{"id":4625,"date":"2014-02-09T20:01:18","date_gmt":"2014-02-09T20:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourlocality.org\/lothianloop\/?p=4625"},"modified":"2014-02-09T20:01:18","modified_gmt":"2014-02-09T20:01:18","slug":"community-councils-your-views-wanted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lothianloop.com\/?p=4625","title":{"rendered":"Community Councils: your views wanted!"},"content":{"rendered":"

In June 2012, a Scottish Government document<\/a> claimed that East Lothian Community Councils were “leading the way” in providing a voice for local communities.<\/p>\n

The intervening 18 months have seen an upsurge in people-powered political tools such as Avaaz<\/a>, 38degrees<\/a>, and All Out<\/a> and, of course, there is the all-important and inescapable IndyRef which has got people of all walks of life talking about politics.<\/p>\n

\"meeting\"<\/a>However, after a succession of inquorate meetings, one Community Council<\/a> has resorted to reaching out to potential members via a video.<\/p>\n

So, why the lack of interest in local governance?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are the online discussions mere “slacktivism” and not an indication of increasing interest in all things political?<\/p>\n

Do Community Councils still serve a purpose?<\/p>\n

Do you know when and where your Community Council meets and where to read their minutes?<\/p>\n

In @<\/s>LesleyRiddoch<\/b><\/a>‘s book Blossom<\/a> she described Community Councils as “toothless”. Is she right? Is that why people aren’t joining?<\/strong><\/p>\n

When these questions were posed on Twitter, the responses were interesting…<\/p>\n

“I think we need to rethink what local democracy means in 21st century. Localism v efficiency v value.\u00a0 CCs should have statutory roles, but need 2 be responsible. Parochialism can mean loudest voice overrides need.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“I considered joining, had a chat with the Chair, realised pretty quickly I wouldn’t fit in. Far too traditional.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“some (but not all) cc’s push a party political agenda and many appear anti-young people. Both very off putting.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“Some grps seethe w resentment that there’s no “new blood” without realising their attitude is barrier. Not just cc’s”<\/em><\/p>\n

“I tried to encourage one to at least have a FB presence to inform \/ involve the locals. I was quickly dismissed.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“No budget, no power and not uniform coverage. New units of local democracy needed more than ever.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“Giving Com Councils the Local Councillors patronage budgets wld be a start, also training on planinng etc”<\/em><\/p>\n

“Awareness? Longest working hours in Europe? Statutory limbo? Just a few reasons I’ve never tried. My loss”<\/em><\/p>\n

“CCs have no cash, no role & no stat power. Nor will Comm Renewal & Empower Bill fix this. Why not?”<\/em><\/p>\n

“locally, those who can have. Aging population. Not a huge number of younger ppl with time.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“They have a place but need to be properly constituted and not turn into judge, jury and executioner”<\/em><\/p>\n

“The Scot Gov promissed much on Community Councils, but have delivered naff all #<\/s>verydisappointed<\/b><\/a>“<\/em><\/p>\n

“I joined mine to find out how things work & try to contribute. I found out how things work & was disappointed.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“Average CC budget cc in Scotland is \u00a3400 which must be spent on stationery. Local democ with both hands tied”<\/em><\/p>\n

“Totally right- they are Cooncil sponsored talking shops. Sometimes activists take over en bloc to try and change”<\/em><\/p>\n

and the key to a successful Community Council?<\/strong> “a desire to fulfil the key role and consult with local community, rather than just what members themselves think.”<\/em><\/p>\n

We would love to hear your views!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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