Following a consultation earlier this year, a draft Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils has been developed, with its contents shaped by citizens views.

The new scheme aims to strengthen Community Councils and ensure they can continue to contribute to the success of the West Dunbartonshire Community Empowerment strategy.

Now, as part of the second phase of consultation, West Dunbartonshire Council is seeking views on the draft scheme, which has key themes of the legal rights and responsibilities of Community Councils; representing and engaging communities including membership, equalities and diversity; influence and liaison with the council and Community Planning partners; working collaboratively with other local community-based organisations; and administrative arrangements including finance, training and elections.

As well as the draft scheme, a range of support documents will be also be considered as part of phase two of the consultation including an accompanying Handbook for community councils, draft constitution and model standing orders.

Councillor Jonathan McColl, spokesperson for community empowerment at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We are committed to increasing community participation and helping residents to tackle the issues that affect them most. This new approach to consulting on the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils will give citizens real opportunities to shape the Scheme and influence how Community Councils will work to represent them for the next five years.”

Councillor Diane Docherty, convener of housing and communities, added: “The first phase of consultation included a lot of extremely valuable discussion with Community Councils and other groups, and their views were vital in shaping the draft. Now we want to encourage feedback from a wide range of residents and involve them in this process, with a view to inspiring more people to get involved in their local community council or possibly even to set a new one up.”

The 16-week consultation was launched last month and runs until December.

As part of the consultation, two online information workshops will be on 15 November at 6pm -8pm and 17 November at 12pm-2pm.