Review of Community Council Scheme of Establishment

A purple banner with icons depicting different forms of participation (hands up, 3 rows of people talking, a person holding a talk and a hand filling out a survey). Underneath is the text Community Council Scheme Review, Tell us what you think.

Introduction

Shetland Islands Council proposes to revoke the existing Community Council Scheme of Establishment and make a new Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in Shetland.

The Community Council Scheme of Establishment covers a range of matters such as the number of community councils, community council areas and boundaries, election rules, the roles and responsibilities of community councillors, community council funding and other governance requirements. 

From time to time the Council is required to review its Scheme.   The Scheme review is required to follow statutory guidance and will involve at least three public consultations and further Special Meetings of the Council.

At a Special meeting of the Shetland Islands Council on 3 October, the Council approved commencement of the Phase One consultation exercise.  This phase of the consultation will focus on the plan of Community Council areas and composition.

The initial consultation process will be held over a 12-week period from 20 October 2023 to 12 January 2024.  

The second period of consultation will run for 10-weeks, and will focus on the Scheme itself, together with any associated documentation.  A final 6 week period of consultation will be held prior to adoption of any amendments.

Please click on the ‘Consultation Phase One’ heading below for information about the initial consultation process.

Consultation Phase One - Boundary areas

Shetland Islands Council has developed a number of proposed boundary options.  Phase One consultation is now underway and views and representations from the community are invited on the proposed community council areas and composition.

We want to hear from you

Any person or organisation seeking to submit written views or representations may do so by no later than 5pm on Friday 12th January 2024 either:

  • By completing and submitting the Smart Survey form below
  • By email to CommunityCouncilReview@shetland.gov.uk
  • In writing to the Community Council Review, Solarhus, 3 North Ness, Lerwick, ZE1 0LZ

Please note that all responses will be considered as part of the consultation and may be included in full, or as a summary, in a report to the Shetland Islands Council.  Please take care not to include any personal information in your response.  Any information which is considered to be personal, or may identify an individual, will be removed from responses to ensure the Council’s compliance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018.  

Complete the Survey

If you would prefer a paper copy of the survey, these will be available at the locations listed below, and in your local area.  Please contact the Community Council Liaison Officer (using the contact details below) for further information.

You may also provide feedback in person at a community drop-in event. Details of these events are as follows:

Date Venue Time
Tuesday 14 November 2023 Whalsay Junior High School 5.30pm-8.30pm
Wednesday 15 November 2023 Aith Public Hall 5.00pm-8.00pm
Thursday 16 November 2023 Brae High School 5.00pm-8.00pm
Monday 20 November 2023 Mid Yell Junior High School 5.00pm-8.00pm
Wednesday 22 November 2023 Scalloway Public Hall 5.00pm-8.00pm
Tuesday 28 November 2023 Cunningsburgh Public Hall 5.00pm-8.00pm
Wednesday 29 November 2023 Online* 7.00pm-8.30pm
Thursday 30 November 2023 Islesburgh Community Centre (Room 16) 5.00pm-8.00pm

*The online meeting is only available to residents of Fair Isle, Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour & Skerries. This meeting will take place on Microsoft Teams at 7pm-8.30pm on 29 November 2023. Islands residents are to contact Michael Duncan, Community Council Liason Officer to request an Teams invitation, using the contact details below.

The following documents can be found on this web page:

  • A set of maps showing the proposed community council boundary options
  • A blank map which respondents may download, complete and return with alternative boundary proposals
  • Links to previous Council reports about the Scheme review

Please note a plan of the Community Council areas and details of the composition may also be viewed at:

  • Council Headquarters, c/o 8 North Ness, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LZ
  • Shetland Library, Lower Hillhead, Lerwick, ZE1 0EL
  • Community Library, Baltasound Junior High School, Baltasound, Unst, ZE2 9DY
  • Community Library, Brae High School, Brae, ZE2 9QG
  • Community Library, Mid Yell Junior High School, Mid Yell, Yell, ZE2 9BN
  • Mobile Library (view the Mobile Library timetable)

View Library opening hours here.

If you have any problems accessing or reading the documents, please contact the Community Council Liaison Officer (using the contact details below) and the Council will endeavour to provide the information in an alternative, accessible format.

If you have any queries about the Scheme Review and/or consultation process please contact the following:

Community Council Review
Shetland Islands Council
c/o Solarhus
3 North Ness
Lerwick
Shetland   
ZE1 0LZ

Tel.     01595 743828

Email    communitycouncilreview@shetland.gov.uk 

What happens next?

After the Phase One consultation period has closed all responses received will be carefully checked, collated and reported to a future Special meeting of the Shetland Islands Council.  The responses may be used to assist with officer recommendations to the Council and may inform Phase two of the Scheme Review.

Consultation Phase Two - Information to follow

More information to follow.

Consultation Phase Three - Information to follow

More information to follow.

Background

Community Councils are voluntary organisations, created by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, run by local residents to represent their community.  Community Councils bridge the gap between the Council and communities and help make public bodies aware of the needs and views of the communities they represent.

Community Councils carry out a range of roles and activities including commenting on planning applications, representing local views to public bodies, responding to consultations, as well as supporting local projects and amenities.

More information about Community Councils.