Moray’s Community Councils reviewed

The routine review of the local authority’s Community Council scheme will consider eight specific issues:

• 1) Roles and responsibilities
• 2) Membership numbers and boundaries
• 3) Meetings
• 4) Supported status
• 5) Data protection
• 6) Referencing new policies during the term of office
• 7) Equalities and inclusion
• 8) Dissolution

The online consultation of these issues is open to all members of the public, community councils and interested parties until 23 October 2024. The Community Council Liaison Officer will also be conducting in-person sessions for contributions from existing Community Councillors.

The next Community Council elections in Moray are due to take place in October 2025. Any revisions to the scheme from this consultation will be in place for the next term of Community Councils.

Chair of Moray Council’s Corporate Committee, Cllr Bridget Mustard, said she hopes former, current and potential future Community Council members get involved in the consultation: “There are a few issues that have arisen in this current term of office that can be addressed by the questions in the consultation with the view to providing clearer guidance to Community Council members. But we need the input of those in our communities who have been involved, are still involved or would like to get involved in our local democracy.

“Community Councils are a great way to lead and develop your community and we see so many passionate Community Council members get a great sense of satisfaction from their involvement. This consultation is a chance for us to support them even more effectively with guidance and assistance, so it’s important for everyone to have their say now so we can implement changes before the next Community Council elections.”