Community councils
Community councils are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland. They bridge the gap between local authorities and communities, and help to make public bodies aware of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent. There are around 1,200 active community councils in Scotland.
Find out more on the community councils website.
Local authorities have statutory oversight of community councils and are required by statute to consult community councils about planning applications and licencing matters.
Guidance for community councils
We have published the following guidance documents for community councils, in English and Gaelic versions:
- community councillors: code of conduct
-
comhairlean coimhearsnachd: stiùireadh air deagh chleachdadh
-
comhairlean coimhearsnachd: dreachd sgeama airson stèidheachadh
- comhairlean coimhearsnachd: dreachd ghnàth-riaghailtean
We endorsed this guidance jointly with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC). It is available for adoption by local authorities across Scotland.