A community council is a voluntary organisation set up by statute by the local authority and run by local residents to act on behalf of its area. As the most local tier of elected representation, community councils play an important role in local democracy.
Community councils are comprised of people who care about their community and want to make it a better place to live. Community councils must represent all people in the area equally.
They must ascertain and express the views of the community to local authorities and other public bodies and to take action which is in the interests of its community. They should have a positive working partnership with the local authority.
As well as representing the community to the local authority, community councils facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the well-being of their communities. They bring local people together to help make things happen, and many community councils promote the identity of their community.
Here are some examples of their work from across the city:
- attend community walkabouts to improve the area
- campaign on local issues
- carry out projects to enhance their community, such as community gardens, planters and core paths
- conduct local surveys
- issue newsletters
- organise community events such as local galas
- organise festive lights and litter picks
- submit representations to the Council on planning applications and licensing applications