Review of Community Council Scheme of Establishment
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.
The initial consultation process was held over a 12-week period from 20 October 2023 to 12 January 2024.
At a Special meeting of the Shetland Islands Council on 26 March 2024, the Council approved commencement of the Phase Two consultation exercise. This phase of the consultation will focus on the draft Scheme and Associated Documentation.
The second period of consultation will run for 10-weeks from 18 April 2024 to 28 June 2024, 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 Two’ heading below for information about the initial consultation process.
Consultation Phase One - Boundary areas - Complete
Consultation Phase One has been concluded.
During Phase One, Shetland Islands Council developed a number of proposed boundary options which were published and consulted on. The consultation period took place from 20 October 2023 to 12 January 2024, and was seeking views and representations from the community regarding the proposed community council areas and composition.
An online survey was open throughout the consultation period, and the Council held a number of public drop-in sessions across Shetland during November. A total of 100 responses were received.
Shetland Islands Council has developed a draft Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and Associated Documents. Phase Two 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 28th June either:
By completing and submitting the Smart Survey form below
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.
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.
The following documents can be found on this web page:
A draft Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and Associated Documents
A summary of proposed material changes
Links to previous Council reports about the Scheme review
Please note a draft Scheme may also be viewed at:
Council Headquarters, c/o 8 North Ness, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LZ
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
After the Phase Two 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 three of the Scheme Review.
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.
