Council leaders are elected by their membership and perform the function of a village government in our community. We are responsible for the well-being of the community and are also mandated to take actions to protect the well being of members and the community; to establish cultural programs and undertake initiatives in economic development. In addition to any other purpose which a community council may pursue, the general purpose of a community council is 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’’
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. 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, recognized consultative mechanisms to validate their views and devise strategies to secure greater involvement by all sectors of the community. Community councils have a statutory right to be consulted on planning applications. Licensing matters and any other matters may also be jointly agreed between community councils, the local authority and other public sector and private agencies. 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 the Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. There should be mutual engagement in the establishment of working relationships with the local authority and other agencies. In carrying out their activities community councils must at all times adhere to the law, the terms of the Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and the Community Councilors’ Code of Conduct. Each community council is required to adopt a Constitution, based upon the Model Constitution, which has been produced for national use, together with Model Standing Orders, to encourage and maintain consistency for all community councils and to facilitate their proceedings being properly structured and regulated, to ensure that items of business relevant to the community are properly debated and decisions reached in a democratic manner. The community council’s Constitution is required to be approved by the local authority. 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. In order to fulfill their responsibilities as effective and representative, community councils shall: -
Inform the community of the work and decisions of the community council by posting agendas and minutes of meetings in public places, such as libraries and notice boards and, subject to the provisions contained within the Village and Community Councils Act, provide contact details of community council members.
• Agendas and draft minutes of community councils’ meetings must be presented to the local authority within 14 days from the date of that meeting and be circulated to community council members, relevant elected members and other interested parties.
• Seek to broaden both representation and expertise by promoting the Associate Membership of the community council of persons for specific projects/issues.
• Make particular efforts to encourage young people and other under-represented groups to attend/participate in community council meetings and to ensure equality of opportunity in the way the community council carries out its functions.
• Maintain proper financial records and present financial reports at community council meetings.
• Inform the local authority of any change in membership (resignations, Associate Membership, etc.) and circumstances, as soon as is practicable. Council President: Len Carrington 303-4557
Council Secretary: Stacy Herbert 773-2764
