Nominations sought for Community Council elections

Published: 9 September 2016

Glasgow City Council is currently seeking nominations for community councillors in 16 areas across the city.

Nominations for community council elections will close on 16 September 2016.

Election meetings will take place in each of the areas in October (details to come once nomination deadline has passed) to appoint qualified residents to the respective community councils.

Anyone over 16 years of age who resides within their community council boundary area can stand for election. All that is required is that the candidate, proposer and seconders' names, as stated on the nomination forms, also appear on the Electoral Register.

Valid nomination forms should be submitted to Glasgow City Council using the details on the online form by noon on Friday 16th September 2016.

The following community councils are holding elections:

• Carmunnock
• Castlemilk
• Crosshill Govanhill
• Dowanhill, Hyndland and Kelvinside
• Dumbreck
• Garrowhill
• Gartcraig
• Hillhead
• Hillington North Cardonald and Penilee
• Hutchesontown
• Molendinar
• Newlands and Auldhouse
• Jordanhill
• Simshill and Old Cathcart
• South Cardonald and Crookston
• Wallacewell

Community councils play a very important role in serving to bridge the gap between local authorities and communities.

Unlike other community organisations they are formally included in the consultation process for all planning applications and can make representations regarding them. They can also comment on licensing applications that affect their area.

The introduction of the Community Empowerment Act 2015 could also mean that community councils have increased powers in the future.

In addition to influencing decision making, as a community body, the groups are also eligible to apply for council funding for instance to run events and purchase items, for the benefit of the local area.

Councillor Soryia Siddique, executive member for communities and citizens, said: "These elected volunteers have a key responsibility in helping to express the views and articulate the needs of local areas. We are looking for a wide variety of people to join these groups and make them representative of our diverse city.

"So young or old, from the high school student or unemployed person looking to add to their CV, to a retiree, a local business owner or parent with ideas about improving an area for families - all have a vested interested in making the place where you live better . If you can spare some time to influence and make decisions about what happens in your neighbourhood, we want to hear from you."

For its part the council has a duty to ensure that the community councils are accountable, governed and run correctly. The council also hosts development, training and capacity building sessions to build and ensure the groups' sustainability and longevity as a thriving community organisation.