Call for citizens to represent their community

11 August 2021

Residents across Aberdeen are invited to stand and represent their community in forthcoming Community Council elections. 

Community Councils act as a voice for their local area and express the views of local people on issues of public concern. They are also a statutory consultee on all planning applications and liquor licensing applications. 

Anyone considering standing for election should have a keen interest in their local community and be public spirited. Candidates must be at least 16 years old and named on the current electoral register for the community council area in which they reside. 

Information sessions are being held via Teams for those who would like to find out more about what is involved. There will also be an opportunity to ask current Community Councillors about the role. Sessions will take place on: 

Councillor Ryan Houghton, Aberdeen City Council’s Council Business Manager, said: “Community Councils are extremely important to local democracy. They represent local voices which can influence planning decisions and the provision of local services. Most importantly, they bring local people together and work to improve the wellbeing of their communities.”

Community councils usually meet once a month, to discuss concerns in their local area and through public engagement should encourage feedback and involvement from everyone in the local community. This could include consultations, public meetings and actively promoting the work of the Community Council.  

Established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, each Community Council comprises of up to 12 members, dependant on the size of the population for that location with each community councillor elected to serve for a period of three years. 

For further information on the forthcoming Community Council election please visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/CCelections21. 

For anyone interested in standing as a Community Councillor and would like to attend one of the information sessions please contact Karen Finch, Community Council Liaison Officer, Aberdeen City Council, via email communitycouncils@aberdeencity.gov.uk or telephone 01224 522723.