Community Councils are key partners in local government and in developing local communities. Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises the vital role that Community Councillors play and acknowledges the dedication, knowledge and expertise that they bring.

Once elected, a Community Council becomes the voice of their local community. They have this in common with local authority Councillors, Members of the Scottish Parliament and MPs. One of the key roles of a Community Councillor is to gather public opinion, they are then in a position to pass these opinions on to local authorities and other public bodies. Community Councils can influence planning applications, transport, Roads and Street Lighting and Local Amenities etc.

There are 107 Community Councils in Dumfries and Galloway, with 90 that are operational and 17 that are not currently operational.

• What are Community Councils and how do they make a difference?
• How do I find out the name of my local Community Council? 
• How can I get involved with my local Community Council?
• What is the Dumfries and Galloway Compact?
• Community Council Handbook
• Good Practice Guidance for Local Authorities and Community Councils
• Area Committe Administrators and Further Information 

What are Community Councils and how do they make a difference?

Community Councils were first introduced under the Local Government Scotland Act 1973, "to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the local authority and to public authorities the views of the community which it represents and to take such action in the interests of that community as appears to it to be expedient and practicable".

Community Councils are key partners in local government and in developing local communities, with the aim of maximising the benefits for local people and their communities. Community Councils have a great deal of scope to get involved in a variety of local issues, to develop local projects and activities, on their own or with other groups, and represent community opinion to local authorities and public bodies. Community Councils encompass a wide sphere of responsibility and influence, including:

• Planning Applications   (Find out about changes to the Planning system affecting Community Councils) [62kb]
• Transport
• Leisure and Recreation Provision
• Roads and Street Lighting
• Local Amenities/Community Halls
• Educational Provision
• Local and Structure Plans
• Local Traditions and Community Identity

Many Community Councils see a major part of their role as protecting and promoting the identity of their community. Some produce community newsletters. Others are setting up and running children's play-schemes, galas, one-off events and leisure outings.

Communicating with local authorities, public bodies and the community is crucial to how the Community Council can best represent its area. Identifying issues which could affect your community is also an important part of the Community Council's role.

Once a Community Council is inaugurated it elects its office bearers: these are the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. Other office bearers can include Minute Secretary, Planning and Publicity Officers.

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How can I get involved with my local Community Council?

The Community Council Application contains all of the relevant information on Community Councils in your area.

Go to the Community Council Application to:

• get a list of all Community Councils in Dumfries and Galloway
• view the ward map to find your local Community Council
• find contact details for your current Community Council office bearers
• download a mail merge for Community Council Secretaries

Community Councils are publicly elected every three years. Local elections took place on 8 October 2009, with new Community Councils commencing their responsibilities from that date. The list of current Community Councils will be updated as soon as all of the contact details have been submitted to the council, then the updated lists will be added to this webpage. Meanwhile, please contact your Area Teams to obtain up-to-date contact details.

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What is the Dumfries and Galloway Compact?

The local Compact is a partnership agreement between voluntary, community and public sector bodies in Dumfries & Galloway. The Compact sets out the best way for public bodies such as the Council to work with voluntary and community organisations. The Compact should improve the quality of life of local people.

To date 51 organisations have signed up to Dumfries & Galloway Compact; Community Councils are encouraged to sign up, as they are a community group with statutory responsibilities.

Read more about the  Dumfries and Galloway Compact [1Mb]

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Community Council Handbook

The Council is committed to supporting Community Councillors, to be responsive to their needs, and to help them work effectively; the  Community Council Handbook [469kb] is designed to do just that. This comprehensive guide has helpful information that will assist with running a Community Council. Working together we can maximise the benefits for the local people and their communities and embrace the changes and challenges of 21st Century local government.

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The Scottish Government has updated its Good Practice Guidance for Community Councils - please click on Scottish Government's website link to the new Good Practice Guidance. Should you have any difficulties in downloading this document, please contact Anna Gilbert at the Scottish Government on 0131 244 2794 to request a paper copy.

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