Nominations sought for community council elections

Published: 10 September 2019

The council is currently seeking nominations for community councillors in 25 areas across the city.

The nominations process closes on Friday, 13 September 2019 with election meetings, to appoint individuals, taking place in each of the areas, during October.

The following community councils are holding elections:

• Auchenshuggle & Tollcross
• Barrowfield & Camlachie
• Broomhill
• Craigton
• Drumchapel
• Drumoyne
• Garthamlock, Craigend & Gartloch
• High Knightswood & Anniesland
• Kinning Park
• Knightswood
• Lambhill & District
• Langside, Battlefield & Camphill
• Levern & District
• Merchant City & Trongate
• North Kelvin
• Partick
• Robroyston
• Shawlands & Strathbungo
• Springburn
• Swinton
• Thornwood
• Wellhouse & Queenslie
• Whiteinch
• Woodlands & Park
• Yorkhill & Kelvingrove

Nomination forms can be downloaded here https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=19539

Anyone over 16 years of age staying, within their community council boundary area, can stand for election. Candidates must have a proposer and seconder and all three must also be included on the Electoral Register.

Community councils play an important role, providing a link between local authorities and our local areas.

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

In addition to influencing decisions and services in communities, as a voluntary community body, the groups are eligible to apply for council funding,  for instance to run events and purchase items, for the benefit of the local area.

Councillor Jennifer Layden, city convenor for community empowerment, equalities and human rights, said; "Community councils are an important part of civic life. We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about their community and making it a better place to live.

"We are also looking for a wide variety of people to join these groups, to reflect the diversity of our city, as members have a key responsibility to represent the residents of their local area, helping express their views and articulate their needs."

Although community councils are self-governing bodies, for its part, the council has a duty to ensure that the voluntary organisations are accountable, transparent and run correctly. We host development, training and capacity building sessions to build and ensure the groups' sustainability and longevity as a thriving community asset.

All Community Council meetings are open to the public and you can find your nearest community council here https://glasgow.gov.uk/communitycouncils/yourcommunitycouncil