Appendix 1 - Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils 2024-28
Perth and Kinross Council · 6 December 2023
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PERTH & KINROSS COUNCIL SCHEME OF ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS 2024 - 2028 Incorporating Constitution, Standing Orders, Community Council members Code of Conduct and Area Descriptions Document Version 1 Document Status DRAFT Document Date 1 January 2024 Review Date 2028 Appendix 1
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 2 Version Control
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 3 Contents Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………. 4 1. Statutory Purposes ……………………………………………………………… 5 2. Establishment of Community Councils under the Scheme …………………. 5 3. Community Council areas within Perth & Kinross..……………………..……. 5 4. Roles and Responsibilities of Perth & Kinross Council ……………………... 6 5. Roles and Responsibilities of Community Councils …………………………. 7 6. Membership of Community Councils ………………………………………….. 9 7. Community Council Elections ………………………………………………….. 9 8. Additional Membership …………………………………………………………. 12 9. Resignations ……………………………………………………………………... 13 10. Equalities …………………………………………………………………………. 14 11. Complaints ……………………………………………………………………….. 14 12. Disqualification of Membership ………………………………………………… 14 13. Meetings ………………………………………………………………………….. 15 14. Liaison with Perth & Kinross Council …………………………………………. 16 15. Resourcing a Community Council …………………………………………….. 16 16. Liability of Community Council Members ……………………………………... 17 17. Dissolution of a Community Council …………………………………………... 17 First Schedule ……………………………………………………………………………. 19 Appendix 1 – Constitution ……………………………………………………… 24 Appendix 2 – Standing Orders…………………………………………………. 31 Appendix 3 – Code of Conduct ………………………………………………………… 35
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 4 Introduction Community councils were first established in Scotland following the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Thereafter, the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act, 1994, which produced the current system of unitary local authorities, made provision for the continuation of community councils. Under the legislation, every local community in Scotland is entitled to petition their council to establish a community council in their area. The central role of Community Councils in Scotland was further recognised by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 which identifies them as community participation bodies. The Community Empowerment Act allows specific community groups, including Community Councils to have greater influence or control over issues that matter to their community. The local authority is required to publish a community council scheme for their area outlining various arrangements for community councils including elections, meetings, boundaries, and finance. This scheme will come into operation from 1 January 2024 and will be subject to review periodically.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 5 1. Statutory Purposes The statutory purposes of community councils established under the Scheme are set out in Section 51 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973: - ‘’In addition to any other purpose which community councils may pursue, the general purpose of a community council shall be to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the local authorities for its area, and to public authorities, the views of the community which it represents, in relation to matters for which those authorities are responsible, and to take such action in the interests of that community as appears to it to be expedient and practicable’’ 2. Establishment of Community Councils under the Scheme Legislation states that when the Council decides to amend the Scheme it shall invite the public to make comment and suggest changes before a revised Scheme is formally adopted by the Council. If for any reason there is no established community council in an area following elections, twenty local electors who must be on the electoral register for the area concerned may make a request by way of a petition to Perth & Kinross Council for an election to be held. Any members elected in this way will only hold office up to the next scheduled full community council elections. 3. Community Council Areas within Perth and Kinross Perth & Kinross Council has produced a list of named community council areas and a map or maps that define their boundaries. The list of community areas are specified in the First Schedule to the Scheme. These can be modified with the prior approval of Perth & Kinross Council. Any request to create a new or amend existing community council boundaries by (1) the merging of 2 community council areas or (2) changing the boundaries of existing community councils must be made in writing to Perth & Kinross Council. Such requests should demonstrate local support for the proposal, including the agreement of existing community council(s).
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 6 4. Roles and Responsibilities of Perth & Kinross Council 4.1 The Role of Perth & Kinross Council Create a Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in Perth & Kinross with the provision of boundary maps. 4.2 Responsibilities of Perth & Kinross Council i. Arrange for establishment of community councils upon receiving 20 signatures of electors in that area in terms of section 52(7) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 ii. Review the Scheme, both periodically and in response to representations made, and where amendments are required to propose, consult and vote on those amendments in terms of section 53 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 iii. Where appropriate, revoke the existing Scheme and replace it with a new Scheme in terms of section 22 of the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994. iv. Consult directly with community councils on all issues where consultation with the public is a statutory requirement. v. Consult with community councils on changes in licensing policies. vi. Arrange elections for community councils vii. Provide an administrative grant to cover administrative costs, volunteer expenses and equipment as per paragraph 15.2 vi. below. viii. Provide appropriate Public Liability insurance. ix. Register appointed community councillor from each community council as Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office in compliance with Data Protection legislation. Within the resources available, Perth & Kinross Council shall endeavour to: x. Determine a consistent level of support to community councils across the local authority area within available resources.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 7 xi. Offer advice and assistance to community councils for development and training on such things as the duties and responsibilities of office bearers, the role of community councils, the functions of Perth and Kinross Council and other relevant topics. xii. Consult reasonably with community councils regarding the administration of Common Good funds. 4.3 Issues that are not the responsibility of Perth and Kinross Council i. Complaints received in relation to community council business or members (paragraph 11 below). ii. Internal issues regarding the running of the community council. iii. The business that the community council wish to be involved in. iv. The community council’s own policies and procedures. v. IT equipment or IT support for virtual/hybrid meetings. vi. Legal advice for community councils. Community councils should seek their own legal advice. vii. Additional insurance cover for third party groups. 5. Role and Responsibilities of Community Councils The general purpose of community councils is to act as a voice for their local area. • This will involve them articulating the views and concerns of local people in their area on a wide range of issues of public concern and make representations to their council, other public sector bodies and private agencies on matters within their sphere of interest. • It is essential that these views be demonstrated to be accurately representative of the community. Accordingly, the community councils will have in place, recognised consultative mechanisms to validate their views and devise strategies to secure greater involvement by all sectors of the community. The National Standards for Community Engagement are a helpful resource and are available at https://www.scdc.org.uk/what/national- standards/
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 8 5.1 Role i. Community councils have a statutory right to be consulted on planning applications. Licensing matters and any other matters may also be jointly agreed between community councils, Perth & Kinross Council and other public sector and private agencies. ii. Community Councils are a community participation body under the Community Empowerment Act 2015 and may make requests in relation to the following provisions: • Part 3 Participation Requests • Part 4 Community Right to Buy • Part 8 Common Good • Part 9 Allotments. iii. Community councils may carry out other activities that are in the general interests of the communities they represent, provided these activities fall within the objects of their Constitution and the terms of Perth & Kinross Council’s Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils. iv. There should be mutual engagement in the establishment of working relationships with Perth & Kinross Council and other agencies. v. In carrying out their activities community councils must at all times adhere to the law, the terms of Perth & Kinross Council’s Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils and the Community Councillors’ Code of Conduct as set out in Appendix 3. vi. Each new community council is required to adopt a Constitution. A standard template is provided in Appendix 1, together with a standard template Standing Orders provided in Appendix 2, to encourage and facilitate their proceedings being properly structured and regulated, to ensure that items of business relevant to the community are properly debated and decisions reached in a democratic manner. Community Councils have the power to change the Constitution and Standing Orders subject to approval by Perth & Kinross Council. 5.2 Responsibilities Community councils have a duty under statute to represent the views of their local community. It is vital therefore, that they reflect the broad spectrum of opinion and interests of all sections of the community.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 9 In order to fulfil their responsibilities as effective and representative, community councils shall: i. Be non- political ii. Inform the community of their work (e.g.: in newsletters and online in social media outlets such as websites, twitter and Facebook); display agendas and minutes of meetings in public places (such as libraries and notice boards); and, subject to the provisions contained within the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulations (2018), provide contact details of community council members. iii Have in place consultative mechanisms to ascertain, co-ordinate and reflect the views of all sectors of the community which it represents. Community councils should liaise with other community groups within the area and seek to fairly express and consider the diversity of opinions and outlooks of the people within the course of the community council business. iv. Draft minutes of community council’s meetings must be presented to Perth & Kinross Council’s Community Council Liaison Officer within 14 days from the date of that meeting. Minutes should be circulated, by whichever means the Community Council feels is appropriate to community council members, elected members, and other interested parties. v. Seek to broaden both representation and expertise by promoting the associate membership of the community council of persons (not eligible for election to the community council) for specific projects/issues. vi. Make particular efforts to encourage young people and other under- represented groups to attend/participate in community council meetings and to ensure equality of opportunity in the way the community council carries out its functions. vii. Maintain proper financial records and present regular financial reports at community council meetings (notes on financial guidance will be provided). viii. Inform Perth & Kinross Council of any change in membership (resignations, co-option, and associate membership) as soon as practicable and record any such changes in membership at the next ordinary meeting. 6. Membership of Community Councils i. The MAXIMUM membership number of a community council should not be less than 6 or more than 13. ii. The minimum age to stand for election as a community councillor is 16 years old.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 10 iii. Members for community council membership must be named on the electoral register for the community council area in which they reside. Members must also reside within the specific community council area i.e. the individual’s electoral registered home must be within the community council area. iv. Only, in the circumstances where a candidate, who is resident in the community council area and is excluded from the electoral register as an EU national, their membership can be proposed by residents who reside and are named on the electoral register for the community council area to qualify. v. There shall be provision made for non-voting associate membership for purposes as defined by each community council. For example, persons under 16 years of age. Such persons will not be counted in terms of meeting a quorum, or towards the total number of community council members. 7. Community Council Elections 7.1 Nominations and Elections i. The first elections to be held under the Scheme shall be held on 6 November 2025. ii. Subsequent elections will be held on the first Thursday of November on a three-yearly-cycle. Perth & Kinross Council will administer all elections. iii. Perth & Kinross Council will appoint an Independent Returning Officer. 7.2 Eligibility i. Candidates wishing to stand for election to a community council must meet the criteria for membership outlined in paragraph 6 of this Scheme. To be eligible to vote in a community council election the voter must reside and be named on the electoral register for that community council area. ii. Sixteen and 17 year olds residing in the community council area and named on the Electoral Register for that area are also entitled to both stand for the community council and vote in any election. iii. Any community council member who no longer resides within that community council area is deemed to have resigned from that community council. iv. Any individual who is elected to serve on Perth and Kinross Council, the Scottish or UK Parliament shall be ineligible to remain a community councillor, or to stand for election to a community council. Such persons, upon taking office, become ex-officio members of the community councils contained in whole or in part of their electoral constituency.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 11 7.3 Nominations i. Individuals seeking election to a community council require to be nominated by a witness, who must be resident and appear on the Electoral Register for that community council area. Nominations require to be submitted with the candidate’s consent. Self-nomination is not permitted. ii. A nomination form should be completed, the style of which will be determined by Perth & Kinross Council. Nomination forms require to be submitted by the date set down in the election timetable. No nomination forms submitted after that date will be accepted. Candidates are also invited to submit a Personal Statement with the nomination form. In the event that there are more nominations than vacancies in any area or sub-area, a candidate’s personal statement will be published along with his or her name and address. Personal statements are limited to 50 words. Where no personal statement is submitted only the candidate’s name and address will be printed. 7.4 Process On the expiry of the period for lodging nominations: i. Should the number of candidates validly nominated equal or exceed the MINIMUM prescribed membership but be less than or equal to the total number of vacancies, the said candidates will be declared to be elected unopposed and no ballot shall be held. ii. Should the number of candidates validly nominated exceed the number of vacancies, arrangements for a Poll shall be implemented. At the Poll, each voter shall be entitled to vote for candidates up to the number of vacancies on the community council. iii. Should the number of candidates validly nominated, be below the MINIMUM required membership no community council will be established at that time. However, that does not preclude Perth & Kinross Council from issuing a second call for nominations for a community council area failing to meet the minimum membership requirement within 6 months of the closing date for the registration of the first call for nominations. 7.5 Method of Election Where appropriate, elections will take place across the Perth & Kinross Council area at one time, and with regard to the terms of paragraph 7.1 above. Community councils shall be elected on a simple majority basis.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 12 7.6 Filling of casual places/vacancies between elections Casual vacancies on a community council may arise in the following circumstances: i. When an elected community council member submits their resignation; ii. When an elected community council member ceases to be resident within that community council area; iii. When an elected community council member has their membership disqualified (paragraph 12 below). Should a vacancy or vacancies arise on a community council between elections, it shall be a requirement that the community council undertake appropriate election arrangements, in consultation with Perth & Kinross Council. Filling a vacancy can be undertaken either through the process of an interim election or by co-option. However, should circumstances arise that lead to the number of elected community councillors falling below the MINIMUM permitted membership, Perth & Kinross Council shall be informed and shall undertake arrangements for an interim election to be held. 7.7 Co-option to Community Councils i. Co-opted members must be eligible for membership to the community council as detailed within paragraph 7. Such co-opted members shall have full voting rights, with the exception of voting on co-option of members, and will serve until the next round of elections (general and interim). A co-option nomination form should be completed and submitted to Perth & Kinross Council for validating before the co-option can take place. Notice of any proposed co- option of a member should be included on the agenda for the next available meeting of the community council. ii. The number of co-opted members may not exceed a THIRD of the maximum community council membership and should be rounded up to the nearest figure. iii. After 12 months from the date of their co-option to the community council the co-opted member will become a full member with the same rights and this full member will no longer be counted within the ratio of co-opted members. iv. Where a community council has sub-areas and there is a vacancy in a sub- area, a co-opted member to fill that vacancy must come from the sub-area.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 13 8. Additional Membership 8.1 Associate Members Associate members may be appointed by a community council where there may be a need for individuals with particular skills or knowledge. These individuals do not have voting rights. Associate members may serve for a fixed period as determined by the community council or for the term of office of the community council that has appointed them. Associate members may include representation from other constituted local voluntary organisations, young people, etc An associate member does not require to reside within the community council area. 8.2 Ex-Officio Members Local Authority Councillors, MPs and MSPs whose wards or constituencies fall wholly or partly within the geographical area of the community council area shall be deemed ex-officio members of the community council. Ex-officio members shall have no voting rights and will not be entitled to be elected or nominated representatives of a community council. For the avoidance of doubt, the attendance of any associate or ex-officio member at a meeting of the community council will not count towards the quorum for that meeting. 9. Resignations i. Resignations of members must be submitted in writing by hard copy or by electronic means to the Chairperson, stating the effective date of resignation. This is not permitted to be retrospective. ii. If the Chairperson resigns then they should notify the Vice-Chair and Secretary in the same manner. iii. Any notification of resignation received should be acknowledged by the recipient within 7 days or at the next scheduled community council meeting whichever is soonest. iv. If a resignation is made during the course of a community council meeting and no written resignation is then submitted, if the resignation has been witnessed by the remainder of the members present at the meeting, then once formally minuted the resignation will stand.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 14 v. A resignation is final once noted and minuted during the course of business at a community council meeting. vi. If the member resigning is appointed as an office bearer, they must ensure that all records held by them on behalf of the community council, are passed to the nominated person appointed by the community council to replace them, within 7 working days of the effective date of resignation. 10. Equalities Recognition should be given to the contribution of everyone participating in the work of the community council. Community councils must comply with Equal Opportunities legislation and ensure that equality of opportunity be given to every participant to have their knowledge, opinion, skill and experience taken into account. Consideration must also be given by the community council as to their meeting place. This must be in terms of accessibility and facilities for disabled users, as well as location, as far as practicable, to ensure that the needs of all members, visiting public or other additional members are met. 11. Complaints Community Councils are responsible for dealing with any complaints made about their individual members’ or collective conduct. Any complaints that are sent to Perth and Kinross Council will be passed onto the appropriate Community Council Perth and Kinross Council has no official role in dealing with complaints but has produced a guidance note that can offer some guidance and assist community councils in dealing with a complaint. 12. Disqualification of Membership i. Members who cease to reside in the community council area will be deemed to have resigned. ii. If any member of a community council fails to attend a community council meeting in a 6 month period, with or without submitting apologies, the community council shall advise Perth & Kinross Council, and terminate their membership. However, at the discretion of individual community councils, a period of leave of absence for community council members may be granted at any meeting of the community council.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 15 iii. Membership of a community councillor is invalidated should a community council member’s name no longer appear on the electoral register for that community council area, except in the circumstances described at Section 6 iv. 13. Meetings 13.1 First Meeting The first meeting of a community council following a community council election will be called by one of the local elected members of Perth and Kinross Council and will take place within 28 days of the date of the election, or as soon as practicable thereafter. The business of that meeting will include adoption of a Constitution and Standing Orders, appointment of office bearers and any outstanding business matters from the outgoing community council. Adoption of a constitution by the community council and ratification by Perth & Kinross Council must follow within 2 months of the first meeting as described at Section 5.1 vi. above. The community council shall not be considered to be a fully constituted community council or a statutory consultee until a signed constitution is returned and approved. The community council members must abide by the standard constitution in the interim until they are constituted (Appendix 1). 13.2 Meeting Frequency The frequency of meetings will be determined by each community council, subject to a minimum of one annual general meeting and 3 ordinary meetings being held each year. The annual general meeting shall be held in the month of October each year, or as soon as practicable thereafter, in line with the community council’s scheduled meeting dates. In an election year the first ordinary meeting after the election will involve the appointment of office bearers and adoption of constitution, standing orders and code of conduct as detailed at 13.1 above. 13.3 Quorum The quorum for community council meetings shall be one third of the current voting membership of a community council, or 3 voting members, whichever is the greater.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 16 13.3 Declaration of Interest Whether before or during any meeting of a community council a member of that community council becomes aware that they or any person connected with them has an interest in or relating to any matter to be or being considered, they shall declare such interest. A member who has declared a financial interest, or a non-financial interest which they consider would cause a member of the public, knowing all the relevant facts and acting reasonably, to form the view that they might be influenced by that interest, shall withdraw from the meeting during such consideration and shall not speak or vote on any question relating to the matter. Such declarations of interest shall be recorded in the minutes of meeting. 13.4 Content of Business An outline for the content of business that community councils should adhere to when holding ordinary, special and annual general meetings is contained within the Standing Orders (Appendix 2). 13.5 Virtual/Hybrid Meetings If community councils cannot meet in person, or is holding having a hybrid meeting, the platform to be used for any virtual/hybrid meeting is for the community council to decide. Virtual/hybrid meetings may include members of the public where this can be accommodated, but this is not mandatory and for each community council to determine. Whether or not they are able to attend, proper provision must be made to afford members of the public the opportunity to address the community council as set out in the following paragraph. An Agenda for a virtual/hybrid meeting shall be published in the usual way and all members of the community council and members of the public invited, in advance, to submit comments on any Agenda item to the community council’s generic email address or by other appropriate means; such views to be considered by the members dealing with the items of business. Comments may also be submitted during the meeting itself, but the ability to receive comments in advance will assist the community council in managing a remote/hybrid meeting. Minutes of the meeting and details of any decisions taken must be recorded, in writing, in the usual way and made publicly available. Video or audio recording of meetings can only take place with the clear consent of all present, such consent to be recorded in the written minutes. This should include a clear statement that the recording will be destroyed once the minute is completed and approved.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 17 14. Liaison with Perth and Kinross Council Correspondence between Perth & Kinross Council and the community councils should, in the first instance be directed through the appropriate Perth & Kinross Council Service. Community councils may make representations to Perth & Kinross Council and other public and private agencies, on matters for which it is responsible and which it considers to be of local interest. Representations should be made, in the case of statutory objections, such as planning or licensing matters, to the appropriate Service official. On issues where a Perth & Kinross Council Service is consulting with community councils, representations should be made to the appropriate service officer. However, in order to facilitate the effective functioning of community councils, Perth & Kinross Council has identified an official to act as a Liaison Officer with community councils on constitutional or general issues. Community councils shall provide copies of their minutes within prescribed timescales via the Perth & Kinross Council’s Liaison Officer as detailed in paragraph 5.2 iv. above. 15. Resourcing a Community Council 15.1 Financial Year The financial year of each community council shall be provided for in the constitution of each community council and shall be from 1 September to 31 August in each succeeding year to allow for the proper submission of independently examined statement of accounts to the community council’s annual general meeting on a specified date in October. 15.2 Annual Accounts of Administrative Grant i. The administrative grant annual accounts of each community council shall be independently examined by at least one examiner appointed by the community council, who is not a member of the community council. ii. A copy of the independently examined statement of accounts/balance sheet shall be forwarded immediately after the statement is approved at the community council’s annual general meeting held in the month of October, and no later than 28 February to Perth & Kinross Council’s Liaison Officer. Examined accounts/balance sheet should only detail administrative grant money and no other funds the community council hold or spend. Any other funds should be accounted for separately. The level of any administrative grant awarded will be based on the administrative grant balance at the end of the financial year.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 18 iii. The Liaison Officer may, at their discretion and in consultation with the Council’s Chief Financial Officer, require the community council to produce such records, vouchers and account books, as may be required. iv. Each community council shall have the power to secure resources for schemes, projects and all other purposes consistent with its functions. v. Each community council shall be eligible to apply for grants for suitable projects through Perth & Kinross Council’s grant system. vi. Subject to the submission of independently examined accounts, Perth & Kinross Council will provide an annual top-up administrative grant, to ensure that a community council has a minimum administrative grant bank balance of £700 at the start of the new financial year. The administrative grant can only be used to assist with the operating costs of the community council as detailed in the Financial Guidance Note provided to community councils. 16. Liability of Community Council Members A scheme of insurance liability cover has been arranged. The insurance liability cover becomes effective upon Perth & Kinross Council advising the insurance underwriter of the establishment of a community council. 17. Dissolution of a Community Council The terms for dissolution of a community council are contained within the Constitution. Notwithstanding these terms, should a community council fail to hold a meeting for a period of 3 consecutive prescribed meeting dates, or its membership falls below the prescribed minimum for a period of 3 consecutive prescribed meeting dates (during which time the community council and Perth & Kinross Council have taken action to address the situation), Perth & Kinross Council shall take action to dissolve that community council. Dated: January 2024
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THIS IS THE FIRST SCHEDULE Referred to in the foregoing SCHEME This schedule lists the community councils within Perth and Kinross Council within each Local Partnership area Eastern Local Action Partnership Area Area Number Community Council Name Membership* Sub Areas & No. of Seats Electorate Date Established Min Max 17 Blairgowrie and Rattray 8 13 - 8,396 18 Mount Blair 4 7 - 769 19 Alyth 6 11 - 2,539 20 Meigle & Ardler 5 10 - 813 21 Coupar Angus 4 8 - 1,748 22 Kettins 5 9 - 531 37 Burrelton and District 5 9 - 2,336 39 Scone and District 5 10 - 4,710 43 Errol 5 9 - 2,030 44 West Carse 4 7 - 1,591 45 Inchture 5 10 - 1,817 52 Invergowrie and Kingoodie 5 10 - 1,464 53 Longforgan 5 9 - 1,331
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 20 Highland Local Action Partnership Area Area Number Community Council Name Membership* Sub Areas & No. of Seats Electorate Date Established Min Max 9 Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel 4 7 - 329 10 Blair Atholl and Struan 3 6 - 609 11 Rannoch 4 8 Kinloch Rannoch (6) Rannoch West (2) 380 292 88 12 Aberfeldy 5 10 - 1,682 13 Dull and Weem 3 6 - 444 14 Glenlyon and Loch Tay 3 6 Fearnan (2) Fortingall (2) Glenlyon (1) Lawers/Lochside (1) 416 112 148 67 89 15 Kenmore and District 4 8 Acharn (4) Kenmore (4) 248 122 126 16 Mid Atholl, Strathtay & Grandtully 4 7 - 862 51 Pitlochry and Moulin 5 9 - 2685
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 21 Strathtay Local Action Partnership Area Almond and Earn Local Action Partnership Area Area Number Community Council Name Membership* Sub Areas & No. of Seats Electorate Date Established Min Max 32 Dunkeld and Birnam 4 8 - 1600 33 Spittalfield and District 4 7 Spittalfield/Glendelvine (2) Murthly (2) Clunie (1) Meikleour (1) Caputh (1) 1529 207 729 198 172 223 35 Auchtergaven 4 7 - 1,255 36 Luncarty, Redgorton & Moneydie 4 8 - 2,105 38 Stanley 4 8 - 1,544 Area Number Community Council Name Membership* Sub Areas & No. of Seats Electorate Date Established Min Max 34 Methven 6 12 - 4,253 40 Abernethy 5 9 - 1,518 42 Earn 6 13 Aberdalgie & Craigend (2) Bridge of Earn & Dron (6) Forgandenny (2) Forteviot (1) Path of Condie (1) Rhynd (1) 3,740 215 2,685 561 76 55 148
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 22 Kinross Local Action Partnership Area Perth City Local Action Partnership Area Area Number Community Council Name Membership* Sub Areas & No. of Seats Electorate Date Established Min Max 41 Glenfarg 6 12 - 982 46 Kinross 6 11 - 5,178 47 Portmoak 4 8 - 1,177 48 Cleish and Blairadam 4 8 - 701 49 Milnathort and Orwell 4 8 - 2,347 50 Fossoway 4 8 - 1,613 Area Number Community Council Name Membership* Sub Areas & No. of Seats Electorate Date Established Min Max 1 Central 5 10 - 4,030 2 Tulloch 5 9 - 4,055 3 City South (incorporates Friarton/Craigie (3) & Viewlands (6)) 7 13 - 13,451 4 North Inch and Muirton 7 13 - 3,644 5 Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull 5 10 - 2,974 7 Letham 5 9 - 5,016 8 North Muirton 5 9 - 2,331
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 23 Strathearn and Strathallan Local Action Partnership Area * The maximum membership of a community council is the total number of members that the individual community council can have at any one time. The minimum number is the minimum number of members that that individual community council can have and if membership falls below that number this then triggers a by-election. This is different from the minimum/maximum membership as described at 6 i. above which is the minimum/maximum prescribed membership of community councils as a whole. Area Number Community Council Name Membership* Sub Areas & No. of Seats Electorate Date Established Min Max 23 Crieff 5 10 - 5,839 24 East Strathearn 5 10 - 1,108 25 Comrie and District 5 10 - 2,058 26 St Fillans 3 6 - 186 27 Auchterarder and District 5 10 Aberuthven (1) Auchterarder (7) Glendevon (1) Tullibardine (1) 5,688 399 5,072 217 267 28 Dunning 5 9 - 1,136 29 Blackford 5 9 - 776 30 Muthill 4 8 - 749 31 Braco and Greenloaning 3 6 - 986
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 24 Appendix 1 – Constitution COMMUNITY COUNCIL CONSTITUTION 1. Name The name of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be …………………………………………………………………………………… …… (referred to as “the COMMUNITY COUNCIL” in this document). 2. Area of the Community Council The area which the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall represent shall be as described in the first schedule to the Scheme and as shown on the map annexed. 3. Objectives The objectives of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be: (a) to ascertain, co-ordinate and reflect the views of the community which it represents, to liaise with other community groups within the area, and to fairly express the diversity of opinions and outlooks of the people; (b) to express the views of the community to the local authority for the area to public authorities and other organisations; (c) to take such action in the interests of the community as appears to it to be desirable and practicable; (d) to promote the well-being of the community and to foster community spirit; (e) to be a means whereby the people of the area shall be able to voice their opinions on any matter affecting their lives, their welfare, their environment, its development and amenity. 4. Role and Responsibilities In the discharge of their functions and the conduct of their business, the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and its membership shall have regard to their role and responsibilities as set out in paragraph 5 of the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils, approved by Perth & Kinross Council and the Community Councillors’ Code of Conduct.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 25 5. Membership The COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S membership is as governed by paragraph 6 of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and as determined from time to time by Perth & Kinross Council. 6. Method of Election Election procedures shall be governed by the method of election laid down in paragraph 7 of the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils. 7. Resignations Resignation procedures shall be governed by the method of resignation laid down in paragraph 9 of the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils. 8. Casual Vacancies on the Community Council Where a vacancy arises which does not result in the number of members falling below the minimum number as specified in paragraph 7.6 of the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils, and at least 3 months has passed since the last election, the COMMUNITY COUNCIL may, if it considers it to be desirable, agree to:- (a) fill the vacancy (and any other outstanding vacancies) by holding an interim election, administered by Perth & Kinross Council, on the basis that such vacancies would be publicised, nominations invited and an election held where the number of candidates exceeded the number of vacancies. (b) fill the vacancy by co-opting a resident in terms of paragraph 7.7 of the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils (c) the vacancy to be left unfilled until local public interest is expressed or until the next set of regular elections. 9. Voting Rights of Members of the Community Council The right to vote at any meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL or any committee thereof, shall be held by all members whether elected or co- opted, but not by Associate Members appointed for specific issues on a temporary basis, or ex-officio members. With the exception of circumstances which may arise under the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils: paragraph 7.7 – Community Council Elections [Co-option]; and Constitution: paragraph 17 – Alterations to the Constitution and paragraph 18 – Dissolution, all decisions of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL will be decided by a simple majority of those eligible to vote and present and voting.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 26 In the event of a vote of the members that results in a majority not being achieved, the chairperson shall have a casting vote. 10. Election of Office-Bearers (a) The COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall appoint a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and other such office-bearers as required at the Annual General Meeting in October in each year, except for in an election year when this should be done at the first meeting after the elections (b) All office-bearers shall be elected for one year, but shall be eligible for re-election, without limitation of time. (b) Without the express approval of Perth & Kinross Council, no one member shall hold more than one of the following offices at any one time: Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer. 11. Committees of the Community Council The COMMUNITY COUNCIL may appoint representatives to committees of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and shall determine their composition, terms of reference, duration, duties and powers. 12. Meetings of the Community Council (a) The quorum for COMMUNITY COUNCIL meetings shall be at least one third of the current eligible voting membership, or 3 eligible voting members, whichever is the greater. (b) Once in each year in the month of October, or as soon as practicable thereafter, in line with COMMUNITY COUNCIL scheduled meetings dates, the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall convene an annual general meeting for the purpose of receiving and considering the Chairperson’s annual report on the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, the submission and approval of the independently examined annual statement of accounts and the appointment of office bearers. (c) Including the annual general meeting, the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall meet not less than 4 times throughout the year. (d) Dates, times and venues of regular meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be fixed at the first meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL following ordinary elections and thereafter at its annual general meeting. Special meetings shall require at least 10 days public notice, either called by the Chairperson, or on the request of not less than one-half of the total number of COMMUNITY COUNCIL members. An officer of Perth & Kinross Council has the discretion to call a meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 27 (e) Copies of all minutes of meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and of committees thereof shall be approved at the next prescribed meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL. Draft minutes of community council’s meetings must be presented to Perth & Kinross Council’s Community Council Liaison Officer within 14 days from the date of that meeting. Minutes should be circulated, by whichever means the Community Council feels is appropriate, to community council members, elected members and other interested parties. (f) The COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall abide by its Standing Orders for the proper conduct of its meetings. (g) The COMMUNITY COUNCIL has a duty to be responsive to the community it represents. Should the COMMUNITY COUNCIL receive a written request (petition), signed by at least 20 persons resident within the COMMUNITY COUNCIL area to convene a special meeting for a particular matter or matters to be debated, it shall call such a meeting within 14 days of receipt of such a request and advertise it in the manner prescribed locally for special meetings called by the COMMUNITY COUNCIL. (h) The COMMUNITY COUNCIL can meet to discuss items of business in private where it considers it appropriate to do so. The decision to meet in private will be agreed in advance and decided by a majority vote. Notice of such a meeting will be given to the public in the usual way. However, the Notice will record that the meeting, or a part thereof, shall be held in private. 13. Public Participation in the Work of the Community Council (a) All meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and its committees (subject to 12(h), above) shall be open to members of the public. Proper provision is to be made for the accommodation of members of the public and the opportunity should be afforded at each meeting to permit members of the public to address the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, under the guidance of the Chairperson. (b) Notices calling meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and its committees shall be posted prominently within the COMMUNITY COUNCIL area for a minimum period of ten days before the date of any such meeting, and, where possible, be advertised by other suitable means.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 28 14. Information to Perth and Kinross Council Perth & Kinross Council’s Liaison Officer shall be sent an annual calendar of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S prescribed meeting dates, times and venues, which should be agreed at the COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S annual general meeting, minutes of all meetings, the annual report, the annual financial statement and any other such suitable information, as may from time to time be agreed between the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and Perth & Kinross Council. When special meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL are to be held, Perth & Kinross Council’s Liaison Officer should be advised of the date, time venue and subject(s) of debate of such meetings, at least 10 days in advance of the meeting date. 15. Control of Finance (a) All monies raised by or on behalf of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL or provided by Perth & Kinross Council and other sources shall be applied to further the objectives of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and for no other purpose. The monies provided by Perth & Kinross Council in the annual Administrative Grant for administrative and other approved purposes shall be used only as prescribed. Monies raised from other sources may be used in accordance with the terms of this provision (so long as they are consistent with the objectives of the community council), or in the absence of such terms, for the furtherance of the objectives of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL. (b) The treasurer shall undertake to keep proper accounts of the finances of the community council. (c) Any two of three authorised signatories, who would normally be office-bearers of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, may sign cheques on behalf of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL. Where the community council uses online banking for the operation of any bank or building society account, two of three authorised signatories must approve any payment from the online account. Authorised signatories may not be co-habitees. (d) A statement of accounts for the last financial year, independently examined by one examiner appointed by the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, who is not a member of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, shall be submitted to an annual general meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and shall be available for inspection at a convenient location.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 29 (e) The financial year of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be from 1 September until 31 August of the succeeding year. Independently examined accounts as received and approved by the COMMUNITY COUNCIL at the annual general meeting shall be submitted to the local authority immediately following approval at the community council’s annual general meeting as detailed in paragraph 15.2 ii. of the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils. 16 Title to Property Property and other assets belonging to the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be vested in the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and their successors in these respective offices. 17 Alterations to the Constitution Any proposal by the COMMUNITY COUNCIL to alter this Constitution must be first considered by a meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and the terms of the proposal to alter the Constitution shall be stated on the notice calling the meeting, which shall be issued not less than ten days prior to the meeting. Any proposed alterations may not prejudice the terms and objectives contained within the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils. If the proposal is supported by two-thirds of the total voting membership of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and is approved in writing by Perth & Kinross Council, the alteration shall be deemed to have been duly authorised and can then come into effect. 18 Dissolution If the COMMUNITY COUNCIL by a two-thirds majority of the total voting membership decides at any time that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve, it shall agree a date for a public meeting to be held to discuss the proposed resolution to dissolve. It is a requirement that not less than ten days prior to the date of such meeting a public notice be given by means of notification publicly. If the resolution is supported by a majority of those members present and qualified to vote and is approved by Perth & Kinross Council, the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be deemed to be dissolved and all assets remaining, subject to the approval of Perth & Kinross Council, after the satisfaction of any proper debts or liabilities shall transfer to Perth & Kinross Council who shall hold same in Trust for a future COMMUNITY COUNCIL representing that area.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 30 In the event that the COMMUNITY COUNCIL is dissolved under the above procedure, and twenty or more electors subsequently wish the re- establishment of a COMMUNITY COUNCIL for the area, these electors shall submit a requisition to Perth & Kinross Council in accordance with Section 52(7) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, on receipt of which the Returning Officer shall arrange for elections to be held in accordance with the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils. Where for any reason, the number of COMMUNITY COUNCIL members falls below the minimum specified in the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils, Perth & Kinross Council may, by suspending the Constitution of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, cause the COMMUNITY COUNCIL to be dissolved and in this event, the procedures for the establishment of a new COMMUNITY COUNCIL being those identified in the immediately preceding paragraph hereof, shall be initiated. 19. Approval and adoption of the Constitution This Constitution was adopted by ……………………………………………. Community Council, on …………………………………………………. (date) ……………………………………………………………….. Chairman’s signature ……………………………………………………………….. Member’s signature ……………………………………………………………….. Member’s signature and was approved on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council on ……………………………………………………………….. (date) ………………………………………………………………... Signed (Perth & Kinross Council Officer)
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 31 Appendix 2 – Standing Orders COMMUNITY COUNCIL STANDING ORDERS 1. Meetings (all held in public) (a) Ordinary meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be held on the/in the months of ………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… ……. ………………………………………………………………..[to be entered]. Special meetings may be called at any time on the instructions of the Chairperson of the community council or on the request of not less than one-half of the total number of COMMUNITY COUNCIL members; or on the receipt of a common written request (petition), signed by at least 20 persons, resident within the COMMUNITY COUNCIL area, to convene a special meeting for a particular matter or matters to be debated, it shall call such a meeting. A special meeting shall be held within 14 days of the receipt of the request made to the Secretary of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL. Annual general meetings are held annually. (b) The notice of ordinary and annual general meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, featuring the date, time and venue, shall be provided to each COMMUNITY COUNCIL member and Perth & Kinross Council’s Liaison Officer by the Secretary of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, at least 10 days before the date fixed for the meeting. (c) The taking of photographs of any proceedings, or the use of any means to enable persons not present to see or hear any proceedings, or the making of any oral report on any proceedings as they take place, shall be permitted subject to the approval of the community council and advance notice of any recordings must be published on the agenda of all community council meetings. 2. Minutes Minutes of the proceedings of a meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be drafted up within fourteen days from the date of that meeting, distributed in accordance with paragraph 5.2 iv of the Scheme of Community Councils and shall, following their approval, be signed at the next meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL by the person presiding thereat and retained for future reference.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 32 3. Quorum A quorum shall be one-third of the current voting membership of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, or 3 voting members, whichever is the greater.’ 4. Order of Business (i) Ordinary Meeting The order of business at every ordinary meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be as follows: - (a) Recording of membership present and apologies received. (b) The minutes of the last meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be submitted for approval. (c) Any other item of business, which the Chairperson has directed, should be considered. (d) Any other competent business. (e) Questions from the floor. (f) Chairperson to declare date of next meeting and close meeting. (ii) Annual General Meeting It will not be uncommon that the COMMUNITY COUNCIL has arranged for an ordinary meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL to begin at the close of the annual general meeting, to enable any outstanding reporting on business matters to be heard; and for COMMUNITY COUNCIL members and members of the public to have an opportunity to bring matters to the attention of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, possibly for inclusion on a future agenda. The order of business at every annual general meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be as follows: - (a) Recording of membership present and apologies received. (b) The minutes of the last annual general meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be submitted for adoption. (c) Chairperson’s Annual Report (and questions from the floor). (d) Secretary’s Annual Report (and questions from the floor).
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 33 (e) Treasurer’s submission of Balance Sheet and Annual Accounts duly independently examined and certified correct (and questions from the floor). (f) Demit of current office bearers, election of office bearers. (g) Chairperson to declare date of next annual general meeting and close meeting. (iii) Extraordinary General Meeting The order of business at every extraordinary general meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall be as follows: - (a) Recording of membership present and apologies received. (b) Business for debate, as described in the calling notice for the special meeting. (c) Chairperson to close meeting. 5. Order of Debate (a) The Chairperson shall decide all questions of order, relevancy and competency arising at meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL and their ruling shall be final and shall not be open to discussion. In particular, the Chairperson shall determine the order, relevancy and competency of all questions from the public in attendance at meetings of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL raised at 4, above. The Chairperson in determining the order, relevance and competency of business and questions shall have particular regard to the relevance of the issue to the community and ensure that the discussion and proceedings are conducted in such a manner that decisions are reached in a democratic manner. The Chairperson shall have the power, in the event of disorder arising at any meeting, to adjourn the COMMUNITY COUNCIL meeting to a time they may then, or afterwards, fix. (b) Every motion or amendment shall be moved and seconded. (c) After a mover of a motion has been called on by the Chairperson to reply, no other members shall speak to the question. (d) A motion or amendment once made and seconded shall not be withdrawn without the consent of the mover and seconder thereof. (e) A motion or amendment which is contrary to a previous decision of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall not be competent within six months of that decision.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 34 6. Voting (a) Voting shall be taken by a show of hands of those present and eligible to vote, with the exception that, at an annual general meeting, the election of office bearers may be held by secret ballot. (b) The Chairperson of a meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL shall have a casting vote as well as a deliberative vote. 7. Obstructive and Offensive Conduct In the event of any member of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL or member of public disregarding the authority of the Chairperson of the meeting, or conducting themselves in a disruptive, obstructive or offensive manner, a motion may be moved and seconded to remove the individual from the remainder of the meeting. Such a motion will be put to the meeting without discussion and if supported by a majority of members of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL present and voting will be declared carried. The individual will be required by the Chairperson to leave the meeting immediately. 8. Alteration of Standing Orders A proposal to alter these Standing Orders may be proposed to Perth & Kinross Council to be altered or added to at any time by the COMMUNITY COUNCIL, provided that notice of motion to that effect is given at the meeting of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL previous to that at which the motion is discussed. Perth & Kinross Council shall have final discretion on any proposed change. 9. Committees The COMMUNITY COUNCIL may appoint such committees as it may from time to time decide and shall determine their composition, terms of reference, duration, duties and powers. 10. Suspension of Standing Orders These Standing Orders shall not be suspended except at a meeting at which three-quarters of the total number of COMMUNITY COUNCIL members are present and then only if the mover states the object of their motion and if two-thirds of the COMMUNITY COUNCIL members present consent to such suspension.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 35 Appendix 3 – Code of Conduct CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS The Code of Conduct for community councillors is based largely on the Code of Conduct for local authority councillors and relevant public bodies as provided for in The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000. Community councillors, as elected representatives of their communities, have a responsibility to make sure that they are familiar with, and that their actions comply with, the principles set out in this Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct and its principles, shall apply to all community councillors and those representing the community council. These principles are as follows: • Service to the Community (Public Service) • Selflessness • Integrity • Objectivity • Accountability and Stewardship • Openness • Honesty • Leadership • Respect Service to the Community As a community councillor you have a duty to act in the interests of the local community, which you have been elected or nominated to represent. You also have a duty to act in accordance with the remit of the Council’s Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils, as set out by your local authority under the terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. You have a duty to establish and reflect, through the community council, the views of the community, as a whole on any issue, irrespective of personal opinion. You should ensure that you are, within reason, accessible to your local community and local residents. Various mechanisms to allow the general community to express their views, i.e. suggestion boxes, community surveys, opinion polls should, where possible, be made available. Selflessness You have a duty to take decisions solely in terms of the interest of the community that you represent. You must not use your position as a community councillor to gain financial, material, political or other personal benefit for yourself, family or friends.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 36 Integrity You must not place yourself under any financial or other obligation to any individual or organisation that might reasonably be thought to influence you in your representation of your community. If you have any private and/or personal interest in a matter to be considered by the community council, you have a duty to declare this and if deemed necessary by other members, withdraw from discussions and the decision making process with regard to that matter. You should not accept gifts or hospitality that may be seen to influence or be intended to influence your opinion or judgement. The offer and/or receipt of any gifts, regardless of form, should always be reported to and noted by the secretary of the community council. Objectivity In all your decisions and opinions as a community councillor, you must endeavour to represent the overall views of your community, taking account of information which is provided to you or is publicly available, assessing its merit and gathering information as appropriate, whilst laying aside personal opinions or preferences. You may be appointed or nominated by your community council to serve as a member of another representative body. You should ensure that this Code of Conduct is observed when carrying out the duties of the other body. You are free to have political and/or religious affiliations; however you must ensure that you represent the interests of your community and community council and not the interests of a particular political party or other group. Accountability and Stewardship You are accountable for the decisions and actions that you take on behalf of your community through the community council. You must ensure that the community council uses its resources prudently and in accordance with the law. Community councillors will individually and collectively ensure that the business of the community council is conducted according to the Council’s Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils and this Code of Conduct. Community councillors will individually and collectively ensure that annual accounts are produced showing the financial undertakings of the community council as set out in the Councils Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils. They must also ensure that all resources are used efficiently, effectively and fairly and are used strictly for the purposes of community council business and for no other purpose. Minutes of meetings recording all actions and decisions made should be produced and circulated to all members of the community council as soon as possible after each meeting.
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Perth & Kinross Council Community Council Scheme 2024-2028 ____________________________________________________________________________ 37 Any breach of the Council’s Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils as set out by your local authority under the terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 may be reported to your local authority to determine what action, if necessary, should be taken. Openness You have a duty to be open about your decisions, actions and representations, giving reasons for these where appropriate. You should be able to justify your decisions and be confident that you have not been unduly influenced by the views and/or opinions of others. If you have dealings with the media, members of the public, or others not directly involved in your community council, you should ensure that an explicit distinction is made between the expression of your personal views and opinions from any views or statement made about or on behalf of the community council. Honesty You have a duty to act honestly. You also have an obligation to work within the law at all times. You must declare any private interest relating to your community council duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the interest of the community and the community council. Leadership You have a duty to promote and support the principles of this Code of Conduct by leadership and example, to maintain and strengthen the community’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the community council and its members in representing the views and needs of the local area. You must also promote social inclusion and challenge discrimination in any form. You should act to assist the community council, as far as possible, in the interest of the whole community that it serves. Where particular interest groups’ concerns are in conflict with those of other groups or other areas you should help to ensure that the community council is aware of them. Respect You must respect fellow members of your community council and those that you represent, treating them with courtesy, respect and in a non-discriminatory manner at all times. This should extend to any person, regardless of their position, you have dealings with in your capacity as a community councillor. Recognition should be given to the contribution of everyone participating in the work of the community council. You must comply with Equal Opportunities legislation and ensure that equality of opportunity be given to every participant to have their knowledge, opinion, skill and experience taken into account. You should ensure that confidential material, including details about individuals, is treated as such and that it is handled with dignity and discretion and is not used for personal, malicious or corrupt purposes.
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