A new scheme which will strengthen Aberdeen’s network of community councils and provide them with a greater role in the city’s governance was approved today (Wednesday 17 April).
The scheme, which was approved by Full Council following public consultation and will commence in August 2024 until 2027, is designed to give community councils improved structures and greater democratic legitimacy in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities to benefit the communities they represent.
Councillor Miranda Radley, Convenor of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection committee, said: “This is an important piece of work which will help strengthen democratic participation in shaping Aberdeen’s future.
“It is vital that we involve people in decision-making on the matters which impact on them and their communities, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in improving outcomes in their local area to consider joining their community council.”
Councillors also approved recommendations for boundary changes to existing community council areas taking into consideration factors such as population changes, new housing builds and the views expressed during consultation, to ensure more equitable representation.
These will see the triangle encompassing Leslie Road, Clifton Road, Great Northern Road, Lilybank Place and Burnett Place, which are currently within Rosehill and Stockethill Community Council transfer into Woodside and Hilton Community Councill Council while the Craibstone area transfers into the Bucksburn and Newhills Community Council boundary.
This is the third report in the process so some changes have already been approved. The report to Council on 23 August 2023 highlighted that, during the informal consultation period, Danestone Community Council and Woodside and Hilton Community Council agreed to the boundary proposal to transfer Hutcheon Low, the Persley walled garden and the Southbank housing development at Persley into the Danestone Community Council boundary
It was also reported to Council on 13 December 2023 that Abbotswell Road, the area to the left of Wellington Road was to transfer into the Kincorth and Leggart Community Council boundary following consultation with residents.
Two community council names will also change with Danestone Community Council becoming Danestone and Persley Community Council to reflect the boundary change and Rosehill and Stockethill Community Council will change to Ashgrove and Stockethill Community Council to better reflect the area it covers.
Those interested in standing as a Community Councillor and would like more information should contact Karen Finch, Community Council Liasion Officer at communitycouncils@aberdeencity.gov.uk or telephone 01224 053945. You can also find out more online.