Agenda Document Pack - Council - 26/06/2025
Renfrewshire Council · 26 June 2025
Back to Council — 26 June 2025 and its agenda
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Notice of Special Meeting and Agenda Council Date Time Venue Thursday, 26 June 2025 11:30 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN MARK CONAGHAN Head of Corporate Governance Membership Provost Lorraine Cameron (Convener): Councillor Iain Nicolson (Leader): Councillor Cathy McEwan (Depute Convener): Councillor Jacqueline Cameron (Depute Leader): Councillor Jennifer Adam: Councillor Fiona Airlie-Nicolson: Councillor Alison Ann- Dowling: Councillor Stephen Burns: Councillor Michelle Campbell: Councillor Graeme Clark: Councillor Carolann Davidson: Councillor Eddie Devine: Councillor Andy Doig: Councillor Audrey Doig: Councillor Chris Gilmour: Councillor Edward Grady: Councillor Gillian Graham: Councillor Neill Graham: Councillor John Gray: Councillor Anne Hannigan: Councillor John Hood: Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes: Councillor Robert Innes: Councillor Alec Leishman: Councillor Bruce MacFarlane: Councillor James MacLaren: Councillor Kenny MacLaren: Councillor Mags MacLaren: Councillor Colin McCulloch: Councillor Janis McDonald: Councillor David McGonigle: Councillor Jamie McGuire: Councillor Marie McGurk: Councillor Iain McMillan: Councillor John McNaughtan: Councillor Kevin Montgomery: Councillor Sam Mullin: Councillor Will Mylet: Councillor Jim Paterson: Councillor Emma Rodden: Councillor John Shaw: Councillor Ben Smith: Councillor Andy Steel: Further Information This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. A copy of the agenda and reports for this meeting will be available for inspection prior to the meeting at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley and online at http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/CouncilandBoards.aspx For further information, please email democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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Meeting Details Please note that this special meeting of Renfrewshire Council will commence at 11.30 am or at the conclusion of the ordinary meeting of Renfrewshire Council, whichever is the later. Members of the Press and Public Members of the press and public wishing to attend the meeting should report to the customer service centre where they will be met and directed to the meeting. Hybrid Meeting Please note that this meeting is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers. However, it is a hybrid meeting and arrangements have been made for members to join the meeting remotely should they wish. Webcasting of Council Meeting This meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site – at the start of the meeting the Provost will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed. Generally the public seating areas will not be filmed. The cameras focus on the main participants. If you have any queries regarding this please contact Committee Services on democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk. To find the webcast please navigate to: https://renfrewshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home and select the meeting from the calendar.
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Apologies Apologies from members. Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements Members are asked to declare an interest or make a transparency statement in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest or the transparency statement. 1 Review of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils Report by Director of Finance & Resources 1 - 60
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Council On: 26 June 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Finance & Resources ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Review of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 Under reference to item 1 of the Minute of the special meeting of the Council held on 12 December 2024, this report advises the outcome of the second and final phase of statutory public consultation on the Council’s proposals to amend the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2019 (the Scheme). 1.2 A number of comments have been received in response to the final phase of consultation and these are set out in section 4 of this report. 1.3 In terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Council can, at a meeting convened for that purpose only, now resolve by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, to adopt the Amended Draft Scheme as the revised Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2025, a copy of which is appended to this report. _________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendation 2.1 That the Council considers the further amendments set out in the Amended Draft Scheme; 2.2 That the Council resolves to adopt the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2025, as appended to the report; Item 1 Page 1 of 60
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2.3 Given the level of detail required, it is suggested that this work on the various boundary issues outlined in section 6.1 of this report, be progressed and subject to a further report to a future meeting of Renfrewshire Council; and 2.4 That it be noted that the content and provisions of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2025 be considered for review in 2030. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background Information 3.1 The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (the Act) places a duty on the Council to have in place a Scheme detailing the provisions it will make to establish and support community councils in its area. 3.2 The Scheme sets out arrangements for community councils: boundaries; elections; membership; meetings; level of annual grant; liability; suspension and dissolution and includes the Constitution and Standing Orders to apply to community councils, together with a Code of Conduct for community council members and a summary of expectations. 3.3 The Council also has a duty under the Act to keep the content and provisions of its Scheme under review having regard to changing circumstances, and any representations received in this respect. The Act also sets out the steps to be taken to review the Scheme and makes provision for statutory public consultation to be carried out on any proposals to revise the Scheme. The last review was conducted in 2018 and a revised Scheme was adopted by the Council in 2019. 3.4 On 26 September 2024, the Council agreed to review the current Scheme and to undertake statutory public consultation on its proposals to amend the Scheme. These proposals were set out in a Draft Scheme which highlighted the amendments to be considered. The most significant proposal concerned the introduction of a Community Council Complaints Procedure and Guidance (Complaints Procedure). 3.5 Following representations received by community councils and Renfrewshire Council elected members during the first phase of consultation, the Council agreed, at a special meeting on 12 December 2024, to: revise the Draft Scheme, as set out in the amended Draft Scheme appended to the report submitted to that meeting, with the addition that the options of making the position of Community Council Convener a politically exempt post, and that Community Council members undergo a Disclosure Scotland check, be included in the second and final phase of public consultation; note that a second and final phase of statutory public consultation would be carried out on the content and provisions of the amended Draft Scheme; and note that at the end of the second and final phase of public consultation a report would be submitted to a special meeting of the Council called for that Page 2 of 60
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purpose, to consider the adoption of a duly revised Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2025. 3.6 These further revisions to the Draft Scheme were published in an Amended Draft Scheme which was then subject to a second phase of statutory public consultation carried out from 13 January to 17 March 2025. __________________________________________________________________ 4. Comments Received 4.1 Member of Johnstone Community Council Community Council Complaints Process “All complaints should be dealt with by the Council Officers who effectively oversee the running of Community Councils. The process being put forward whereby a committee of members of other Community Councils should be abandoned. If this form of resolution of complaints was to be passed by the CC's or the Council it may foster a climate where it is more than likely that any decision could generate a legal challenge based on the possible breaking of laws on Data Protection, and disclosure of information during any process run under this format. As part of this I would suggest that the post of a Community Council Liaison Officer should be reestablished. The new complaints procedure must offer greater protection for Community Council members against spurious complaints which have been concocted by either members of the public, or indeed sitting councillors based on an accusation of political bias. Just because a councillor perceives a political bias because he does not have the agreement of CC members, does not in itself constitute a political bias and protection must be put in place whereby any accusation of bias must be backed up by solid evidence, not just the Councillors personal view because he knows that out with the workings of the Community Council a member is politically active. What members do outside of the community council is their business and should not be open to wild accusations of a bias within a Community Council, or by its members unless solid proof can be provided by the accuser. Members of Community Councils give their time freely to work for their communities, not ex-officio members or administrations. Sadly, I have seen situations where exofficio members claim something is party political while no party has been mentioned. When confronted by this they falsely claim that a political party name was used, or that everybody knows s who is running the council therefore any criticism made of the administration is by default party political. It is not, it's simply members of a community fighting for their community. The Scheme states that Community Councils are not political however, by nature are "apolitical" as we have ex-officio members who are councillors, a MSP, and a MP. I Page 3 of 60
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would therefore ask that the scheme is changed to reflect that community councils are not party political, but have the right to agree or disagree with our ex-officio members in matters that concern our communities without fear of misguided claims of political bias. The final decision on the matter of the Disciplinary Procedure should be made by the Community Councils.” Comments: : In relation to potentially spurious complaints the proposed model complaints process, based on the Aberdeen City Scheme, clearly sets out the type of matters that may be the subject of any complaint: • treatment by, or attitude of, a community councillor when dealing with a Community Council issue; • breaches of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils; • breaches in confidentiality; • misuse of social media, email or letters for the purpose of personal and/or financial gain; or • bringing the community council into disrepute In terms of the current Scheme, the only formal sanction for a member(s) either breaching the Code of Conduct or the provisions of the Scheme is suspension by the Head of Corporate Governance of the whole community council, followed by dissolution of the community council if the problem which led to the suspension had not been addressed and rectified. The model based on the Aberdeen City Council community council complaints process, which had been proposed by Councillor Andy Doig during the last phase of the consultation process, has an initial stage where the community council itself would deal with a complaint. In certain circumstances the complaint would proceed to the second stage which would involve the complaint being considered by a panel of members drawn from other non-neighbouring community councils. Aberdeen City Council’s process can be viewed using the following link: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/Guidance%207%20- %20CC%20Complaints%20Procedure.pdf In relation to potential political party membership by the Chair, all members of a community council are bound by a Code of Conduct which sets out key principles which all community councillors should conform to. In terms of the requirement for selflessness, community councillors have a duty to take decisions solely in terms of the interest of the community that they represent. They must not use their position as a community council member to gain financial, material, political or other personal benefit for themselves, family or friends. Other key principles include Service to the Community (Public Service); Integrity; Objectivity; Accountability and Stewardship; Openness; Honesty; Leadership; and Respect. Page 4 of 60
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Given the foregoing, any community councillor who breaches the code, including office holders, would face sanction, more so given the proposed introduction of a community council complaints process. The Renfrewshire Community Council Forum also provided comment of this proposal as set out in section 5 below. A copy of the proposed community council complaints process is attached as Appendix 2 to this report. The post of Community Council Liaison Officer (CCLO) was deleted following a review of Legal & Democratic Services under the Right for Renfrewshire programme. To establish a new post to verse the operation of Renfrewshire’s community councils would have significant financial implications. 4.2 Individual respondent from Bishopton The respondent indicated that they did not support the introduction of a procedure to handle community council complaints:- “All CC members are volunteers who give up their time and abilities free. To potentially have spurious complaints made against them is wrong and will seriously impact the ability to recruit members. It should not be implemented.” The respondent also suggested that in terms of the community council administrative allowance, any payment that was dependant on population should be reviewed annually. They also suggested that Bishopton Community Council boundary should include all the land up to the M898 boundary. Comments: Section 4.1 of this report covers the issue of the new complaints process. The comments relating to the annual review of the administration allowance are accepted. Matters relating to community council boundaries will be addressed elsewhere in this report. 4.3 Bishopton Community Council The Community Council indicated that it did not support the introduction of a procedure to handle community council complaints:- “All Community Council members are VOLUNTEERS who give up their time and abilities free. To subject them to a complaints procedure, instigated by someone who does not agree with them will, we (the members of Bishopton CC) believe will deter Page 5 of 60
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any potential members, and further deter anyone from taking office within the CC). It should not be implemented! If implemented, we believe it will result in resignations of CC members and office bearers.” The community council also agreed that any payments to the community council “dependent on population should be revised annually, with cognisance taken of population increases/decreases over the year. The community council proposed that the “constituency area for the Bishopton Community Council should run up to the M898 at its eastern edge. At present there is a tranche of land there that appears to be in “no mans land””. Comments: The comments submitted in relation to paragraph 4.2 also apply to this consultation response. The comment relating to the community council payment being revised annually is uncontroversial and can be accommodated. This provision is especially relevant in the Bishopton area. The issue relating to the community council’s boundary is addressed at the end of this report. 4.4 Individual respondent from Lochwinnoch In relation to Section 3 of the Scheme, Roles & Responsibilities of Community Councils, the respondent suggested that Renfrewshire Council “had not passed on details of a CAT for Consultation – this needs to be addressed to enable point 3.3 to be met fully. Inclusion of CAT applications should be added to the list of notifications included in this paragraph. Should RC also be advising on the decisions made in order for the CC to be able to advise the community if appropriate – can this be added to the list?” In relation to paragraph 3.8.12 the respondent asked “How might a CC manage a social platform to exclude comments from the public who enter into inappropriate messaging to pursue their own agenda against the CC without appearing to be bias in selecting what can be voiced from other individuals/groups?” In relation to the new section in the Scheme relating to virtual meetings, the respondent asked “Is the statement “Virtual meetings may include members of the public where this can be accommodated” reasonable? Is this not a form of discrimination against those that do not have access. Sections 11.2 and 11.3 cover opportunities for the public to take part in various ways but unless there is a physical meeting, they will be excluded from an open discussion, expressing views and receiving answers in a public forum. (Section) 11.5 This needs refinement. The opportunity to record a meeting should not be restricted by the dissent of one individual (as is the perception I get from the wording). Any person at an open meeting would be both seen and heard by those Page 6 of 60
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attending. In a virtual meeting there is scope to limit this exposure - to blank a profile – whilst not prohibiting the recording of the event.” The respondent supported the introduction of a procedure to handle community council complaints. They suggested that there needed “to be a clear process for the benefit of both public and committee members, to enable both sides to feel sure that issues will be investigated fairly and impartially and that both sides will be given adequate opportunity to present cases, evidence and defence of any criticism or complaint.” Changes needed to the content of the proposed Community Council Complaints Procedure and Guidance included: “include under “What can’t I complain about*, a specific statement regarding complaints about the action / statements of a member in their personal capacity. “How do I complain?” Making reference to a Stage 1 in the complaints process could be indicated here at the outset. Frontline Resolution - Investigating panel – internal / external – should the criteria, or examples to define the limitation on internal investigations to be given here. What is / out of scope for an internal review. Investigation of complaints – training. The statement refers to “ideally”. This is not adequate. Should untrained individuals be conducting investigations? Not following due and proper process could lead to unnecessary appeals. Suspension – “may” occur at stage 1 level. This could be feasible if the complaint is about an individual member, but if it is a complaint about the council in general – will the council suspend itself? There is no reference to suspension during the investigation at Stage 2. Complaints Procedures – investigations I believe that the guidelines should state that the investigation should only be undertaken by those that have been trained - to ensure compliance to all procedures and requirements. The minimum should be that at least one trained person – possibly appointed as chair - to be in attendance (even if it means bringing in an external council member). Ideally each committee should have to trained members to cover all eventualities e.g. one of the two being the person complained about.” Comments: There is no legislative requirement for the Council to notify community councils about Community Asset Transfer (CAT) requests received. The Council is required to notify any tenant occupier of the land the request relates to. This would include any group which has an agreement for regular use of the land or building; notify the owner, if the relevant authority leases the land; publish a notice online; and put up a notice Page 7 of 60
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near the land. However, as a matter of best practice the Council does also notify community councils at the point of acknowledgment of a valid CAT. The Council also send community councils a copy of the decision notice which it is not required to do in terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. Issues relating to comments posted on community council website pages has become an increasing issue. Community councils should take the Code of Conduct into account when directly posting on their social media pages. Similarly, site administrators should be quick to take down comments that are not expressed with courtesy, respect or politeness; posts should not contain abuse, harassment, intimidation, any threats of any form or be political in nature; posts should not contain any form of discrimination; and posts should not spread false or unverified information. Should a community council feel that it is unable to monitor its social media it should enable the ‘turn off comments’ function on posts. In relation to virtual meetings of community councils, this provision was included in the model Scheme towards the end of the Covid pandemic. Almost all community council meetings take place in person, but this provision allows for any possible future circumstances when in person meetings can’t take place. The comments relating to the training of community councillors on complaints panels will be investigated further outwith this Scheme review. 4.5 Individual respondent from Bridge of Weir “I disagree with the inclusion of ISP costs as a legitimate use of the Administration budget. This is archaic in an age where home broadband is as common as home gas and electricity and therefore is paid for and used by individuals as part of their daily lives. Using broadband for Community Council purposes does not result in additional, separately identifiable cost. The Council should not be using scarce taxpayers’ money to subsidise this.” Comments: Each community council is responsible for the use of its annual administration allowance. It would be perfectly acceptable for an individual community council to decide not to allocate any of its allowance against internet costs. This is a matter entirely for each community council and not for Renfrewshire Council. Further, each community council is required to approve their annual accounts each year following independent audit, thereby providing full accountability of all areas of expenditure. 4.6 At the special meeting of Council held on 12 December 2024, a motion was received by Councillor Andy Doig and seconded by Councillor John Hood in the following terms: “That the options of making the position of Community Council Convenor a politically exempt post, and that Community Council members undergo a Disclosure Scotland check, be included in the second and final phase of public consultation”. Following a vote this motion was agreed by Council and the terms of the motion Page 8 of 60
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have therefore been included in the second phase of consultation. Comments: This suggestion has been considered by officers in Legal Services. It is considered that such a restriction could breach both the Equality Act and the Human Rights Act 1998. As a result, the advice from those officers is that such a restriction should not be included in the Scheme. All members of a community council are bound by a Code of Conduct which sets out key principles which all community councillors should conform to. In terms of the requirement for selflessness, Community councillors have a duty to take decisions solely in terms of the interest of the community that they represent. They must not use their position as a community council member to gain financial, material, political or other personal benefit for themselves, family or friends. Other key principles include Service to the Community (Public Service); Integrity; Objectivity; Accountability and Stewardship; Openness; Honesty; Leadership; and Respect. Given the foregoing, should the proposed complaints process be agreed, any community councillor, including office holders, who breaches the code by acting in an overtly political manner would face potential sanction under that process. The Renfrewshire Community Council Forum also provided comment of this proposal as set out in section 5 below. In terms of disclosure checking of community councils, any disclosure level issued by Disclosure Scotland (DS) must be legally eligible. Of the disclosure levels Disclosure Scotland issue where information there-on is to be disclosed to third parties those persons must be legally entitled to sight any such information. Any eligibility assessment is for the organisation, in this case, the Council, to make and not Disclosure Scotland. It would therefore be up to the Council to review the legislative guidelines and any associated material to establish if the roles undertaken by community councillors are suitable to join the PVG scheme and if not if another disclosure level is applicable. From 1 April 2025, the disclosure levels available are: Level 1 disclosure (former basic) Level 2 disclosure or Level 2 with barred list check disclosure (former standard & enhanced) and Level 2 with PVG (PVG scheme). A Level 1 disclosure is the most common type of criminal record check. It's the lowest level of disclosure. It shows unspent convictions only. Disclosure Scotland does not monitor people as part of a level 1 disclosure. The disclosure only shows the information available on the date it was created. Anyone can apply for a Level 1 disclosure and it can be used for any purpose. A Level 2 disclosure is used to help employers make sure people are suitable for certain types of work and can only be accessed by persons doing these types of work. These roles include people who: Page 9 of 60
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• administer the law, such as solicitors or court workers • work as accountants • veterinarians • work with the provision of a care service that is not a regulated role. A Level 2 with PVG is for persons who are in a regulated role. Disclosure Scotland has advised that the Council should not access PVG if the role in question role is not considered a regulated role. To conclude Disclosure Scotland would therefore conduct any check as applicable provided it was legally eligible. Disclosure Scotland has confirmed that only the Level 1 could be applied for in relation to Community Councillors. Community Councillors are not engaged in ‘regulated work’. ‘Regulated work’ breaks down into work with children and work with adults; and the types of work which fall within each definition are set out comprehensively in Schedules 2 and 3 of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. None of these categories would apply to community councillors. The cost of a Level 1 disclosure is £25. There are over 220 active community councillors at present so this would generate an initial cost of at least £5,500. Further, an additional resource would require to be identified to manage the disclosure process on an ongoing basis. Disclosures would be required as either new members were added through interim elections or co-option or were removed where members resigned. Concern was expressed by the Community Council Forum and other respondents that the introduction of Disclosure Scotland checks could be seen as over-regulation and prove to be a disincentive to attracting new community council members and retaining existing members. Given the foregoing, this report recommends that community councillors not be subjected to checks by Disclosure Scotland. 4.7 Further comment has been reived from Councillor Andy Doig in the following terms: “I do not believe that a conflation of the Aberdeen City Council CC (Community Council) complaints procedure with a peer group disciplinary model involving CC members in an adjacent CC investigating, is either compatible, workable or fair. I believe in the adoption of the ACC CC complaints procedure in its entirety as it is. There is considerable resistance within the CC"s in my ward to members having responsibilities of this kind.” A copy of the Aberdeen City Council, amended to reflect Renfrewshire’s circumstances, such as the removal of any reference to the Community Council Liaison Officer (CCLO), is attached as Appendix 1(G) to this report. In all other respects the proposed Renfrewshire model reflects that of Aberdeen City Council. Comments: Page 10 of 60
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The Aberdeen City Council model, as with the proposed Renfrewshire community council complaints process, has two stages. The second stage of the Aberdeen City Council model sees complaints being referred to a Panel of five community councillors from within a pool of members. Members would be drawn from other community councils, that did not have a neighbouring boundary with the Community Council. Taking into account that, in terms of the current Scheme, the only formal sanction for a member(s) breaching the Code of Conduct or the provisions of the Scheme is suspension by the Head of Corporate Governance of the whole community council, followed by dissolution of the community council if the problem which led to the suspension not being addressed and rectified, it is proposed that a complaints scheme based on the Aberdeen City Council community council complaints procedure be adopted. 4.8 Paisley East & Whitehaugh Community Council “It is difficult to establish whether the comments made by various individuals and Community Councils will be incorporated or not in the final approved version. We as a CC do have issue with • Convener (Chair) does not need to be politically neutral – the Code of Conduct to which we all have agreed to should be a sufficient safeguard against bias. • Disclosure checks for all members are unnecessary and would bring a cost. It would be a disincentive for new members. It can be difficult enough to get new volunteers We have no issue with • Agendas to be sent to Renfrewshire Council 7 days prior to meetings and draft minutes 7 days after meetings. Approved minutes to be sent within 7 days following approval • 7 meetings per year (6 regular and 1 AGM) • The transfer of new houses in the Hawkhead estate (old Ciba site) can be transferred to Hawkhead and Lochfield CC if it is their wish. • Rules for the operation of virtual meetings are desirable Some form of complaints procedure is necessary given the recognisable issues that “keyboard warriors” can stir up. The procedure described is by its nature bureaucratic and as such would not encourage our members to put their names forward as members of the Complaints panel. Again a disincentive to volunteering to become a member of a Community Council. Page 11 of 60
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It would further assist the consultation process if some form of Document Control was implemented; this would include (based on ISO 9001) • Document approval • Document updating and reapproval of amended documents • Identify changes • Make documents available where they are needed • Control documents of external origin • Prevent inadvertent use of obsolete documents Comments: The comments relating to complaints, the political neutrality of the chair and the proposal to disclosure check community councillors have already been addressed in some detail earlier in this report and the comments relating to the transfer of the new Hawkhead Estate to Hawkhead and Lochfield Community Council will be picked up later in this report. Otherwise, the comments from Paisley East & Whitehaugh Community Council are noted. 4.9 Neil Ferguson, Member of Bridge of Weir Community Council Mr Ferguson made the following observations in an individual capacity, not on behalf of Bridge of Weir Community Council: * “There is a fundamental lack of awareness and understanding amongst residents as to the role and function of a CC. This in turn makes it difficult to attract interest to join. * The reliance on infrequent elections and restrictions on co-optee numbers has made it difficult to 'sign up' individuals who express a strong interest to join outwith election periods. I feel that a more flexible approach could work better. * The requirement for applicants to submit their electoral registration number may well be a barrier to the completion of nomination forms. Even the need to have a nominator and seconder may put people off from joining.” Comments: The observations submitted by Mr Ferguson are entirely valid but perhaps do not fall within the scope of this review. A response has been issued to Mr Ferguson, undertaking to work to improve awareness of community councils, highlighting how membership can be enhanced between elections and explaining the need for electoral roll numbers to be provided on nomination forms. 4.10 Ralston Community Council Page 12 of 60
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“Part 1: Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils & 4 appendices Pages 21-25 Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils Page 25, 3.8,. item 1 "Community councils should seek to develop good working relationships with all Elected Members of Renfrewshire Council". Recommend that this is amended to: "Community councils and all Elected Members of Renfrewshire Council should seek to develop good working relationships". Comments: While this is an entirely reasonable comment, the Scheme is a set of rules for community councillors and not Renfrewshire Councillors who are bound by a their own Code of Conduct Link to Code of Conduct for Councillors 4.11 Kilbarchan Community Council We are addressing the requirement for community Councils to consider the 4 proposals that were tabled and discussed at the Community Council Forum on 10 March 2025. “Proposal 1. (This related to the proposal agreed at the meeting of Renfrewshire Council held on 12 December 2024 “that the options of making the position of Community Council Convenor a politically exempt post, and that Community Council members undergo a Disclosure Scotland check, be included in the second and final phase of public consultation”.) We have always understood that CC’s are bound by a Code of Conduct and support this document. We do not support the need for members to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check. Any events we organise where children or vulnerable adults attend is on the same basis as any other organised event open to all to attend. There will be a responsible adult with them and the role of the CC is not to take on this role. Additionally for example, children’s choir attending an event will have an organiser with them who will have been through this process and has this responsibility. Disclosure Scotland checks come with a cost and this would be considerable if required to (we must say unnecessarily) apply to all community council members. It would also require a member of the CC to oversee theses disclosures which is an unnecessary invasive of privacy. We note that there was an officer’s recommendation that this would not meet the tests with Disclosure Scotland and we support this. Page 13 of 60
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Proposal 2. Initially we were concerned about the possibility of spurious complaints being made by members of the public about either a CC member or a CC and this then resulting in a formal and unpleasant complaints procedure taking place. However after discussion at the Forum meeting we are satisfied that there is a first level which would be dealt with by the CC chair. All correspondence for this should be forwarded to Renfrewshire Council so there is a record of discussion . This could also help with an unnecessary acceleration to stage 2. We understand the requirement for a more formal procedure ie the second stage, after the scenarios given at the Forum meeting where members have operated outside of the Code of Conduct , used their position wrongly as a CC member with Social media etc. While we understand that this could be overseen by CC’s (properly trained) it is also essential that this is overseen by an officer of the council. It may be that this officer input would only be if resolution was not reached but this professional input is essential. We would hope that there would not be many cases where this would be required so would not require a large additional input from Renfrewshire Council. Proposal 3. We already ensure that minutes and agenda are sent out 7 days prior to our meetings and send these to RC. We will adhere to the request that any amendments are made known to RC after each meeting where minutes are approved. Proposal 4. We are all volunteers and require some flexibility. We ask that the wording regarding the AGM either be “ the AGM shall take place by October” or “ the AGM shall be held in October each year unless agreed in writing by Renfrewshire Council”. Comments; The responses submitted by Kilbarchan Community Council to the four proposals are accepted. _______________________________________________________________ 5. Renfrewshire Community Council Forum 5.1 The Forum met on Monday 10 February 2025 to consider, amongst other things, the final stage of consultation on the 2025 Scheme. The Forum consists of representatives of all active community councils in Renfrewshire and one of its main objectives is to articulate a collective voice for community councils on matters of common interest. 5.2 The Forum considered a number of overarching proposals included in the final stage of the consultation process. Page 14 of 60
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5.3. Proposal 1 5.3.1 This related to the proposal agreed at the meeting of Renfrewshire Council held on 12 December 2024 “that the options of making the position of community council convener a politically exempt post, and that community council members undergo a Disclosure Scotland check, be included in the second and final phase of public consultation”. 5.3.2 The overall view of the Forum was that the terms of the Code of Conduct, that community councillors should not act in a party-political way in a community council capacity, were sufficient. The Forum strongly disagreed that all community councillors should be disclosure checked on the following grounds: community councillors did not carry out regulated activities; the cost of a Disclosure check, £25, would need to be met by community councils and would be prohibitive reference was made to the number of community councils with membership levels just on the threshold. Any measures which might deter people from volunteering to join community councils or which caused existing members to leave their roles could force some community councils to dissolve 5.4 Proposal 2 5.4.1 This proposal related to the inclusion of a two-stage complaints process based on the Aberdeen City Council model in the final stage of consultation. 5.4.2 While there was no clear view on the need for a formal complaints process there was general agreement that the current process, which involved an investigation by the Head of Corporate Governance followed by possible suspension of the entire community council was not appropriate. One Forum member suggested that community councils were over-regulated while two others suggested that the second stage of the proposed formal complaints process would require the assistance of a Council officer. 5.5 Proposal 3 Agendas should be sent the Renfrewshire Council 7 days prior to meetings along with the draft minutes of the previous meeting. Approved minutes to be sent to Renfrewshire Council within 7 days following approval. Comment: The Forum was generally in agreement with the proposal. It was noted that in certain circumstances the Council may wish to have sight of a draft Minute within 7 days of a meeting having taken place. 5.6 Proposal 4 Page 15 of 60
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There should be a minimum of 7 meetings per year (6 regular and 1 AGM). Community Councils could, of course, hold more than 7 meetings per year if required. Comment: Paragraph 10.2 of the current Scheme sets out that “the frequency of meetings will be determined by each community council, subject to a minimum of 7 meetings each year (one annual general meeting and 6 ordinary meetings). Standing Orders shall identify the months in which meetings are to take place. The annual general meeting shall be held in OCTOBER each year.” Taking into account previous comments regarding the AGM it is proposed that the final sentence of paragraph 10.2 be changed to “The annual general meeting shall be held in OCTOBER each year unless agreed in writing by Renfrewshire Council.” 6. Boundaries Changes 6.1 A number of requests for changes to community council boundaries have been received including at Hawkhead and Lochfield/Paisley East & Whitehaugh; Erskine/Bishopton; Inchinnan/Erskine; the transfer of the area around Jennyswell to Hawkhead & Lochfield Community Council; and the extension of the Bishopton Community Council boundary up to the M898. The proposals should be robust and could include, but would be not limited to: • the reason(s) for the proposed change (ie: to better reflect the sense of community felt by local residents currently living in the area and those moving into newly-built homes nearby, etc) • as much evidence as possible to support the reasons for changing the boundary and creating a new boundary: such as • written confirmation from the community council losing an area that it supports the removal of a section of its current area into the other area and why; • written confirmation from residents currently living in the ‘receiving’ community council area that they see the new area as part of their community, and why; • written confirmation from residents currently living in the community council losing the area that they identify more readily with the ‘receiving’ community council, and why; • a detailed map showing the new boundary proposed and a written definition thereof; and Page 16 of 60
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• the number of households/population to be moved from one community council area to the other. 6.2 Given the level of detail required it is suggested that this work be progressed and be the subject to a further report to a future meeting of Council. ______________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – The post of Community Council Liaison Officer (CCLO) was deleted as part of the Right for Renfrewshire review of Corporate Governance staff. Should a decision be taken which involves any increased officer involvement with community councils, consideration may need to be given to reinstating the post of CCLO or creating a new post which includes responsibility for community councils. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – Our Renfrewshire is fair - Community councils represent all residents in their area with fairness and equality and, although not part of local government, are considered the first tier of local democracy. Our Renfrewshire is safe – Community councils contribute towards keeping residents safe and, to help them do so, have developed strong working relationships with local community police and warden services. Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – Community councils are statutory consultees on planning and some licensing matters. Building strong, safe and resilient communities – As advocates for their neighbourhoods, community councils have developed strong working relationships with all public sector service providers and in that way help to plan services and communicate those plans to residents. 4. Legal – As set out in the report. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. Page 17 of 60
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8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact - None 12. Climate Risk – None. 13. Cosla Policy Position – None. 14. Children’s Rights – None. ____________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: (a) Renfrewshire Council Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils (2019) (b) Report to Council 27 June 2024: Review of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils (c) Report to Council 26 September 2024: Review of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils (d) Report to Council, 12 December 2024: Review of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Dave Low, Democratic Services Manager, Finance & Resources David.Low@renfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 0141 487 1118 ___________________________________________________________________ Page 18 of 60
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1 Appendix 1 Document Title Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils Service Finance & Resources Lead Author Dave Low Date Effective December 2010 Review Date 2015 Revised February 2015 Review Date 2019 Revised September 2019 Review Date 2023 Revised June 2025 Review Date 2030 Page 19 of 60
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2 CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction 3 2. Statutory Purposes 3 3. The Role & Responsibilities of Community Councils 4 4. Community Council Areas 7 5. Membership of Community Councils 7 6. Establishment of Community Councils 7 7. Community Council Elections 8 Eligibility Elections Returning Officer Nominations Process Method of Election Filling of casual vacancies between elections Co-option to Community Councils Additional Membership 8. Equalities 11 9. Disqualification of Membership 11 10. Meetings 12 11. Virtual Meetings 12 12. Communication with Renfrewshire Council 13 13. Resourcing a Community Council 14 14. Liability of Community Councils 15 15. Complaints 15 16. Suspension of a Community Council 15 17. Dissolution of a Community Council 14 Contact Information 16 APPENDICES: A - Community Council Constitution B - Community Council Standing Orders C - Code of Conduct for Community Councillors D - Community Council Funding/Population/Members E - Summary of Expectations F – Revised complaints process Page 20 of 60
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3 RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL SCHEME FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS 1. Introduction 1.1 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. Every local community in Scotland is entitled to petition their local authority to start a community council in their area. 1.2 Renfrewshire Council published its first Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils (the Scheme) in 2001. Following statutory public consultation, that Scheme was revoked and a new Scheme was adopted in December 2010, the contents of which were revised and amended in 2015 and 2019. The Scheme describes how community councils in Renfrewshire are formed, the conditions under which they operate and the minimum standards to be met for recognition as a community council. 1.3 Guidance on the practical implementation of this Scheme is available on request from Renfrewshire Council: Contact: community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 487 1118. 2. Statutory Purposes 2.1 The statutory purposes of community councils established under this Scheme are set out in Section 51 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as follows: - ‘’In addition to any other purpose which a community council 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’’ 2.2 Community councils are voluntary bodies that exist within a statutory framework. They can complement the role of the local authority but are not part of local government. Page 21 of 60
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4 2.3 Other Purposes: The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, further strengthens the purpose of community councils by including voluntary bodies within the community planning framework. As voluntary bodies, community councils: 1. can participate in all parts of the community planning process to produce Local Outcome Improvement Plans, in the development, design and delivery of these plans and in the review, revision and reporting of progress; 2. can make Participation Requests; 3. can make Asset Transfer requests; 4. can be involved in forestry leasing; 5. have a right to be consulted on the disposal or change of use of common good assets; and 6. can be involved in Participatory Budgeting. 2.4 To support community councils to undertake their role within the community planning process, governance arrangements for Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership will include recognition of community councils as members of Local Partnerships and advice and support will be provided to assist community councils to make Participation and Asset Transfer requests. This support will include access to advice on appropriate sources of funding available from the Council and other organisations. 3. The Role and Responsibilities of Community Councils 3.1 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 local authority, other public sector bodies and private agencies on matters within their sphere of interest. 3.2 It is essential that these views be demonstrated to be accurately representative of the community. Accordingly, the community council will have in place, in consultation with the local authority, recognised consultative mechanisms, which may include social media, to validate their views and devise strategies to secure greater involvement by all sectors of the community. 3.3 Community councils have a statutory right to be consulted by the Council on planning applications, certain licensing matters and on the disposal or change of use of common good assets. Page 22 of 60
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5 3.4 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 this Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. 3.5 There should be mutual engagement in the establishment of working relationships with Renfrewshire Council and other public agencies. 3.6 In carrying out their activities community councils must adhere to the law and the terms of this Scheme, including the Constitution (Appendix A), Standing Orders (Appendix B) and the Code of Conduct for Member of Community Councils (Appendix C) 3.7 Each community council is therefore required to: 1. adopt a “Constitution” as set out in Appendix A; 2. adhere to “Standing Orders” for the proper conduct of meetings, as set out in Appendix B; and 3. ensure members abide by the “Code of Conduct for Members of Community Councils” as set out in Appendix C 4. adhere to the complaints procedure as set out in Appendix G These standard documents have been approved by Renfrewshire Council and cannot be amended without the authority of the Director of Finance & Resources. 3.8 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. To fulfil their responsibilities community councils: 1. should act without religious bias and remain neutral of party political activity: Community councils must not endorse any political party or the activities of any political party. Community councils (and community council members in their role as members) must not show bias for or against any political party. Community council social media accounts should not display content from political parties and should not be used to comment, follow, like, display, forward etc any party- political postings. Community councils should seek to develop good working relationships with all Elected Members of Renfrewshire Council; 2. should inform the community of their work by making agendas and minutes of meetings available in public places such as libraries, community notice boards and online through social media accounts; Page 23 of 60
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6 3. provide the name and address of community council members, when requested; 4. submit agendas together with any attachments to Renfrewshire Council at least 7 days prior to the date of each meeting; Contact: community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk 5. distribute agenda and minutes to community council members, ex officio members, Renfrewshire Council and any other interested parties at least 7 days prior to each meeting as per the requirements of the Constitution and Standing Orders; 6. seek to broaden both representation and expertise by promoting Associated Membership of the community council of persons (not eligible for election to the community council) for specific projects/issues; 7. make particular efforts to encourage young people and other under- represented groups to attend/participate at community council meetings and to ensure equality of opportunity in the way the community council carries out its function; 8. maintain proper financial records, present regular financial reports to community council meetings and produce annual accounts each year. (A recognised format for financial recording keeping is available from Renfrewshire Council); Contact: community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk 9. inform Renfrewshire Council, as soon as possible, of any changes to membership. Contact: community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk 10. hold appropriate Public Liability insurance; 11. register as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office and ensure the security of any confidential, personal and/or sensitive information held by the community council; and Contact: https://ico.org.uk/ 12. monitor its social media accounts to ensure content is appropriate, engaging and promotes the work of the community council in a positive manner. The community council’s social media platforms should not be used to conduct arguments, bully or harass any individual or organisation. The opinions expressed on the Page 24 of 60
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7 community council’s social media platforms should reflect the views of the community council and not of individual members. 4. Community Council Areas within Renfrewshire 4.1 Following consultation, local demand has determined that community councils be established in 25 neighbourhood areas. A list of named community council areas and their approximate population is attached as Appendix D. (Given that a number of requests for revisions to existing community boundaries have been received, maps defining the boundaries to apply to each community council area have not been circulated at this time). 5. Membership of Community Councils 5.1 There shall be minimum and maximum numbers of members elected to a community council. Where the population in any community council area is less than 5,000 the minimum membership number will be 7 and the maximum 21. Where the population in any community council area is 5,000 or greater the minimum membership number will be 10 and the maximum 30. The number of members to be elected to each community council is detailed in Appendix D. 5.2 Members must be nominated and elected to the community council and must be 16 years of age or over. 5.3 Members must reside within the specific community council area i.e. the individual’s permanent home must be within the community council area. 5.4 Members must also be named on the electoral register for the community council area in which they reside. Members who are 16 – 17 years of age and not yet listed on the Electoral Register must be proposed and seconded by residents of the community council area who are 18 years of age or over and listed on the electoral register. 5.5 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. 5.6 Elected members of Renfrewshire Council and members of the Scottish and United Kingdom Parliaments are entitled to become ex officio members of community councils, with no voting rights. 6. Establishment of Community Councils 6.1 The Council will give public notice of its intention to revoke the existing Scheme and make a new Scheme and will carry out statutory public consultation before adopting a new Scheme. Page 25 of 60
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8 6.2 Renfrewshire Council, in compliance with current legislation, will request petitions from 20 residents in each community council area identified in the Scheme and will establish community councils in those areas that return a valid petition. 6.3 Renfrewshire Council will review the Scheme at regular intervals to update and amend the content as appropriate. 7. Community Council Elections 7.1 Eligibility 1. Candidates wishing to stand for election to a community council must meet the criteria for membership outlined in paragraph 5 of this Scheme. The same criteria shall apply to voters in a community council election. 2. Sixteen and 17year-olds residing in the community council area are also entitled to both stand for the community council and vote in any election. To be eligible to stand for election such candidates must comply with paragraph 5 of this Scheme. To be eligible to vote at an election, residents who are 16 – 17 years old and not yet listed on the Electoral Register must provide evidence of identity, for example a statement from parent, guardian or school. 3. Any community council member who no longer resides within that community council area is deemed to have resigned from that community council. 4. Any individual who is elected to serve on Renfrewshire Council, or the Scottish or UK parliament shall be ineligible for membership of a community council, 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. 7.2 Elections 1. The first elections to be held under the Scheme shall be held on a date to be determined by the Director of Finance & Resources. 2. Subsequent elections will be held on a four-yearly-cycle, outwith local government election years, on dates to be determined by the Director of Finance & Resources. Where the number of established community councils exceeds a level to be determined by the Director of Finance & Resources, elections for a proportion of the total number of established community councils within the 4-yearly cycle may be arranged. Should community councils’ election cycle fall in the year of Scottish local government or parliamentary elections, the electoral Page 26 of 60
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9 proceedings may be postponed at the discretion of the Director of Finance & Resources. 3. Renfrewshire Council will administer all elections. The Local Government Election rules shall apply to any election subject to any changes as determined by the Director of Finance & Resources to facilitate the conduct of the election. 7.3 Returning Officer The Council will appoint an Independent Returning Officer. The Independent Returning Officer must not be a current member of that community council nor intending to stand for election to that community council. 7.4 Nominations 1. Individuals seeking election to a community council require to be nominated by a proposer and seconder, both of whom must be resident in the Community Council areas and appear on the Electoral Register for that area. Nominations required to be submitted with the candidate’s consent. Self-nomination is not permitted. 2. A nomination form must be completed and submitted by each – candidate. 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. . 7.5 Process On the expiry of the period for lodging nominations: 1. Should the number of candidates validly nominated equal or exceed THE MINIMUM, but be less than or equal to the total maximum permitted membership as specified for the community council area in Appendix D of the Scheme, the said candidates will be declared to be elected and no ballot shall be held. 2. Should the number of candidates validly nominated exceed the total maximum permitted membership as specified for the community council area, arrangements for a Poll shall be implemented. At the Poll, residents of the Community Council area shall be entitled to vote for candidates up to the number of vacancies on the community council. The candidate with the most votes shall be elected to the community council then the candidate with the second most votes shall be elected and so on until all vacancies are filled. 3. Should the number of candidates elected, be below THE MINIMUM permitted membership as specified for the community council area, no community council will be established at that time. However, that Page 27 of 60
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10 does not preclude the local authority 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. 7.6 Method of Election Where appropriate, elections will take place across the Renfrewshire Council area at one time, and with regard to the terms of paragraph 7.2.2 above. The Director of Finance & Resources may determine the circumstances to apply to a staged approach to council-wide elections. 7.7 Filling of casual vacancies between elections 1. Casual vacancies on a community council may arise in the following circumstances: (a) when an elected community council member submits her/his resignation; (b) when an elected community council member ceases to be resident within that community council area; or (c) when an elected community council member has his/her membership disqualified (Paragraph 9). 2. 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 the 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 the Council shall be informed and shall undertake arrangements for an interim election to be held. 7.8 Co-option to Community Councils 1. Co-opted members must be eligible for membership of the community council as detailed in paragraph 5 of this Scheme. Such co-opted members shall have full voting rights, and will serve until the next round of elections (general and interim). Notice of any proposed co- option of a member should be included on the agenda for the next available meeting of the community council. 2. The number of co-opted members may not exceed a THIRD of the current elected (general and interim) community council membership Should the ratio of co-opted to elected community councillors become greater than one third, due to any circumstances, an interim election process shall be triggered. Page 28 of 60
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11 7.9 Additional Membership 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 also include representation from other constituted local voluntary organisations. 2. Ex-Officio Members Renfrewshire 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 on the 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. 8. 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. 9. Disqualification of Membership 9.1 Members who cease to reside in the community council area will be deemed to have resigned. 9.2 If any member of a community council fails to attend 6 consecutive meetings (where the community council meets monthly) or 3 consecutive meetings (where the community council meeting every 2 months), with or without submitting apologies, the community council shall advise the Director of Finance & Resources and terminate their membership. However, at the discretion of individual community councils, and at the request of the individual member of the community council, a period of leave of absence of up to three consecutive meetings may be granted at any meeting of the community council. Page 29 of 60
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12 Contact: community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk 10. Meetings 10.1 The first meeting of a community council following the community council election, will be called by Renfrewshire Council and will take place within 21 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. 10.2 The frequency of meetings will be determined by each community council, subject to a minimum of 7 meetings each year (one annual general meeting and 6 ordinary meetings). Standing Orders shall identify the months in which meetings are to take place. The annual general meeting shall be held in OCTOBER each year. 10.3. Each community council will be responsible for arranging a venue for meetings and payment of any fees. 10.4 Every meeting of the community council shall have a quorum of voting members present before the meeting can proceed. The quorum for community council meetings shall be one-third of the current number of members of the community council eligible to vote, or 3 members, whichever is the greatest. 10.5 An outline for the content of business that community councils should adhere to when holding ordinary, special and annual general meetings is contained within Standing Orders. 11. Virtual Meetings 11.1 Community Councils may decide to take an in-person, online or hybrid approach to their meetings, and the platform to be used for any meeting is for the Community Council to decide. 11.2 Virtual meetings may include members of the public where this can be accommodated, but this is not mandatory and for each Community Council to determine. 11.3 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. 11.4 An Agenda for the 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. Page 30 of 60
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13 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 meeting. 11.5 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. 12. Communication with Renfrewshire Council 12.1 In order to facilitate the effective functioning of community councils, the Council has identified that nominated officers in the Committee Services section will provide a liaison service to community councils. 12.2 For the avoidance of doubt, this means that community councils should send the Committee Services section, by the timescales prescribed, all information/documents that are required by Renfrewshire Council/Director of Finance & Resources under the terms of this Scheme. 12.3 The Committee Services section will act as the main point of contact for advice and support to interpret and implement the Scheme, Constitution, Standing Orders and the Code of Conduct for Community Council Members. Contact: community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk 12.4 Responding to Consultations: Community councils may make representations to the Council, its planning partners, and other public and private agencies, on matters for which that organisation is responsible and which the community council considers to be of local interest. The community council should respond by the timescale and method advised by the agency undertaking the consultation. 12.5 Responding to Planning & Licensing Applications: Community councils receive statutory notice of planning applications and some licensing applications and should respond by the timescale and method set out in the notification. 12.6 Making Enquiries about Renfrewshire Council Services Community councils should send all enquiries about services to: communitycouncilenquiries@renfrewshire.gov.uk Service enquiries will be: • logged and tracked; Page 31 of 60
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14 • receipt acknowledged within 5 working days; • replied to within 10 working days where possible, or otherwise advised (within 10 working days) of an appropriate alternative date for reply should the matter be complex and require detailed investigation 13. Resourcing a Community Council 13.1 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 Annual Accounts to the community council’s annual general meeting in OCTOBER each year. 13.2 The Annual Accounts of each community council shall be independently examined by at least two persons appointed by the community council, who are not members (or related to members) of that community council. A copy of the independently examined Annual Accounts and balance sheet shall be forwarded immediately after the statement is approved at the community council’s annual general meeting, to Renfrewshire Council. The Director of Finance & Resources may require the community council to produce such records, vouchers and account books, as may be required to satisfy the Council that the financial concerns of the community council are in order. 13.3 Each community council shall have the power to secure resources for schemes, projects and all other purposes consistent with its functions. 13.4 Each community council shall be eligible to apply for Council grants for suitable projects under the appropriate grant system. 13.5 The Council will provide an annual administrative grant to community councils to assist with the operating costs of the community council. The level of the administrative grant will be set by the Council. The amount of grant to apply to each community council is detailed in Appendix E. 13.6 The Administration Grant is provided to meet the operational costs listed below. Expenditure under each heading must be recorded in annual accounts. The Director of Finance & Resources will have discretion to approve, on request, any expenditure from the Administration Grant not listed below. The approved list will be reviewed on an annual basis. • advertising/general publicity and promotional activities • accommodation/lets • auditors’ fees • bank charges • consultation with the community • data protection registration Page 32 of 60
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15 • insurance • IT software/hardware/website construction and maintenance • photocopying/printing • postage • production and circulation of minutes, agenda and annual reports • subscriptions • telephone costs/ISP costs • travel costs 13.7 The Council will review the level of administrative grant and other support to community councils on an annual basis. 13.8 The Committee Services section shall facilitate advice and assistance to community councils and arrange for the establishment of a training programme for community councils on the duties and responsibilities of community council office bearers, the role of community councils, the functions of the local authority and other relevant topics. 13.9 The Council will facilitate regular meetings of Renfrewshire Community Council Forum as a mechanism for community councils to act together. 14. Liability of Community Councils 14.1 Community councils must have in place appropriate Public Liability Insurance. 15. Complaints 15.1 Community Councils should adhere to the Governance, including the Code of Conduct, for Community Councils. However, from time to time, complaints from the general public may be made about Community Councils and individually against Community Councillors. 15.2 If you are dissatisfied or have concerns about the standard of service, actions or lack of action provided by your Community Council or one or more of its members, these can be reported through the Complaints Procedure for Community Councils (see Scheme Appendix G). 16. Suspension of a Community Council 16.1 In the interests of protecting the public, residents, elected members, the Council and its partner agencies from community councils that have demonstrated a major single failure or a series of failures to comply with (i) the Scheme; (ii) the Constitution and/or (iii) the Code of Conduct for Community Councillors, where said failure(s) have not been remedied after being brought to the community council’s attention, the Head of Corporate Governance can take action to suspend a community council and issue notice to that effect. Page 33 of 60
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16 16.2 Whilst suspended, no meetings of the community council can take place. The community council will revert to the status of a steering group whose main task will be to consider and take such action as is necessary to ensure a re-instated community council can comply with the provisions of the Scheme, Constitution and Code of Conduct for Community Councillors. 16.3 On satisfying the Head of Corporate Governance that the community council will in the future be able to comply with the provisions of the Scheme, the community council will be re-instated by written notice from the Director of Finance & Resources at which time meetings can recommence. 16.4 In the event that a steering group is unable to demonstrate that the community council can comply with the provisions of the Scheme, within a period of three months from the date of suspension, then the Director of Finance & Resources may recommend to Renfrewshire Council that the community council be dissolved. 16.5 However, should the steering group be able to demonstrate sufficient progress towards conforming with the Scheme, to the satisfaction of the Head of Corporate Governance, then the period of suspension can be extended by an additional 3 months and a notice issued by the Head of Corporate Governance to that effect. 16.6 A summary of community council and Renfrewshire Council expectations is attached as Appendix F. 17. Dissolution 17.1 The terms for dissolution of a community council are contained with the Constitution. 17.2 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 the local authority have taken action to address the situation), the local authority shall take action to dissolve that community council. 17.3 The Council may take action to dissolve a community council where it is satisfied and can demonstrate a major single failure or a series of failures by a community council to comply with (i) the Scheme; (ii) the community council Constitution; and (iii) the Code of Conduct for Community Councillors, where said failure(s) have not been remedied after being brought to the community council’s attention. Page 34 of 60
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17 CONTACT: All enquiries about the operation of community councils in Renfrewshire or the implementation of this Scheme should be directed to: Committee Services Renfrewshire Council Cotton Street PAISLEY PA1 1TR community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk Date of Publication: ******** 2025 Page 35 of 60
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Appendix A DRAFT CONSTITUTION FOR COMMUNITY COUNCILS 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 of the Community Council shall be as shown on the map attached to Renfrewshire Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. 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 3 of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils, approved by Renfrewshire Council, and the Code of Conduct for Members of Community Councils. Page 36 of 60
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5. Membership The Community Council’s membership is as governed by paragraph 5 of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and as determined from time to time by Renfrewshire Council. 6. Method of Election Election procedures shall be governed by the method of election laid down in paragraph 7 of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. 7. 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 5 of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils, and at least 6 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 the 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 places available. (b) fill the vacancy by co-opting a resident in terms of paragraphs 7.7 and 7.8 of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils (c) leave the vacancy unfilled until local public interest is expressed or until the next set of regular elections. 8. 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. Decisions of the Community Council will be decided by a simple majority of those present and eligible to vote, with the exception of circumstances which may arise under Clause 16 – Alterations to the Constitution and its Clause 17 – Dissolution. In the event of an equality of votes the chairperson shall have a casting vote. 9. Election of Office-Bearers (a) At the first meeting of the Community Council after elections in the year when elections are held and at the Annual General Meeting in OCTOBER in the year when elections are not held, the Community Council shall appoint a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and other such office-bearers as it shall from time to time decide. Page 37 of 60
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(b) All office-bearers shall be elected for one year, but shall be eligible for re-election, without limitation of time. (c) Without the express approval of Renfrewshire Council, no one member shall hold more than one of the following offices at any one time: Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer. 10. Committees of the Community Council The Community Council may set up committees and appoint representatives of the Community Council to committees and shall determine their composition, terms of reference, duration, duties and powers. 11. Meetings of the Community Council (a) The quorum for Community Council meetings shall be one-third of the current membership that is eligible to vote, or 3 whichever is the greatest. (b) Once in each year in the month of OCTOBER 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) the Community Council shall meet not less than 7 times throughout the year - not less than one AGM and 6 ordinary meetings. (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, either called by the Chairperson, or on the request of not less than one-half of the total number of community council members, shall require at least 7 days public notice. Renfrewshire Council’s Director of Finance & Resources has discretion to call a meeting of the Community Council for a specific purpose. (e) Copies of all minutes of meetings of the Community Council and of committees thereof shall be approved at the next ordinary meeting of the Community Council. (f) In accordance with Standing Orders, an agenda (listing business to be discussed) together with a minute of the previous meeting shall be produced and distributed to all members at least 7 days before the date of each meeting. A copy of the agenda and minute must also be submitted to Renfrewshire Council. Page 38 of 60
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(g) The Community Council and its members shall abide by its Standing Orders for the proper conduct of its meetings. (h) 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. (i) The Community Council will meet in public and all items of business shall be taken in public. However, in exceptional cases items of business can be taken in private where the community council considers it appropriate to do so. An example of an exceptional case would be where genuinely personal or confidential matters were being discussed such as where the facts of a complaint against a member of the Community Council require to be substantiated. The agenda will state whether the meeting or a part thereof is to be held in private. (j) Outwith regular meetings when urgent responses are required, office bearers can take decisions in the best interests of the Community Council and report on these decisions at the next ordinary meeting. (k) The Community Council will be non sectarian and non political. (l) The Community Council will 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. 12. Virtual Meetings 12.1 Community Councils may decide to take an in-person, online or hybrid approach to their meetings, and the platform to be used for any meeting is for the Community Council to decide. 12.2 Virtual meetings may include members of the public where this can be accommodated, but this is not mandatory and for each Community Council to determine. 12.3 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. 12.4 An Agenda for the 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 Page 39 of 60
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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 meeting. 12.5 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. 13. Public Participation in the Work of the Community Council (a) All meetings of the Community Council and its committees (subject to 11(i), 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/Agenda calling meetings of the Community Council and its committees shall be posted prominently within the Community Council area for a minimum period of 7 days before the date of any such meeting, and, where possible, be advertised by other suitable means such as websites and social media. 14. Information to the Local Authority Renfrewshire Council’s Senior Committee Services Officer (Community Council Liaison) shall be sent: • an annual calendar of the Community Council’s ordinary 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 Renfrewshire Council. When special meetings of the Community Council are to be held, the above officer should be advised of the date, time venue and subject(s) of debate of such meetings, at least 7 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 Renfrewshire Council and other sources shall be applied to further the objectives of the Community Council and for no other purpose. Monies raised from other sources may be used in accordance with the Page 40 of 60
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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 annual Administration Grant will be used to meet the cost of the undernoted expenditures and for no other purpose without the approval of the Director of Finance & Resources:- • advertising/general publicity and promotional activities • accommodation/lets • auditors’ fees • bank charges • consultation with the community • registration as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office under the provisions of the Data Protection Act; • insurance • IT software/hardware/website construction and maintenance • photocopying/printing • postage • production and circulation of minutes, agenda and annual reports • subscriptions • telephone costs/Internet Service Provider costs • travel costs (c) The Administration Grant (or any portion thereof) shall not be used to provide grant funding to any other body. (d) The treasurer shall undertake to keep proper accounts of the finances of the Community Council, and specifically record all items of spend from the Administrative Grant. (e) 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. Authorised signatories shall not be co-habitees. (f) A statement of accounts for the last financial year, independently examined by two persons appointed by the Community Council who are not members, relatives of members, or co-habiting with members of the Community Council, shall be submitted to an annual general meeting of the Community Council and shall be available for inspection by members of the public at a convenient location. (g) The financial year of the Community Council shall be from 1 September to 31 August the following year. Examined accounts as received and approved by the Community Council at the annual general meeting shall be submitted to Renfrewshire Council following approval at the Community Council’s annual general meeting. Page 41 of 60
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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 7 days prior to the meeting. Any proposed alterations may not prejudice the terms and objectives contained within the Scheme for the 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 the local authority, 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 in the local newspaper. If the resolution is supported by a majority of those persons present and qualified to vote and is approved by the local authority, the Community Council shall be deemed to be dissolved and all assets remaining, subject to the approval of the local authority, after the satisfaction of any proper debts or liabilities shall transfer to the local authority who shall hold same in Trust for a future Community Council representing that area. Where for any reason, the number of Community Council members falls below the minimum specified in the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils, Renfrewshire Council may, by suspending the Constitution of the Community Council, cause the Community Council to be dissolved. The Council may take action to suspend and then dissolve a community council where it is satisfied and can demonstrate a major single failure or a series of failures by a community council to comply with (i) the Scheme; (ii) the community council Constitution; and (iii) the Code of Conduct for Community Councils where said failure(s) have not been remedied after being brought to the community council’s attention. In the event that a Community Council is dissolved and twenty or more electors subsequently wish the re-establishment of a Community Council for the area, these electors shall submit a requisition to the local authority in Page 42 of 60
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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 for the Establishment of Community Councils. 19. Approval and adoption of the Constitution This Constitution was adopted by .........……………......................... COMMUNITY COUNCIL, on ......................................................... (Date) Signed: .................................................................................(Chairperson) Signed: .................................................................................. (Member) Signed: .................................................................................. (Member) and was approved on behalf of Renfrewshire Council on .........................(Date) ......................................................... Signed ......................................................... Name ......................................................... Designation Page 43 of 60
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Appendix B DRAFT STANDING ORDERS 1. Meetings (all held in public) (a) Ordinary meetings of the Community Council shall be held in the months of ..................................................... [to be entered]. (b) Special Meetings may be called at any time on the instructions of the Chairperson of the community council on the request of not less than one-half of the total number of Community Council members; or 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. (c) 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 the local authority’s named official by the Secretary of the Community Council, at least 7 days before the date fixed for the meeting. (d) The Community Council may decide to take an in-person, online or hybrid approach to its meetings, and the platform to be used for any meeting is for the Community Council to decide. (e) Virtual meetings may include members of the public where this can be accommodated. (f) 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. (g) An Agenda for the 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 meeting. (h) 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. Page 44 of 60
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2. Minutes Minutes of the proceedings of a meeting of the Community Council shall be drawn up within fourteen days from the date of that meeting, distributed in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Scheme of Community Councils, submitted to the next meeting of the Community Council for approval, and retained for future reference. 3. Quorum A quorum shall be one-third of the current membership eligible to vote (and not less than 3). 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. Page 45 of 60
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(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). (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) Special Meeting The order of business at every special 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 her/his 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 he/she 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. Page 46 of 60
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(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. 6. Voting (a) Decisions shall be reached by majority vote. (b) 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. (c) In the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of a meeting of the Community Council shall have a casting vote. 7. Alteration of Standing Orders A proposal to alter or add to these Standing Orders may be proposed to Renfrewshire Council 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. Renfrewshire Council shall have final discretion on any proposed change. 8. 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. 9. 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 his motion and if two-thirds of the Community Council members present consent to such suspension. Page 47 of 60
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Appendix C CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS The Code of Conduct for Members of Community Councils 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. As representatives of their local communities, community council members 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 council members 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 council member 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 for the Establishment of Community Councils, as set out by Renfrewshire Council 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 and make your contact details available to the public. 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 council member to gain financial, material, political or other personal benefit for yourself, family or friends. Page 48 of 60
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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 council member, 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 council members will individually and collectively ensure that the business of the Community Council is conducted according to the Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and this Code of Conduct. Community council members will individually and collectively ensure that annual accounts are produced showing the financial undertakings of the Community Council as set out in the Council’s Scheme for the 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 and not later than 14 days after each meeting. Page 49 of 60
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Any breach of the Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils as set out by Renfrewshire Council 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 council member. 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. Page 50 of 60
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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. __________________________________________ Page 51 of 60
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Renfrewshire Council Community Council Administration Grant Appendix D Community Councils 2019 Population 2024 Population 2019 Annual Admin Grant** 2024 Annual Admin Grant ** Minimum members Maximum members £600 + 3p Bishopton 6491 13006 £795 £990.00 10 30 Bridge of Weir 4776 4788 £743 £744.00 7 21 Brookfield 771 788 £623 £623 7 21 Charleston 6113 5061 £783 £752 10 30 Elderslie 6319 7897 £790 £837 10 30 Erskine 15170 13848 £1,055 £1,015 10 30 Ferguslie 4116 4190 £723 £725 7 21 Foxbar & Brediland 13051 13434 £992 £1,003 10 30 Gallowhill 5600 6108 £768 £783 10 30 Glenburn 9291 8353 £879 £851 10 30 Hawkhead & Lochfield 7003 7335 £810 £820 10 30 Houston 6535 6220 £796 £787 10 30 Howwood 1798 1637 £654 £649 7 21 Hunterhill 2698 3301 £681 £699 7 21 Inchinnan 1900 1812 £657 £654 7 21 Johnstone 16084 16089 £1,083 £1,083 10 30 Kilbarchan 3709 3573 £711 £707 7 21 Langbank 1019 895 £631 £627 7 21 Linwood 8685 8394 £861 £852 10 30 Lochwinnoch 3436 3207 £703 £696 7 21 Paisley East & Whitehaugh 8163 9963 £845 £899 10 30 Paisley North 5051 4918 £752 £748 10 30 Paisley West & Central 10452 10450 £914 £914 10 30 Ralston 4770 4623 £743 £739 7 21 Renfrew 22929 23978 £1,288 £1,319 10 30 175930 183868 £20,278 £20,516.00 220 660 *Sources: Census 2022 Population data **Figures have been rounded to the nearest £ Page 52 of 60
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Appendix E SUMMARY OF EXPECTATIONS Community Councils are expected: • to comply with the requirements of this Scheme and the community council Constitution and Standing Orders; • to ensure all community council members adhere to the Code of Conduct; • to be representative of all sectors of the community within their area; • to organise and conduct meetings in accordance with the Scheme, Constitution and Standing Orders; • to conduct at least 6 ordinary meetings and an AGM each year; • to produce and distribute an agenda together with a minute of the last meeting at least 7 days prior to each meeting; • to prepare and publish annual accounts that have been independently examined; • to hold Public Liability insurance; • to register, in terms of the Data Protection Act, as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office each year; • to hold elections to the community council in liaison with Renfrewshire Council; • to identify and employ consultation methods that promote engagement with the community; • to be non-sectarian, non-Party political and ensure equality of opportunity for all residents; and • to immediately advise Renfrewshire Council of any changes to membership. Community Councils that comply fully with this Scheme can expect: • to be consulted and make representations on planning applications; • to be recognised as a competent body to comment on licensing applications; • to be recognised as a member of the appropriate Local Partnership taking forward the aims of Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership/Community Empowerment Act (or equivalent Council structure); • to obtain information, advice, training and support from Renfrewshire Council; • to receive an annual administration allowance on submission of independently examined annual accounts (due in October each year); • to be recognised as an appropriate body to apply for other Renfrewshire Council funding and to be signposted to sources of funding available from other organisations; and • to receive acknowledgment (within 5 working days) and reply (within 10 working days, in general) to enquiries about Council services. Page 53 of 60
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Appendix F Renfrewshire Council Community Council Complaints Process Page 54 of 60
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Complaints Procedure This Procedure is for making complaints against Community Councils or its members and can be used by members of the public, Community Councillors or elected members. What is a Community Council complaint? A Community Council complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction or concern relating to the actions of a Community Council or its members. This may be about the conduct, standard of service, actions or lack of action by a Community Council or its members. Who can complain? Anyone who is affected by a Community Council or its decisions can make a complaint. Anonymous Complaints will not be accepted. What can I complain about? You can complain about matters such as: • Treatment by, or attitude of, a Community Councillor when dealing with a Community Council issue; • Breaches of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils; • Breaches in confidentiality; • Misuse of social media, email or letters for the purpose of personal and/or financial gain; or • Bringing the Community Council into disrepute. What can’t I complain about? There are some matters Community Councils can’t deal with, these being: • Decisions of Renfrewshire Council; • Complaints regarding Renfrewshire Council services or officers • A request for compensation on a decision the Community Council has made How long do I have to make a complaint? You must make your complaint within three months of the incident you want to complain about. Page 55 of 60
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Complaint received regarding an individual Community Councillor When there is a complaint made that a member of a Community Council is in breach of the Community Councillors’ Code of Conduct or has otherwise brought the Community Council into disrepute then the following procedure must be followed. (flow chart also provided as Appendix 1) Stage 1 The complaint should be made in writing and submitted to the Community Council Chairperson or another appointed person. The Chairperson or another Office Bearer of the Community Council should:- 1. Acknowledge receipt of the complaint by letter or e-mail as soon as possible. 2. Make the subject of the complaint aware of the complaint by letter or e-mail and provide them with a copy of the complaint. 3. Make contact with the complainant and the person being complained about to discuss the nature of the complaint to see if it is possible to resolve the complaint without progressing further. 4. Resolution should be taken to the satisfaction of the complainant which may result in withdrawal of the complaint or an agreed action put in place. Any such agreement should be recorded in writing and retained for 12 months then destroyed securely. 5. Advise the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, for monitoring purposes of the complaint and the action taken. Chairperson or Office Bearer Permitted Actions Breach • Ask the member to apologise • Advise that Training would be beneficial to prevent similar incidents in the future • Advise that for a period of 3 months, contact should be restricted between the parties • Advise behaviour would be monitored for a period of 3 months Serious Breach Refer to Stage 2 If no resolution can be found or the complaint relates to a serious breach, the complaint should be considered using the Stage 2 process. Complaint against the whole Community Council When a complaint relates to the whole Community Council, these should be submitted in writing to the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council,. If a Community Council receives the complaint they should forward it to the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, as a matter of urgency. Page 56 of 60
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Stage 2 Stage 2 deals with two types of complaints: • those that have not been resolved at stage 1; and • complaints relating to the whole Community Council. Stage 2 complaints will be referred to a Panel of five Community Councillors drawn from other Community Councils who do not have a neighbouring boundary with the Community Council. Not resolved at Stage 1 Where the complaint has not been resolved at stage 1, the person who dealt with the complaint shall within seven days of identifying that the complaint cannot be resolved informally must:- 1. Advise both parties that the matter will have to be heard by the Complaints Panel. 2. Advise both parties that they have up to seven days to provide a written statement to support their position and that the written statements would form part of the information provided to the Complaints Panel. 3. Notify the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, so that a Panel can be convened. 4. On receipt of written statements submit these to the Democratic Services Manager. Community Council as a whole Where the complaint relates to the whole Community Council, the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, shall within seven days of receipt of the complaint:- 1. Acknowledge the complaint 2. Inform the Community Council of the complaint 3. Convene the Complaints Panel. Complaints Panel Process The Panel must appoint a Chairperson and a note taker. The note taker may be a representative of the Democratic Services Manager. The Panel needs to consider whether the complaint has merit and whether the Panel is required to make any further decision. If the Panel determines that there is no merit, then the process ceases, and the parties must be informed. If the complaint does have merit, then the Panel must determine if they are able to make a decision based on the information before them. If there is enough information then the panel will make its decision and notify both parties. If the Panel are unable to make a decision and require additional information then they must: 1. Seek supporting information from both parties and any witnesses 2. Consider the complaint and any supporting information provided Page 57 of 60
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3. If necessary, undertake interviews to aid the investigation of the complaint; 4. Determine whether a breach has occurred, and if so, what course of action is required and inform all parties of their decision in writing (letter or e-mail) within 28 days from the date of receipt of the complaint. 5. Provide a written note of the complaint, the panel process and the outcome to the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, for monitoring purposes and to undertake any training that may be required. The Panel can determine the following sanctions: Complaints against and Individual Community Councillor Degree Of Breach Possible Sanctions Requirement No Breach No sanction None Breach • Apology • Training (exact nature to be identified) • Mentoring • Restriction of communication between parties (to be clearly specified) • Written undertaking to behave within the Code of Conduct At least three members of the Panel must be in agreement Serious Breach • Suspension for a set period up to six months. • Instruction to stand down from an Office Bearer position. • Expulsion. This must be a unanimous decision of the Panel. At least four members of the Panel must be in agreement Complaints against the whole Community Council Degree of Breach Possible Sanctions Requirement No Breach No sanction None Breach • Apology • Training (exact nature to be identified) • Mentoring • Written undertaking to behave within the Code of Conduct At least three members of the Panel must be in agreement Serious Breach • Recommend that the Community Council goes into supported status i.e equivalent to the suspension of a community council by the Head of Corporate Governance At least four members of the Panel must be in agreement The decision by the panel will be the final decision in respect of the complaint. If further clarification if required, the Chair of the Panel can be contacted via the Democratic Services Manager. Page 58 of 60
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Appendix 1 – Complaints Flowchart IMMEDIATELY NEXT WITHIN 7 DAYS NEXT COMPLAINT RECEIVED STAGE 1 • Acknowledge complaint • Make subject aware of the complaint and provide a copy Contact complainant to discus the complaint and see if it is possible to find an acceptable solution If no solution available Inform both parties: • that the matter will be heard by the Complaints Panel. • that they have up to seven days to provide, a written statement to support their position which would be submitted to the Panel. Solution Agreeable to both parties • Inform both parties of the outcome and ensure any actions are undertaken • Retain a copy of the complaint and correspondence • Notify the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, • NO FURTHER ACTION • Provide Democratic Services Manager with the complaint and a note of actions taken to date • Submit written documentation to the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, Page 59 of 60
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STAGE 2 COMPLAINTS PANEL • To be convened by the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, Neither the Democratic Services Manager or their team plays any part in the Panel meeting or decisions • Appoint a Chairperson and note taker • Review the documentation available • Request additional information where required • Undertake interviews, where required • Make a decision based on the evidence • Communicate decision within 28 days on receipt of complaint unless otherwise advised more time was required. • Submit a written note of the complaint, process and outcome to the Democratic Services Manager, Renfrewshire Council, END OF PROCESS (NO RIGHT TO APPEAL) Page 60 of 60