circumstances. Community Councils are the voice of our local communities, and we appreciate the fact that our Community Councillors undertake these important duties on a voluntary basis”.
See website for further information about Community Councils www.dumgal.gov.uk/communitycouncils
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