ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Following the conclusion of Phase 3 of the statutory consultation of the Scheme for Community Councils and their boundaries the final Scheme and Boundary Review report was considered at Council on 26 September 2024.

We decided

• To note that a final 6 week consultation in line with the statutory process had concluded.
• To approve the adoption of the Scheme at to the report by the Executive Director of Corporate Services and to approve the Boundaries at Appendix 5 to take effect for the next community council election and preceding terms.
• To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Corporate Services to make final design, layout and minor typographical changes to the draft scheme.
• Approves retention of the name, “Liberton and District Community Council”; and agrees the new name of “Gilmerton and District Community Council”, and noting Paragraph 9.4 of the proposed scheme at Appendix 1 “After community council elections and at their first meeting a community council shall decide and agree the community council name. The decision will be made by majority of community council voting members and The City of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Council will be informed within 10 days of the decision being made.”
• To approve the amended Liberton and District Community Council boundary, the motion by Councillor Walker
• To approve the amended Gilmerton and District Community Council boundary, the motion by Councillor Walker and
• The Lord Provost to formally recognise and convey Council's gratitude for all the work and service given by Community Councillors to their local communities and the City of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ before the current Community Council term concludes.

We also resolve

• To promote public awareness and encourage interest in the statutory remit and role of Community Councils and Community Councillors ahead of the 2025 Community Council elections and requests
• Council officers liaise with the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Association of Community Councils and the Council's Member Equalities Working Group to explore actions and activities which would meaningfully help raise public interest and awareness of the role of Community Councils and Community Councillors; and encourage increased diversity, citizen participation and demographic representation  within ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s Community Councils.
• To request Officers to explore the possibility of advertising future calls for Community Councillor nominations through public advertising measures such as lamppost wraparounds, posters and on public transport
• To request Officers develop strategies to improve the Council’s communication with Community Councillors, recognising that some Community Councillors have experienced poor communication, including on the crucial issue of their term of office being extended.
• To request that Officers approach the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ and Lothians Regional Equality Council and use the Council’s work on Barriers to Elected Office to develop strategies to encourage greater diversity in candidates standing to become Community Councillors
• To approve a one off £500 payment where a newly formed community council was established or where a previously dissolved community council had reconstituted to enable its initial function.
• To approve future additional one off payments of £500 (totalling £1000) where a newly formed community council is established or where a previously dissolved community council has reconstituted to enable its initial function, where the community council serves communities impacted by socio-economic deprivation (as measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation)
• To agree to hold a community council election process in quarter 1 of 2025.